Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Hey there! Are you looking for a recipe for a crispy blooming onion made in an air fryer? Look no further! This delicious and crispy appetizer is perfect for any occasion and can be made quickly and easily in an air fryer.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about blooming onions:

What is a blooming onion?

A blooming onion is a type of appetizer that is made by cutting a large onion into the shape of a flower and deep-frying it until it is crispy and golden brown. It is typically served with a dipping sauce, such as a spicy mayonnaise or a tangy cocktail sauce.

How do you make a blooming onion in a deep fryer?

To make a blooming onion, start by preheating your deep fryer or pot of oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, peel the onion and cut off the top. Make several vertical cuts into the onion, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another shallow dish, beat the egg and milk together. Dip the onion into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Then dip it into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the onion with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them gently into the onion to make sure they adhere. Carefully place the onion in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it is crispy and golden brown. Remove the onion from the oil and let it cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Can you make a blooming onion in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make a blooming onion in an air fryer. To do this, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray the onion with canola oil. Cook the onion for 20-25 minutes, or until it is crispy and golden brown. Remove the onion from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

What is the best type of onion to use for a blooming onion?

The best type of onion to use for a blooming onion is a large, sweet onion such as a Vidalia onion. These onions have a mild and sweet flavor that pairs well with the coating of breadcrumbs and spices. They also have a slightly softer texture, which makes them easier to cut into the shape of a flower. However, any large onion will work for this recipe, so feel free to use whatever type you have on hand.

How do you serve a blooming onion?

A blooming onion is typically served as an appetizer or a snack. It can be enjoyed on its own, or with a dipping sauce such as a spicy mayonnaise or a tangy cocktail sauce. It is also common to serve a blooming onion with other appetizers or sides, such as french fries or salad.

Watch the video recipe

Air Fryer Crispy Blooming Onion Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dip:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 teaspoons ketchup

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon drained horseradish

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Onion:

1 large sweet onion, such as Vidalia (about 1 pound)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

Kosher salt

Directions:

Combine all of the dip ingredients in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate.

Slice the onion (see Cook's Note). Whisk the flour, cayenne, paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. In a small deep bowl, whisk the eggs, and milk.

Place the onion in the flour mixture. Check to make sure the onion is fully coated, especially between the "petals." Lift the onion by the core, turn over and pat off the excess flour; reserve the bowl of flour.

Fully submerge the onion in the egg mixture. Remove and let the excess egg drip off, then repeat the flouring process.

Preheat the air fryer to 350° and set the timer to 28 minutes. allow 3 minutes of pre-heating time. The total cooking time is 25 minutes.

While the air fryer is pre-heating spray the blooming onion with cooking spray on top and bottom.

Place the onion in the air fryer preheated basket and cover with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent from burning the tips too quickly. Air fry for 10 minutes then remove the aluminum foil and continue air frying for the remaining time (15 minutes)

Cook’s Note

How to Slice a Bloomin' Onion: 1. Cut off 1/2 inch from the pointy stem end of the onion, then peel. 2. Place the onion cut-side down. Starting 1/2 inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the board. 3. Repeat to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion. 4. Continue slicing between each section until you have 16 evenly spaced cuts. 5. Turn the onion over and use your fingers to gently separate the outer pieces.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Crispy Blooming Onion!