Air Fryer Blooming Onion

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is crispy, flavorful, and much lighter than the deep-fried restaurant version. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and air-fried until golden, it’s the perfect appetizer for parties, game day, or family dinners.

Ingredients

For the Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or similar)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking oil spray

Dipping Sauce

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

Instructions

1. Peel the onion and trim about ½ inch from the top, leaving the root intact.
2. Place the onion root-side up. Using a sharp knife, make 12–16 cuts from the top toward the root without cutting all the way through. Turn the onion over and gently spread the petals apart.
3. In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
5. Coat the onion thoroughly with the flour mixture, making sure it gets between the petals.
6. Dip the onion into the egg mixture, allowing it to coat all the layers.
7. Coat again with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well.
8. Lightly spray the onion with cooking oil.
9. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
10. Place the onion in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up.
11. Air fry for 18–22 minutes, spraying lightly with oil halfway through, until the onion is golden brown and crispy.
12. While the onion cooks, mix all the dipping sauce ingredients until smooth.
13. Serve the blooming onion hot with the dipping sauce.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
• Total Time: 38–42 minutes

Servings: 4–6

Tips

• Use a large sweet onion for the best flavor and easy blooming.
• Gently separate the petals before coating so the seasoning reaches every layer.
• Spray the onion generously with cooking oil before cooking for a crisp, golden finish.
• If your onion is very large, cook it in a larger air fryer or trim it slightly to fit the basket.
• Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or the homemade blooming onion sauce for extra flavor.