Craving a crispy, golden-brown delight? Our easy Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe will have you enjoying a restaurant-style appetizer right in the comfort of your home.
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Indulge in the irresistible, crunchy goodness of an air fryer blooming onion — even with no breadcrumbs! With its perfectly crisp exterior and tender, oniony center, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
Recreate your favorite Texas Roadhouse appetizer using this blooming onion air fryer recipe. It’s a healthier alternative that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Our tangy and tasty dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your air fryer blooming onion. With a combination of mayo, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper, it adds a zesty kick that complements the crispy onion petals beautifully.
With each bite, you’ll experience the satisfying crunch followed by the sweet and savory notes of the Vidalia onion, creating a truly irresistible appetizer that will have you coming back for more.
How to Make a Blooming Onion in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Slice off ½ inch from the top of the onion and remove the outer skin. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board, then insert the knife starting ½ inch below the root.
Make four cuts to divide into quarters. Repeat this process twice between each quarter to create 12 sections. Flip the onion over and let it rest for 5 minutes while you make the batter.
STEP TWO: In a bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
STEP THREE: Separate the onion’s outer layers and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring each petal is coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
STEP FOUR: Dip the onion in the milk and egg mixture, making sure to coat it well. Allow any excess to drip off.
STEP FIVE: Put the onion back into the flour mixture, tossing it to coat evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
STEP SIX: Place the coated onion on a large piece of aluminum foil. Spray it generously with olive oil, ensuring all areas are covered.
STEP SEVEN: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F for 5 minutes. Carefully place the onion in the foil on the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, then spray the onion with more olive oil.
STEP EIGHT: Cover the top with another piece of foil to prevent burning. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the air fried blooming onion is crispy and golden brown.
What to Serve With Air Fried Blooming Onion
- Ninja Foodi Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
- BBQ Hot Dogs
- Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
- Air Fryer Cube Steak
- Cast Iron Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Tri Tip
Variations for this Blooming Onion Air Fryer Recipe
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a savory and cheesy coating.
- Use gluten-free flour to create a gluten-free air fried blooming onion that is still incredibly tasty.
- Try a more traditional version of the blooming onion air fryer recipe by making it with buttermilk.
- Use no egg and a plant-based milk for a delicious vegan version. Almond milk and a flax egg (flaxseed meal mixed with water) should do the trick!
- Add chipotle powder or chipotle hot sauce to the batter for a smoky and spicy chipotle-infused blooming onion in the air fryer.
- Mix dried herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano into the flour mixture for a savory herb-infused air fryer blooming onion.
More Recipes with OnionS
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Instant Pot French Onion Chicken
- Air Fryer Pierogies With Onions
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
- Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
- Air Fryer Onions
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Blooming Onion
While this air fryer blooming onion is best enjoyed fresh, you can save any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing.
Reheat it in the air fryer to regain some crispiness. Air fry for 7-10 minutes at 375 degrees F to get it nice and crispy again while still warmed through to the center.
What is the Best Onion for a Blooming Onion in the Air Fryer?
You can use any large white or yellow onion variety such as Vidalia, Spanish, or Sweet onions for an air fryer blooming onion.
Should You Soak a Blooming Onion in Water First?
If you have time, you may consider soaking the onion in cold water overnight.
Not only will it mellow out its sometimes harsh flavor, but it will also help your blooming onions “bloom” more easily.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Air Fryer Apple Crisp
- Air Fryer Filet Mignon
- Air Fryer Garlic Knots
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Swordfish
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Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Ingredients
Blooming Onion
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cut ½-inch from the top of the onion, then peel the outer skin off. Place it cut-side down on a cutting board. Starting ½-inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the board, quartering it. Make 2 additional cuts between each quarter, giving you 12 evenly spaced sections.
- Turn the onion over and set aside for 5 minutes while you make the batter.
- In one mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
- Gently separate the outer pieces of the onion and place it in the bowl of flour mixture. Use a spoon to toss the flour between each petal, coating it and then gently shaking off the excess.
- Transfer the onion to the bowl with the egg mixture and coat it well, using a spoon to get it between the petals.
- Allow the excess to drip off, then return the onion to the bowl of flour and toss to coat, again ensuring you get flour between the petals and shaking off excess.
- Set the onion on a large square of aluminum foil, then spray it generously with olive oil spray, making sure there are no dry spots.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F for 5 minutes. Place the onion in the foil in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then give the onion a second spritz of olive oil and cover the top with another piece of foil to prevent it from burning.
- Continue frying for another 10-15 minutes, until crispy and golden brown to your liking.
- Combine all dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix.
- Carefully remove the fried onion and serve with dipping sauce.
