Blooming Onion

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes (Oven) or 15–18 minutes (Air Fryer)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia works best)
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Dipping Sauce

• 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)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Onion

1. Peel the onion and trim about ½ inch from the pointed top, leaving the root end intact.
2. Place the onion root-side down. Starting about ½ inch from the root, make 12–16 vertical cuts all the way down to create the “bloom.”
3. Turn the onion over and gently separate the petals with your fingers.

Coat the Onion

4. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
6. Coat the onion thoroughly with the flour mixture, making sure it gets between the petals.
7. Dip the onion into the egg mixture, allowing it to seep into all the layers.
8. Coat the onion a second time with the flour mixture for an extra crispy crust.

Oven Method

9. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
10. Place the onion on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
11. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Method

12. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
13. Place the onion in the air fryer basket and spray generously with cooking spray.
14. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, spraying lightly halfway through cooking, until crisp and golden.

Make the Sauce

15. Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
16. Serve the blooming onion hot with the dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Burgers
• Grilled steak
• BBQ chicken
• Chicken tenders
• French fries

Tips

• Sweet onions have the mildest flavor and work best for blooming onions.
• Double-coating the onion helps create a crispier crust.
• Spray generously with cooking spray before baking or air frying to achieve a deep golden color.
• Serve immediately for the best crunch.