Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A crispy, flavorful blooming onion made in the air fryer with much less oil than the deep-fried version. Perfect as an appetizer or game-day snack!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

Coating

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk

Dipping Sauce

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

Instructions

1. Cut the Onion

• Peel the onion and trim about ½ inch off the top (leave the root end intact).
• Place the onion root-side up.
• Slice downward into 12–16 sections, stopping about ½ inch from the root so the onion stays together.
• Turn it over and gently spread the petals apart.

2. Prepare the Coating

• In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

3. Coat the Onion

• Sprinkle the flour mixture generously between all the onion petals.
• Dip or spoon the egg mixture over the onion, making sure it reaches between the layers.
• Coat again with the remaining flour mixture for maximum crispiness.
• Lightly spray or brush the onion with olive oil.

4. Air Fry

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
• Place the onion root-side down in the basket.
• Air fry for 18–22 minutes, or until the onion is tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with a small piece of foil during the last few minutes.

5. Make the Sauce

• Mix all the dipping sauce ingredients until smooth.
• Chill until ready to serve.

6. Serve

• Serve the blooming onion hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips for Success

• A sweet onion gives the best flavor and opens into petals more easily.
• Coat thoroughly between each layer for an even, crispy crust.
• A light spray of oil helps the coating brown beautifully in the air fryer.
• Air fryer models vary, so start checking for doneness around 18 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4