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Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe transforms a classic crispy appetizer into a healthier, easy-to-make treat using the air fryer. The large yellow onion is carefully cut into 16 petals, coated in a flavorful seasoned batter, and air fried to a perfect golden crisp. Finished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of salt, this blooming onion is a crowd-pleaser with significantly less oil than the traditional deep-fried version.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Onion

  • 1 large yellow onion

Batter and Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon oregano

Wet Mixture

  • 1 cup milk (dairy or nut-based)
  • 2 large eggs

Finishing

  • Parsley for garnish
  • Oil spray for air fryer and onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onion: Cut the top off the onion and trim a small part of the bottom to create a flat base without cutting all the way through to keep the layers intact. Peel off the outer skin. Using a paring knife, carefully cut out the onion’s core from the center. Then, slice the onion into 16 petals by cutting ¾ of the way down all around, making sure not to slice completely through. Gently spread the petals outward and set aside.
  2. Mix Dried Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Stir well to mix thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until completely blended.
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment.
  5. Coat the Onion - First Dip: Submerge the onion petals into the egg mixture, carefully using your hands to coat between each petal. Lift the onion upside down for a few seconds to allow excess liquid to drip off.
  6. Coat the Onion - First Flour: Transfer the onion into the flour mixture, again using your hands to get the coating in between all petals. Turn the onion upside down to shake off excess flour.
  7. Repeat Coating: Repeat the dipping in egg mixture followed by the flour mixture a second time to ensure a crispy, well-coated crust.
  8. Prepare for Air Frying: Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated onion carefully into the basket. Spray the top of the onion generously with oil spray.
  9. Air Fry: Cook the onion in the air fryer at 375°F for 25 minutes or until the petals turn golden brown and crisp.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the blooming onion carefully from the air fryer. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and add a pinch of salt. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • When slicing the onion, be careful not to cut all the way through—leave about ½ inch uncut at the base to keep the petals attached.
  • Allow excess egg mixture to drip off before coating with flour to ensure proper adhesion and avoid sogginess.
  • Using oil spray both inside the air fryer basket and on the onion is essential to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe/