Air Fryer Blooming Onion Crispy, Flavorful, and Healthier Alternative

Air Fryer Blooming Onion: Crispy, Flavorful, and Healthier Alternative

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Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a healthier, crispy twist on the classic deep-fried version. Made using an air fryer, this recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of a traditional blooming onion without the added grease and calories. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a savory appetizer, this air-fried treat is sure to impress everyone at the table with its deliciousness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion (preferably sweet onion)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for spraying)
  • Dipping sauce (such as ranch or spicy mayo)

Instructions:

  1. Start by preparing the onion. Peel off the outer layers, and carefully cut off the top of the onion, keeping the root intact. Place the onion with the root side down and slice it into 12-16 wedges without cutting all the way through. The root should hold the onion together so the slices stay intact.
  2. Gently open up the onion petals to create the “blooming” effect. If any petals are stuck together, use your fingers to separate them.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are smooth and well-blended.
  5. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly in a third shallow bowl. Panko breadcrumbs will provide a crispier texture, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
  6. Take the prepared onion and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to coat each petal thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.
  7. Next, dip the flour-coated onion into the egg mixture, ensuring each petal is well-covered with the egg wash.
  8. After that, coat the onion with breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly to ensure they stick to the petals. Coat the onion completely, including the inner petals.
  9. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature.
  10. Once preheated, spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of olive oil to prevent the onion from sticking. Place the onion in the basket, ensuring it fits comfortably without crowding.
  11. Spray the top of the onion with a light mist of olive oil to promote even crisping.
  12. Air fry the onion at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, carefully flip the onion to ensure both sides crisp up evenly. Check for golden-brown color and crispiness. If necessary, air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until perfectly cooked.
  13. Once the onion is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly.
  14. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy your healthier version of the blooming onion, full of flavor and crispiness!

Conclusion: Air Fryer Blooming Onion offers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and delicious flavor without the guilt of deep frying. The crispy petals with a flavorful seasoning blend make this a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s ideal for any occasion. Plus, using the air fryer makes it a much healthier option than traditional methods while still maintaining that signature crunch. Try it today and savor this flavorful, crispy treat!

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