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+ servings

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A crispy, flavorful appetizer made with a whole onion, seasoned and air-fried to perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Onion
  • 1 large Vidalia onion or any sweet onion
Breading
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
Dipping Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Method
 

Prepare the Onion
  1. Cut the top off the onion and peel the outer skin. Place the onion root side down and make vertical cuts from the top to the root, being careful not to cut all the way through. Turn the onion and repeat to create a blooming effect.
Breading Setup
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk and beaten egg.
  2. Dip the onion in the buttermilk mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture. Repeat the process to ensure a thick coating.
  3. Finally, coat the onion in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Air Frying
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded onion in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with cooking oil.
  2. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Prepare Dipping Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve
  1. Remove the onion from the air fryer and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use a sweet onion and ensure the cuts are even for even cooking.

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