Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe: Crispy, Fun & Healthier Than Fried!

There’s something undeniably fun about a blooming onion—the crispy petals, the savory dip, the way it turns a humble veggie into a showstopping appetizer. But let’s be honest: deep-frying at home can feel messy, intimidating, and, well, a little greasy. That’s where this Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe comes in! With all the crunch and flavor of the classic, but way less oil (and way more confidence for the cook), it’s a game-changer for snack time.

I first tried making a blooming onion years ago for a game-day party. Let’s just say… it didn’t bloom. The petals stuck together, the oil spattered everywhere, and my smoke detector became the uninvited guest of honor. Fast-forward to my air fryer era, and suddenly, this intimidating appetizer became approachable—even for weeknights! Whether you’re hosting friends, treating the family, or just craving something crispy, this recipe is your ticket to golden, restaurant-worthy goodness without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Blooming Onion

If you’re on the fence about trying this recipe, here’s why it’s a must-make:

• Healthier than deep-fried: Uses just a fraction of the oil for the same satisfying crunch.
• Foolproof blooming: Simple cutting tips ensure those petals fan out perfectly.
• Quick cook time: Ready in under 20 minutes—no waiting for a vat of oil to heat up.
• Versatile dipping: Pair with spicy mayo, ranch, or even a tangy homemade BBQ sauce.

How to Make an Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• Cooking spray or 1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the onion: Trim the top (stem end) about 1/2 inch, leaving the root intact. Peel the onion, then place it root-side down. Make 12–16 vertical cuts from the top down, stopping 1/2 inch from the root to keep it intact.
2. Soak & coat: Gently spread the petals apart. In one bowl, mix flour and spices. In another, whisk egg and milk. Dip the onion in the egg mix, then the flour mix, pressing to coat between petals.
3. Air fry: Spritz with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden. For extra crispiness, spritz again halfway through.

Tips for the Perfect Bloom

Want to avoid my early onion fail days? Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Choose the right onion: Large, round sweet onions work best—they’re easier to cut and milder in flavor.
• Use a sharp knife: A dull blade can crush the petals instead of slicing cleanly.
• Don’t skip the soak: Letting the onion sit in ice water for 10 minutes after cutting helps the petals open up.
• Double-dip for extra crunch: For a thicker coating, repeat the egg and flour steps.

There you have it—a blooming onion that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Whether you’re serving it up for a party or just treating yourself (no judgment here), this air fryer version lets you enjoy all the crunch without the cleanup. Pair it with your favorite dip, maybe a refreshing margarita, and dig in while it’s hot. Happy air frying!

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

• Author: Chef Alex

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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!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• For the Onion:
• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Texas Sweet preferred)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• For the Coating:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. 1. Prepare the Onion: Peel the onion and cut about 1/2 inch off the top. Leave the root end intact. Place the onion cut-side down and make vertical cuts (about 1/2 inch apart) from the top down, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root to keep the onion intact.
2. 2. Soak the Onion: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Place the onion in the mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3. Make the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4. Coat the Onion: Remove the onion from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring all petals are coated. Shake off excess.
5. 5. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the onion with cooking oil. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. 6. Make the Sauce: While the onion cooks, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
7. 7. Serve: Carefully remove the onion from the air fryer and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

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Notes

For extra crispiness, spray the onion lightly with oil halfway through cooking. If petals stick together, gently separate them after coating. Adjust spices to taste.