Crispy air fryer blooming onion served with dipping sauce

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Why Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a fantastic appetizer that brings a fun twist to your meal. It offers crispy, flavorful goodness with less oil than traditional frying. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home. Plus, making it in an air fryer means it’s quicker and healthier!

How to Make Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion (preferably a sweet variety)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • Cooking spray (for spraying the onion before cooking)

Directions

Preparation

  1. Start by peeling the onion and cutting off the top (the root side should stay intact). Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board.
  2. Carefully slice the onion into 8-12 sections, making sure not to cut all the way through the root.

Coating

  1. In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper together.
  2. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
  3. Dip the onion into the flour mixture, making sure to coat all the petals.
  4. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs. Allow the excess egg to drip off.
  5. Finally, coat the onion with breadcrumbs, ensuring even coverage.

Cooking

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly spray the coated onion with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
  3. Place the onion in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Check halfway through and rotate if necessary.

How to Serve Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Serve the Air Fryer Blooming Onion hot with your favorite dipping sauce. A spicy ranch or a tangy dipping sauce enhances the flavors beautifully. You can also serve it with a side salad or as an appetizer before your main course.

How to Store Air Fryer Blooming Onion

If you have leftover Blooming Onion, let it cool down completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until it’s warm and crispy again.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Blooming Onion

  • Choose a sweet onion for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
  • Make sure to coat the onion evenly for the best crunch.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.

Variations

Try adding different spices to the flour mixture to customize the flavor. For instance, you could include Italian seasoning or chili powder for a different taste. You might also experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite combo.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, you can use other onions like yellow or red onions, but sweet onions give the best taste and texture.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. Ensure that your breadcrumbs do not contain any animal products.

3. Can I make a smaller or larger onion?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the onion. Smaller onions will take less time, while larger ones may need a few extra minutes.

Crispy air fryer blooming onion served with dipping sauce

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A fun and healthier twist on a classic appetizer, this Air Fryer Blooming Onion is crispy, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Onion
  • 1 large large onion (preferably a sweet variety) Sweet onions provide the best flavor and texture.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs Beaten.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Preferably panko for extra crunch.
  • Cooking spray For spraying the onion before cooking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Peel the onion and cut off the top, keeping the root side intact.
  2. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board.
  3. Slice the onion into 8-12 sections, ensuring not to cut all the way through the root.
Coating
  1. In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper together.
  2. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
  3. Dip the onion into the flour mixture, coating all the petals.
  4. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs and allow the excess to drip off.
  5. Finally, coat the onion with breadcrumbs, ensuring even coverage.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly spray the coated onion with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
  3. Place the onion in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, checking halfway through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. A spicy ranch or tangy dipping sauce enhances the flavors beautifully. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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