Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe: Crispy, Delicious, and Healthier

Hello, food lovers! I'm Justin from Cooking with Q, where we specialize in clean comfort cooking. Today, I'm thrilled to share with you my air fryer Blooming Onion recipe. This version is just as crispy and delicious as the traditional deep-fried Blooming Onion, but with a lot less oil, making it a healthier alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 1 cup flour (regular or gluten-free)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• Olive oil spray
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment:

• Air fryer

Instructions:

Preparing the Onion:

1. Cut the Onion:

   • Cut off the top end (not the root end) of the onion.
   • Remove the onion skin carefully, making sure not to pierce too many layers beneath it.
   • Trim the root end slightly but keep the root intact.

2. Slice the Onion:

   • Place the onion with the root end up. About 1/4 inch away from the root, make a deep cut straight down through the onion.
   • Rotate the onion and make 8-12 similar cuts around the onion, depending on its size.
   • Gently separate the layers of the onion to resemble a blooming flower.

Coating the Onion:

1. Flour Coating:

   • Sprinkle flour over the onion, ensuring it's evenly coated. This helps absorb moisture and provides a good base for the egg wash.
   • Shake off any excess flour.

2. Egg Wash:

   • Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
   • Pour the egg mixture over the onion, making sure it gets between all the layers.

3. Breadcrumb Mixture:

   • In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the onion, ensuring a thorough coating.

Air Frying:

1. Prepare the Air Fryer:

   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
   • Carefully place the coated onion in the basket.

2. Cook:

   • Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, depending on the onion's size and thickness.

Making the Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, horseradish, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
   • Stir until well combined.

Serving:

1. Remove the Onion:

   • Carefully remove the blooming onion from the air fryer using a spatula.
   • Place it on a serving plate.

2. Serve with Sauce:

   • Serve the crispy blooming onion with the prepared dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts:

This air fryer Blooming Onion is a fantastic healthier version of the classic appetizer. It’s just as crispy and flavorful, with a fraction of the oil. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more delicious air fryer recipes. Check out the full recipe on my website, linked in the description below.