This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of savory flavor—all with much less oil than the deep-fried version. It’s the perfect appetizer for game day, parties, or a fun family snack.

Ingredients

For the Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or yellow onion)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Coating

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Egg Wash

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk

For Spraying

• Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

1. Peel the onion and trim about ½ inch (1 cm) from the top, leaving the root intact.
2. Place the onion root-side down. Starting about ½ inch (1 cm) from the root, make 12–16 cuts down through the onion to create “petals.”
3. Gently spread the petals apart with your fingers.
4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onion, making sure it gets between the petals.
5. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
7. Dip the onion into the egg mixture, allowing it to coat between the petals.
8. Coat the onion thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, gently separating the petals so the coating reaches every layer.
9. Lightly spray the onion with olive oil cooking spray.
10. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
11. Place the onion in the air fryer basket, root-side down.
12. Air fry for 18–22 minutes, spraying lightly with oil halfway through, until the petals are golden brown and crispy.

Blooming Onion Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Sweet onions work best because they become tender and naturally sweet as they cook.
• Be sure to coat between all the petals for maximum crispiness.
• Spray the onion lightly with oil before and halfway through cooking for the best golden color.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last few minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4–6