Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Blooming Onion:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon cumin
• 1 large (14- to 16-ounce) sweet onion
• Cooking spray

Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons cream-style horseradish sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 375F (190C).

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together milk and egg until fully combined.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, mix together flour, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and cumin.

Step 4: Slice off 1 inch from the top of the onion and remove the papery skin.

Step 5: Using an apple corer or paring knife, remove a 1-inch-diameter core from the center of the onion, leaving the root end intact.

Step 6: Make cuts downwards from the top, about three-fourths of the way through, turning the onion 90 degrees after each slice. Continue slicing until you have 16 sections. Be sure not to cut through the bottom.

Step 7: Gently pull apart the onion petals, spreading them out.

Step 8: Dip the onion into the milk mixture, ensuring its fully coated. Then dip it into the flour mixture, carefully separating the petals and sprinkling flour between them. Repeat this process, dipping the onion in the milk mixture again, followed by the flour mixture.

Step 9: Coat the onion with cooking spray to help it crisp up during cooking.

Step 10: Place the prepared onion into the air fryer basket and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

Step 11: While the onion cooks, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, ketchup, paprika, salt, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until the blooming onion is ready.

Step 12: Once the blooming onion is cooked, serve it hot with the prepared dipping sauce. Garnish with extra paprika for a pop of color and flavor.

Cook's Note: To help keep the onion petals separated, you can briefly plunge the onion into boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately into ice water.

Leftover dipping sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 871
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 149g
• Protein: 20g
• Sodium: 955mg
• Dietary Fiber: 16g
• Sugars: 84g
• Vitamin C: 77mg
• Calcium: 420mg
• Iron: 6mg
• Potassium: 2081mg

Servings per recipe: 4

The Fascinating Story of the Blooming Onion

The blooming onion, a visually striking appetizer, traces its origins to the United States in the late 1980s. Popularized by casual dining chains, it was designed to be both an eye-catching and shareable starter. The concept revolves around transforming a simple onion into a "flower" by slicing it into petals and coating it in a seasoned batter, creating a dramatic presentation that invites diners to pull apart individual pieces.

Regional Variations and American Influence

Though now widely enjoyed across the country, the blooming onion has a distinctly Southern American identity. Restaurants in the Southern U.S. often emphasize bold spices like cayenne, paprika, and black pepper, reflecting the regions love for flavorful and hearty comfort foods. Some variations include adding herbs such as oregano and thyme, or experimenting with different dipping sauces, ranging from creamy horseradish to tangy barbecue blends.

Distinguishing the Blooming Onion from Similar Dishes

While fried onion rings and onion petals are common in many cuisines, the blooming onion stands out due to its size, presentation, and preparation. Unlike traditional onion rings, which are cut into uniform circular pieces, the blooming onion is an entire onion transformed into a flower-like shape. This method allows for a crispy exterior on each petal while maintaining a tender center, providing a combination of textures that is unique among fried onion dishes.

Where You Typically Find Blooming Onions

Blooming onions are most commonly served in casual dining restaurants and family-style eateries as an appetizer. They are often accompanied by a signature dipping sauce, making them ideal for sharing. Beyond restaurants, home cooks have embraced the dish, adapting it for air fryers and ovens to create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor. Special occasions, game nights, and parties are popular times for serving this dramatic dish, as it adds both visual appeal and a communal eating experience.

Interesting Facts About This Appetizer

• The original blooming onion recipe was inspired by the idea of transforming an ordinary vegetable into a conversation starter on the table.
• Plunging the onion in boiling water for a short time before battering helps separate the petals and ensures even cooking, a tip often shared by professional chefs.
• The dish gained international recognition through American chains, yet it remains primarily associated with Southern U.S. cuisine.
• Despite its indulgent appearance, the air fryer adaptation offers a lighter alternative without compromising the signature crispiness.
• Creative variations sometimes use sweet onions, Vidalia onions, or even different batters to explore new flavors while keeping the iconic blooming shape.

From its dramatic presentation to its bold seasoning, the blooming onion has become a beloved part of modern American cuisine, combining both visual flair and savory taste in one memorable appetizer.

FAQ about Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

Comments