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image of Mise en place shot fresh ingredients arranged on a white marble kitchen counter healthy clear glass bowls rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight Large Sweet Onion Vidalia Yellow All Purpose Flour Panko Breadcrumbs Eggs Milk Buttermilk Paprika Cayenne Pepper Garlic Powder Onion Powder Dried Thyme Dried Oregano Ground Cumin Mayonnaise Ketchup Horseradish Salt Black Pepper Worcestershire Sauce Sour Cream Water top down view DSLR photo realistic

Air Fryer Golden Blooming Onion

This Air Fryer Golden Blooming Onion is the ultimate crispy, indulgent appetizer that’s easy to make at home. Perfect for game day or a special dinner treat!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Blooming Onion Ingredients
  • 1 large Sweet Onion (Vidalia or Yellow)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Cooking Oil Spray (Olive or Avocado Oil)
Dipping Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Creamy Horseradish
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Sour Cream (Optional)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer,
  • sharp knife,
  • cutting board,
  • - Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Slice off the top 1/2 inch of the onion, leaving the root intact. Peel off the outer papery layers.
  2. Place the onion root-side up. Make 4 cuts straight down through the onion, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root core.
  3. Make additional cuts between each of the quarters to create 12-16 petals.
  4. Gently open the petals with your fingers, being careful not to detach them.
  5. Soak the onion in ice water for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  6. Whisk together eggs and buttermilk in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
  7. In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  8. Dredge the onion in the flour mixture, working it into all crevices. Shake off excess.
  9. Dip the floured onion into the egg/buttermilk mixture, ensuring each layer is moistened.
  10. Return the onion to the flour mixture and coat again. Optionally, press Panko crumbs firmly onto the surface for maximum crispness.
  11. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the bottom of the basket lightly with oil.
  12. Place the onion in the air fryer basket. Spray liberally with oil, especially targeting the petals and crevices.
  13. Air fry for 15 minutes. Halfway through, pull out the basket and spray again with oil for optimal crispiness.
  14. Serve immediately while hot alongside the prepared dipping sauce.
  15. To prepare the dipping sauce, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and optional sour cream in a bowl. Mix well and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free Panko or crushed cornflakes. For keto options, try almond flour and crushed pork rinds. Use a large air fryer to accommodate the whole onion comfortably.
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