Go Back
+ servings
Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion: Guilt-Free Indulgence

Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic appetizer with this Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe, delivering crispy, flavorful petals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Onion
  • 1 large Sweet Onion This is the star of the dish.
For the Coating
  • 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour works well for a substitution.
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika Smoked paprika can enhance the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste or omit for milder flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin Offers a lovely earthiness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Thyme Swap with dried rosemary if desired.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano Harmonizes beautifully with the other spices.
For the Egg Mixture
  • 2 large Eggs Consider flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 cup Milk Both dairy and non-dairy options can be used.
  • 1 cup Water
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.
For Cooking
  • Oil in a Spray Bottle Olive or canola oil recommended.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • cutting board
  • Bowls
  • whisk
  • Spray Bottle
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Onion: Cut off about ½ inch from the top of the onion and peel off the outer skin.
  2. Cut the Onion: Make four evenly spaced downward cuts around the onion, going about 1/3 of the way down.
  3. Relax the Petals: Flip the onion upright and gently start separating the petals. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, oregano, and salt and pepper.
  5. Prepare the Egg Mixture: Whisk together the eggs, milk, and water until well combined.
  6. Coat the Onion: Coat the onion with the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture and coat again with flour.
  7. Chill Before Cooking: Place the coated onion in the refrigerator for 10 minutes while preheating the air fryer.
  8. Prep for Air Frying: Spray the onion with oil and create a sling with aluminum foil.
  9. Air Fry the Onion: Cook the onion at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the onion from the air fryer, season, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1blooming onionCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Experiment with spices for different flavor variations. Ideal for gatherings and game day parties.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!