Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

Creating a Blooming Onion in an air fryer is a lighter alternative to the traditionally deep-fried appetizer, offering the same crispy texture and delicious taste with less oil. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Oil spray (for air frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

1. Cut the onion: Trim the top of the onion and peel it. Place the onion cut-side down and make cuts down to the board, evenly spaced around the onion. Turn over and separate the petals gently.
2. Soak the onion: Place the onion in a bowl of ice water for 1 hour to further open the petals. Drain and pat dry.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

Step 3: Coat the Onion

1. First layer: Sprinkle the dry flour mixture over the onion, ensuring it gets between the petals. Remove excess flour.
2. Second layer: Dip the onion in the egg mixture, covering all petals. Allow excess to drip off. Return to the flour mixture for a second coating.

Step 4: Air Fry the Onion

1. Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
2. Cooking: Lightly spray onion with cooking spray. Place it, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

1. Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the blooming onion hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Blooming Onion as a flavorful appetizer or side dish, guilt-free and deliciously crispy!