crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe that mimics the classic restaurant appetizer—but with much less oil!
🌼 Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 45 min | 🍽️ Serves: 2–4
🧅 Ingredients:
For the Onion:
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1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
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3 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Olive oil spray (or any cooking spray)
For Dipping Sauce (optional but highly recommended):
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp prepared horseradish
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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Dash of cayenne pepper
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onion:
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Cut off ½ inch from the top (pointy end) of the onion and peel.
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Leave the root intact.
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Place the onion root-side down.
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Starting about ½ inch from the root, make 4 cuts down the sides to quarter it, then make 3 more cuts between each quarter (12–16 sections total).
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Gently separate the “petals” without breaking them.
2. Soak the Onion:
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Whisk together eggs and buttermilk in a bowl.
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In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and all spices.
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Place the onion upside down in the egg mixture, spoon it in to coat fully.
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Transfer to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly, getting into all the layers.
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Repeat: Dip again in egg mixture, then back into flour for a thicker crust.
3. Chill (Optional but helps):
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Place coated onion in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help the coating stick.
4. Air Fry:
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Spray air fryer basket with oil.
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Place onion in basket root-side down (or foil sling if delicate).
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Generously spray the entire onion with oil spray (this helps it crisp).
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Air fry for 15–20 minutes, checking around 12 minutes. Add extra oil spray if needed for browning.
5. Serve:
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Mix all dipping sauce ingredients together.
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Serve the blooming onion hot with dipping sauce in the center or on the side.
💡 Tips:
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If your onion is very large, you may need to air fry a bit longer.
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Don’t skip the double dredge—it’s key for a crispy crust.
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If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk + a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.