Description
This crispy, golden blooming onion is made healthier in the air fryer but tastes just like the deep-fried restaurant version! 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 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 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.
- 2. Make Cuts: Turn the onion root-side up. Starting 1/2 inch from the root, make vertical cuts downward all around the onion to create ‘petals.’ Gently spread the petals apart.
- 3. Soak in Buttermilk: Place the onion in a bowl and pour buttermilk over it, ensuring it gets between the petals. Let soak for at least 30 minutes.
- 4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 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, pressing gently to coat all petals thoroughly.
- 6. Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the onion with cooking oil. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- 7. Make the Sauce: While cooking, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- 8. Serve: Carefully remove the onion from the air fryer and serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, spray the onion with oil halfway through cooking. If petals aren’t spreading easily, make deeper cuts next time. Works best with large, round onions.