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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion

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A crispy, flavorful blooming onion made easily in the air fryer, perfect for appetizers and snacks without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large yellow onion (4–5 inches in diameter)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (50g)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml) or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Cooking spray or oil mist
  • Dipping sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp horseradish (optional), 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, squeeze of lemon

Instructions

  1. Cut off the top (stem end) and peel the outer skin of the onion. Place root-side down on a cutting board. Make 12-16 vertical cuts about 1/2 inch from the root, stopping before the root to keep petals attached. Gently spread the onion like a blooming flower.
  2. Mix buttermilk and beaten egg in a bowl. Submerge the blooming onion in this mixture and soak for at least 10 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  4. Remove onion from wet mixture, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly with the dry mixture. For extra crunch, dip back into the wet mixture and coat again with dry ingredients.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the onion with cooking spray. Place root side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-18 minutes, spraying once halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove carefully with tongs and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a sharp knife to avoid crushing onion petals. Double coating the onion ensures maximum crunch. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking. Let the onion rest before serving to set the coating. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and dairy-free mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer, appetizer, crispy onion, snack, easy recipe, party food

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-appetizers/