Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Have you tried the popular blooming onion that is served at Outback Steakhouse? Let’s skip the traditional version and make air fryer blooming onion that are super crispy, well seasoned, and delicious. They are even outstanding when served with your favorite dipping sauce.

The perfect appetizer for events like parties, sporting events, and other get-togethers is this crispy blooming onion. The batter is quite simple to create, and this blooming onion comes together quickly. These are better to take away from restaurants. In an air fryer, you can prepare a variety of onion snacks.

Jump to:

• What is a blooming onion?
• How to cut a blooming onion?
• What type of onion to use?
• How to make an air fryer blooming onion?
• Tips for making crispy blooming onion in an air fryer
• Recipe Variation:
• Storing and reheating leftovers:
• What kind of dipping sauce pairs well with this recipe?
• 📖 Recipe

What is a blooming onion?

One large onion that has been chopped into the shape of a flower is used to make a dish known as a blooming onion. The onion petals are expanded and made softer by being submerged in ice water before being battered and deep-fried. Served often with dipping sauce as an appetizer.

How to cut a blooming onion?

Onion cutting is not as challenging as it might sound. 3 easy steps are required to cut a blooming onion.:

• Step One: Remove the onion's outer peel and trim off ½ inch of steam from the onion. Ensure that the root is still intact.
• Step Two: Start by placing the onion cut-side down and cutting downward, leaving a half-inch gap from the root. Cut 4 equal slices from each direction, and then, depending on the size of the onion, make another 2-3 cuts between each slice.
• Step Three: Pull the onion petals apart by flipping the onion over. This makes it possible for the batter and the spices to penetrate each petal.

Note: If you don't feel like doing it yourself, you can just use an onion cutter.

What type of onion to use?

Sweet onion or yellow onion is the best choice for making onion. To your taste, you can use any onion, though.

How to make an air fryer blooming onion?

Blooming onion is super easy to make and is the best appetizer to serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients for making blooming onion:

• 1 large onion
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ⅓ cup milk
• 2 eggs
• Oil spray

Instructions for making blooming onion:

1. As mentioned previously, cut the onion as directed.
2. The onion should be submerged in ice water and left to sit for about an hour. This makes it easier to coat the onion petals by assisting with separation and softening.
3. The onion should be removed from the water and dried with paper towels.
4. All-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt should be placed in a medium bowl. They should be completely combined after that.

5. Take another bowl to put the milk and egg in. Set them aside after giving them thorough whisking.
6. Preheat your air fryer at 200C/400F for 3-5 minutes.
7. The flour mixture should first be applied to the onion. Make sure to thoroughly coat each onion petal. To separate and thoroughly coat each petal, use your fingertips. Tap the excess off.

8. Place the flour-coated onion into the egg mixture. Coat the entire onion well with a spoon.

9. Spread the remaining flour mixture over the onion once again, tapping off any extra.
10. Place the onion in the air fryer basket and coat it with a thin layer of oil. In order to stop the onion's tips from burning, loosely cover it with silver foil.
11. Cook the blooming onion at 170C/340F for 10 minutes. Cook for an additional 10 minutes after removing the silver foil and adding a light coating of oil. or cook according to your preferred level of brown.

12. Once cooked, carefully remove the onion from the basket.
13. With your preferred sauce, serve your air fryer blooming onions.

You can find the blooming onion recipe in the printable card below

Tips for making crispy blooming onion in an air fryer

• Prior to cooking any type of food, preheat your air fryer.
• You can use any onion that is on hand or one of your choice. But for the recipe, sweet onion works perfectly.
• When cutting the onion, leave at least a ½-inch gap around the root region to avoid breaking it.
• To avoid burning the onion's tip during air frying, cover it with aluminum foil.
• For the greatest outcome, cook your air fryer blooming onions in batches if you're making more than one.

Recipe Variation:

The recipe can be adjusted to your preferences. Here are a few dietary changes you can make:

• As an alternative to all-purpose flour, use gluten-free flour such as white rice flour or almond flour.
• Use plant-based milk and for no egg blooming use a flax egg to produce vegan blooming onions in an air fryer.
• If you're using bread crumbs, use low-carb versions.

Other onion recipes you might like:

• Air fryer onion pakoda
• Air fryer frozen onion rings
• Air fryer onions

Storing and reheating leftovers:

The air fryer blossoming onion tastes best when served right away. The extra onions can, however, be put in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They last for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat the leftover blooming onions in the air fryer basket at 175C/350F for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

What kind of dipping sauce pairs well with this recipe?

With your preferred dipping sauce, serve your hot and crispy air-fried blooming onions. They can be served with sour cream, ketchup, ranch dressing, or hot sauce.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions:

Are air fryer blooming onions good for you?

Yes, air fryer blooming onions are air-fried, and they're better for you than traditionally prepared ones (deep-fried.)

How do I make my blooming onion crispy?

Before air frying the onion, generously spray it with oil for a crispy finish.

Why do you soak a blooming onion in water?

Blooming onion petals are made stronger, softer, and easier to separate later by soaking them in water. Before seasoning, drain the onion of its water and wipe it dry with a paper towel.

How do you get blooming onion to open?

Allow the onion to sit cut-side up for about 5 minutes, then watch as the petals naturally fall off. A forceful pull could cause the petals to rip off, so be careful.
Make sure you chop the onion closer to the root of the onion petals and don't fall off.

If you’ve tried this recipe, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

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📖 Recipe