Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion is a fun and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings. You get all the crunch of a traditional fried onion but without the extra oil and calories. This method makes it easier and quicker to prepare, while still delivering the same great taste. Plus, it’s an eye-catching dish that will impress your friends and family!
How to Make Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion
Ingredients
- 1 large Vidalia onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Optional dipping sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
- Slice the onion: Cut the top and root off, peel it, then make 12-16 evenly spaced cuts from the outer edge almost to the root. This will help the petals to fan out.
- Soak in cold water: Place the onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes to help the petals separate. After soaking, drain the onion and pat it dry.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare wet mixture: In another bowl, whisk the milk and eggs together.
- Coat the onion: Dip the onion into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the milk mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Air fry the onion: Place the onion in the basket with the petals facing up. Spray the top with oil. Cook for 12-15 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Slice and serve: Once done, slice the onion and serve it with your choice of dipping sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion
Serve the Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion as an appetizer or snack. It pairs well with a simple dipping sauce like mayonnaise mixed with ketchup and lemon juice. You can also try other sauces, such as ranch or spicy aioli, for different flavors.
How to Store Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion
- Make sure to slice the onion evenly for uniform cooking.
- Don’t skip soaking the onion; it really helps the petals to separate neatly.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Be generous with the oil spray to get that crispy texture.
Variation
You can experiment with the spices in your coating mixture. Adding herbs like dried parsley or oregano can give extra flavor. For a spicy kick, try increasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice and coat the onion in advance. Store it in the fridge, then air fry it right before serving.
2. What type of onion works best?
Vidalia onions are sweet and work great, but you can also use any large onion, like sweet onions or even yellow onions.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version of this tasty dish.
