🧅 Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion

This Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion has all the crispy, savory goodness of the restaurant favorite with a fraction of the oil. It’s a fun appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving a crunchy snack.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or yellow onion)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking oil spray

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the Onion

1. Peel the onion and trim about ½ inch from the top, leaving the root intact.
2. Place the onion root-side down.
3. Cut into quarters, stopping about ½ inch from the root.
4. Cut each quarter into 3–4 sections to create 12–16 petals.
5. Gently spread the petals apart.

2. Prepare the Coating

• In one bowl, combine the flour with all the seasonings.
• In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
• Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

3. Bread the Onion

• Coat the onion thoroughly in the seasoned flour, making sure to get between all the petals.
• Dip into the egg mixture.
• Coat with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.

4. Chill

Refrigerate the coated onion for 15 minutes to help the coating stay in place.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes.

6. Air Fry

• Lightly spray the onion with cooking oil.
• Place it in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up.
• Air fry for 18–22 minutes, spraying lightly again halfway through if needed.
• The onion is ready when the coating is golden brown and the onion is tender.

7. Make the Dipping Sauce

Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for Success

• ✔️ Keep the root intact so the onion stays together.
• ✔️ Coat between every petal for maximum crispiness.
• ✔️ Refrigerating before cooking helps the breading stick.
• ✔️ Spray lightly with oil for an evenly browned, crispy finish.
• ✔️ Use a sweet onion for the best flavor.

Flavor Variations

• 🧀 Sprinkle with grated Parmesan immediately after cooking.
• 🌶️ Add extra cayenne or Cajun seasoning for more heat.
• 🌿 Mix Italian seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture.
• 🧄 Add extra garlic powder for a richer garlic flavor.

What to Serve With

• Burgers
• Chicken tenders
• Steak
• BBQ ribs
• French fries
• Fresh vegetable sticks

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy.

Pro Tip: Place the onion on a small piece of parchment paper designed for air fryers (with ventilation holes) to make transferring it to and from the basket much easier while still allowing proper air circulation. 🧅✨