An air fryer blooming onion

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If you’re craving a deliciously crispy and flavorful blooming onion but want to avoid the excess oil of deep frying, look no further! This Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe gives you all the crunch and flavor of a classic blooming onion with a fraction of the fat. Perfect as a fun appetizer or a tasty side dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering treat in your air fryer.

Ingredients

For the Blooming Onion:

  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or a fork

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

  1. Slice the Onion:
    • Peel the onion and slice off the top, leaving the root end intact. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Make 8-12 evenly spaced vertical cuts, slicing downwards but not through the root. Turn the onion and make the same cuts to create a blooming effect. Gently separate the onion petals with your fingers.
  2. Soak the Onion:
    • In a large bowl, pour buttermilk over the prepared onion, ensuring it’s well coated. Let the onion soak for at least 30 minutes to help it crisp up.
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Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Coat the Onion

  1. Dredge the Onion:
    • After soaking, remove the onion from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Carefully coat the onion in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to get the coating in between all the petals. Press the coating gently to adhere.
  2. Double Coat (Optional):
    • For an extra crispy texture, you can dip the coated onion back into the buttermilk and coat it again with the flour mixture. This double coating adds additional crunch.

Step 4: Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
    • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Arrange the Onion:
    • Place the coated onion in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Onion

  1. Cook the Blooming Onion:
    • Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the onion is golden brown and crispy. You may want to flip the onion halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
  2. Check for Crispiness:
    • If the onion isn’t as crispy as you’d like, continue to air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
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Step 6: Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

  1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
    • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  2. Serve with Sauce:
    • Serve the crispy blooming onion with the dipping sauce on the side for a delicious, complete experience.

Tips for Perfect Blooming Onion

  • Use a Large Onion: A large, fresh onion works best for creating a beautiful bloom. Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are excellent choices.
  • Soaking Time: Allow enough time for the onion to soak in the buttermilk to ensure it’s tender and flavorful.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the onion is placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
  • Double Coating: For extra crunch, consider double coating the onion as mentioned.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 180 (without sauce)
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 4g

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful onion without the hassle of deep frying. With its golden, crunchy petals and bold seasoning, it’s a perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. The optional dipping sauce adds an extra layer of deliciousness, making this dish even more irresistible. Enjoy your blooming onion with family and friends, and savor every crispy bite!

Feel free to customize the seasoning and sauce to match your taste preferences. Happy air frying!

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