Crispy Blooming Onion Recipe (Air Fryer: Easy & Delicious)
This air fryer blooming onion is a crispy, flavorful appetizer made without deep frying. It blooms into a crunchy, dippable showpiece that’s perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings (appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cooking spray
- Dipping sauce (ranch, spicy mayo, etc.)
Instructions
- Peel onion and cut off the top, leaving the root intact. Place flat side down.
- Cut downward around the onion into 12–16 petals, stopping about ½” from the root.
- Gently separate layers to bloom.
- In one bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In another, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Coat onion in flour mixture, shake off excess, then dip into egg mixture and back into flour for a double coating.
- Spray the onion thoroughly with cooking spray.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place onion root-side down in basket.
- Air fry for 18–20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly, then serve with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use Parmesan in the flour mix for a cheesy twist.
- Switch seasonings to cajun or ranch for different flavors.
- Make mini versions with smaller onions for individual servings.
- Coat ahead and refrigerate; air fry just before serving.
- To re-crisp leftovers, air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 onion
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
