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Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Air Fryer Blooming Onion: Crispy Delight, Guilt-Free Treat

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a healthier take on a restaurant classic, delivering crispy goodness without the guilt, perfect for game day.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Onion
  • 1 large Sweet Onion Choose a large, firm onion for optimal blooming and flavor.
For the Coating
  • 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour This gives the onion its crispy exterior; swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika Adds color and mild flavor; smoked paprika can be used for a smoky twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Brings in the heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin Adds earthy depth; feel free to omit or substitute with your favorite spice.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Thyme Complements the onion’s flavor; can be substituted with Italian seasoning.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano Enhances the overall taste profile; replace with fresh herbs for more vibrancy.
For the Binding
  • 2 large Eggs Essential for binding the flour to the onion; no substitutes recommended.
  • 1 cup Milk Used in the egg wash; for a dairy-free version, opt for plant-based milk.
  • 1 cup Water Complements the milk to create a smooth egg wash.
For Seasoning
  • Salt Season to your liking for the perfect flavor balance.
  • Pepper Season to your liking for the perfect flavor balance.
For Cooking
  • Oil In a spray bottle; lightly mist the onion before cooking.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut off about ½ inch from the top of the onion and peel away the outer skin. Place the onion root-side down and make four evenly spaced cuts down towards the root, then three additional cuts in each section to create 16 petals.
  2. Let the onion sit for about 5 minutes to allow the petals to relax.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and water until well combined.
  5. Coat the onion petals with the flour mixture, dip it into the egg wash, and coat it again with the flour mix.
  6. Refrigerate the coated onion for about 10 minutes while preheating your air fryer to 350°F.
  7. Lightly spray the coated onion with oil and place it upright in the air fryer basket.
  8. Cook the onion for 20-25 minutes, spraying with oil 2-3 times during cooking.
  9. Once golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the onion from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1blooming onionCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best quality, serve fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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