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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

Allan
This Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion – Easy Homemade Appetizer Recipe brings restaurant-style crunch to your kitchen with less oil, less mess, and a dramatic presentation that’s perfect for guests. Using a sturdy double-dredge, a light oil mist, and an air fryer preheated to 200°C / 400°F, you’ll get golden petals and a tender, sweet onion heart in about 12–16 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Air fryer recipe, American
Servings 4 –6 (shared appetizer)
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 very large yellow or sweet onion 10–12 oz / 300–350 g
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or GF flour blend
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs or ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs optional for extra crunch
  • Cooking spray avocado or olive oil
  • Dipping Sauce:
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup or sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions
 

  • Trim & prep onion: Peel the onion and trim the top so it sits flat. Leave root intact.
  • Cut petals: Place onion cut-side down. Make 8–12 vertical cuts around the onion stopping ⅛–¼ inch from the root. Turn and make cuts again to create petals. Gently spread petals open.
  • Optional soak: Soak in buttermilk or brine for 10–15 minutes, then pat dry.
  • Make dredges: Mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In another bowl whisk eggs + milk (or use buttermilk). Mix panko into the dry dredge if using.
  • Coat onion: Dip petals into wet dredge, then press into dry dredge. Repeat wet + dry one more time so petals are well coated.
  • Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 200°C / 400°F for 3–5 minutes.
  • Place in basket: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil. Place onion root side down and mist the coated onion with oil.
  • Air fry: Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 12–16 minutes, checking at 10 minutes. Rotate basket once if needed. For extra crisp, finish at 210°C / 410°F for 2–3 minutes.
  • Check doneness: Look for a golden crust and tender center (aim for 85–95°C / 185–203°F in the core if checking with thermometer).
  • Rest & serve: Let rest 2–3 minutes, serve hot with dipping sauce.