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Delicious Air Fryer Blooming Onion served with dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A crispy, flavorful appetizer that brings the classic taste of blooming onion to your air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Blooming Onion

  • 1 large large sweet onion Choose a high-quality sweet onion for the best flavor.

Breading Mixture

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Plain or seasoned.

Egg Mixture

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk

For Cooking

  • as needed cooking spray To enhance crispness.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Peel the onion and cut off the top. Place the onion cut-side down and slice it into petals, avoiding cutting all the way through the base. Aim for 12 to 16 cuts.
  • In a bowl, mix flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the seasoning blend.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until blended.
  • Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Coating the Onion

  • Carefully dip the onion into the flour mixture, ensuring all petals are coated evenly.
  • Dip the flour-coated onion into the egg mixture.
  • Coat the onion with breadcrumbs, pressing them into the petals to help them adhere.

Cooking

  • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the blooming onion with cooking spray.
  • Place the onion upright in the air fryer basket.
  • Cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, checking halfway through.

Serving

  • Let the onion cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

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Notes

For a crunchier exterior, consider double dipping in the egg and breadcrumbs. Adjust seasoning based on your taste. Store leftovers wrapped in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keyword Air Fryer, Blooming Onion, fried onion, Healthy Appetizer, Recipe