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 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
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. 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. 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. Make the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- 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. 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. Make the Sauce: While the onion cooks, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- 7. Serve: Carefully remove the onion from the air fryer and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.
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.