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Air Fryer Blooming Onion: Ultimate Crispy Recipe to Try

Air Fryer Blooming Onion
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Air Fryer Blooming Onion crispy rings with minimal oil, simple steps, precise temps, and tasty dips for restaurant-quality crunch at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion or large yellow onion, with skin removed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch for extra crisp)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free milk with 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or dairy-free buttermilk substitute
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF version)
  • Neutral oil spray (avocado or canola) for crisping
  • For serving: dipping sauce of choice

Instructions

  1. Prep the onion: Rinse it briefly and pat dry. Leaving the root end intact helps the petals stay connected. Slice upward from the base into 12–16 evenly spaced petals, being careful not to cut all the way through the root.
  2. Set up your dredging station: In one bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk. In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs.
  3. Dip and coat: First, dust the onion gently with the seasoned flour mixture. Next, dip into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll the onion in the breadcrumbs until every petal is lightly coated.
  4. Chill briefly: Place the coated blooming onion on a parchment-lined tray and chill for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 360°F (182°C) and spray the basket with oil.
  6. Cook with care: Place the blooming onion in the air fryer with the root end facing down. Air fry for 8–12 minutes, pausing to flip gently halfway through.
  7. Check doneness: The outer crust should be crisp, and you should be able to pierce the center easily. If needed, give it a few more minutes.
  8. Make a quick dipping sauce: Whisk together mayo, a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of smoked paprika, and a little garlic powder.
  9. Rest and slice: Let the bloom rest for 3–5 minutes before carefully separating the petals for serving.
  10. Serve with flair: Plate it on a broad platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
  11. Cleanup: Wipe the air fryer basket and wash the dredging stations.

Notes

    Nutrition

    Find it online: https://bakerslider.com/air-fryer-blooming-onion/

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