why make this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic appetizer. It’s great for parties, game days, or just a tasty snack at home. The air fryer makes it healthier than traditional frying while still giving you that perfect crunch. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor!
how to make Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Ingredients :
- 1 large sweet onion (10-12 ounces / 280-340g), preferably Vidalia
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (16g)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt preferred)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 cup buttermilk (240ml) or homemade substitute (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
- Cooking spray (olive oil spray recommended)
- For dipping sauce (optional):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions :
- Prep the onion (10 minutes): Cut off about ½ inch from the top of the onion and peel off the outer skin. Place the onion cut side down on a cutting board. Make 12-16 vertical cuts about ½ inch from the root, spacing them evenly, without cutting through the root. Gently spread the petals open.
- Soak in buttermilk (5 minutes): Place the onion in a large bowl and pour buttermilk over it, making sure to coat all the petals. Let it soak for 5 minutes.
- Mix seasoned flour (2 minutes): In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are mixed evenly.
- Coat the onion (5 minutes): Lift the onion from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Place it in the flour mixture and sprinkle flour between the petals and all over. For extra crunch, you can double dip by putting it back into the buttermilk and then again in the flour. Shake off any excess flour.
- Air fry the onion (20-25 minutes): Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place the onion cut side down in the basket and spray generously with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the onion cut side up using tongs or chopsticks. Spray again and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the onion is golden and crispy.
- Make dipping sauce (optional): Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the onion cool for about 5 minutes before serving to make the petals firmer. Enjoy it with the dipping sauce or ranch dressing!
how to serve Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Serve your Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion hot and fresh. Arrange it on a platter and offer the dipping sauce on the side. It’s perfect for sharing at a gathering or enjoying on your own!
how to store Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within a day or two. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
tips to make Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion
- Make sure to cut the onion carefully to avoid breaking the petals.
- Experiment with spices in the flour mixture for different flavors!
- Don’t skip the buttermilk soak, as it helps to make the onion tender and flavorful.
variation
You can make a spicy version by adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicier dipping sauce. For a cheesy twist, try adding grated cheese on top before air frying!
FAQs
Can I use another type of onion?
Yes, you can use another type of onion, but sweet onions like Vidalia will give the best flavor.
Is the dipping sauce necessary?
No, the dipping sauce is optional! The onion is delicious on its own but adds extra flavor if you choose to use it.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the onion and coat it with the flour mixture and refrigerate it until you’re ready to air fry. Just keep in mind that it might take a little longer to cook if it’s cold.
Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Ingredients
Method
- Cut off about ½ inch from the top of the onion and peel off the outer skin. Place the onion cut side down on a cutting board. Make 12-16 vertical cuts about ½ inch from the root, spacing them evenly, without cutting through the root. Gently spread the petals open.
- Place the onion in a large bowl and pour buttermilk over it, making sure to coat all the petals. Let it soak for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are mixed evenly.
- Lift the onion from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Place it in the flour mixture and sprinkle flour between the petals and all over. For extra crunch, you can double dip by putting it back into the buttermilk and then again in the flour. Shake off any excess flour.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place the onion cut side down in the basket and spray generously with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the onion cut side up using tongs or chopsticks. Spray again and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the onion is golden and crispy.
- Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Let the onion cool for about 5 minutes before serving to make the petals firmer. Enjoy it with the dipping sauce or ranch dressing!