AIR FRYER BLOOMING ONION

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🌼 Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🕒 Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
🍽 Serves: 2–4 people

🧄 Ingredients:

For the Onion:

  • 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)

  • 2–3 large eggs

  • 1 cup buttermilk (optional, for soaking)

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tbsp horseradish (prepared)

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • Dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional)

Spray oil (avocado or canola preferred)

🔪 How to Cut a Blooming Onion:

  1. Trim and Peel the onion: Cut off about ½ inch from the pointy top (not the root), then peel.

  2. Place Cut Side Down: Set the root side down on a cutting board.

  3. Make Vertical Cuts: Starting ½ inch from the root, slice straight down. Make 4 cuts to quarter it, then make 3–4 more cuts between each quarter (12–16 sections total).

  4. Flip and Fan: Gently turn the onion over and spread the petals apart.

🧂 Breading the Onion:

  1. Optional soak: Soak cut onion in buttermilk for 1 hour for tenderness.

  2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

  3. Whisk eggs in another bowl.

  4. Dredge the onion:

    • Shake excess buttermilk (if used).

    • Sprinkle flour mix over the onion, making sure it gets between all petals.

    • Dip onion into the egg wash, turning to coat.

    • Coat again with flour mixture, ensuring full coverage. Press flour between petals if needed.

  5. Spray with oil generously on all sides.

🍳 Air Frying:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.

  2. Place the onion cut-side up in the basket. You may need to flatten the root slightly to make it sit level.

  3. Air fry for 15–20 minutes, spraying more oil halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

  4. Remove carefully with tongs or a spatula.

🥣 Dipping Sauce:

Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

❓ Q&A – Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Q1: Why is my blooming onion not crispy?

  • Not enough oil spray or too little flour between petals. Make sure to spray thoroughly and press breading into every crevice.

Q2: Can I make it gluten-free?

  • Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch. Double-check seasonings for hidden gluten.

Q3: Can I make it vegan?

  • Yes. Replace eggs with plant-based milk mixed with a tbsp of cornstarch or flax egg. Use vegan mayo in the sauce.

Q4: Can I prep it ahead of time?

  • You can cut and soak the onion in buttermilk up to a day ahead. Bread and air fry just before serving.

Q5: Can I reheat leftovers?

  • Yes. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to restore crispiness.

Q6: What kind of onion works best?

  • Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best for flavor and shape.

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