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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic appetizer, this Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion is perfect for parties or as a tasty snack. The air fryer offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying while maintaining a perfect crunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 large large sweet onion (10-12 ounces / 280-340g), preferably Vidalia Preferably Vidalia for best flavor.
  • 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) Optional for extra spice.
  • 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) For soaking the onion.
  • Cooking spray (olive oil spray recommended) For air frying.
Dipping Sauce (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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.
Soaking
  1. 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.
Mixing Flour Mixture
  1. 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.
Coating the Onion
  1. 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 Frying
  1. 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.
Making Dipping Sauce (optional)
  1. Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
Serving
  1. Let the onion cool for about 5 minutes before serving to make the petals firmer. Enjoy it with the dipping sauce or ranch dressing!

Notes

Make sure to cut the onion carefully to avoid breaking the petals. Experiment with spices in the flour mixture for different flavors! Do not skip the buttermilk soak as it helps to make the onion tender and flavorful.