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Crispy air fryer blooming onion served with dipping sauce

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A delicious and fun twist on a classic appetizer, made in an air fryer for a lighter version without deep frying.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 large onion Choose a large onion for better petal formation.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference.
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Cooking spray For spraying the onion before air frying.
  • Dipping sauce (optional) Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, or any preferred sauce.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the top off the onion and peel the outer layers, leaving the root intact.
  2. Make cuts around the onion to create petals.
  3. Soak the onion in cold water for at least 1 hour.
Coating
  1. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
  3. Dip the onion in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s covered well.
Cooking
  1. Place the onion in the air fryer basket and spray it with cooking spray.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with a dipping sauce if desired.

Notes

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again. You can also add different spices or herbs to the flour mixture for a unique flavor, such as Italian seasoning or lemon zest.