Name: Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Ingredients: For the Blooming Onion:; 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Cooking spray or oil spray; For the Dipping Sauce:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon horseradish; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Description

A crispy, golden blooming onion made healthier in the air fryer with a flavorful seasoned coating and a delicious dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

For the Blooming Onion:
1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or oil spray
For the Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon horseradish
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Prepare the Onion: Peel the onion and cut about 1/2 inch off the top. Leave the root end intact.
2. Turn the onion upside down (root side up). Using a sharp knife, make vertical cuts from the top down, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root to create ‘petals.’ Gently separate the layers.
3. Soak the Onion: Place the onion in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
4. Make the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
5. Coat the Onion: Remove the onion from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring all petals are coated. Shake off excess.
6. Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the onion root-side down in the basket and spray lightly with oil.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Check halfway and respray if needed.
8. Make the Sauce: While cooking, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
9. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-coat the onion by dipping it back in buttermilk and flour a second time. If petals stick together, gently separate after the first few minutes of cooking.