Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 unit Large sweet onion (Notes: Vidalia or similar sweet onion preferred.)
• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour (Notes: For coating the onion.)
• 1 tablespoon Paprika (Notes: For seasoning.)
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (Notes: For a bit of heat.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 2 unit Large eggs (Notes: For the egg wash.)
• 1 cup Milk (Notes: Can substitute with almond milk or other alternatives.)
• 1 cup Water
• Cooking oil spray (Notes: For spraying the onion before air frying.)
• Salt and pepper (Notes: To taste.)

Instructions

1. 1
   Slice off the top of the onion and peel the outer skin.
2. 2
   Place the onion cut-side down and make several evenly spaced cuts down into the onion, being careful not to cut through the root.
3. 3
   Turn the onion over and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the petals to relax.
4. 4
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. 5
   In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and water together.
6. 6
   Coat the onion in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and coat it again in the flour mixture.
7. 7
   Place the onion in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set.
8. 8
   Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
9. 9
   Remove the onion from the refrigerator and spray generously with cooking oil.
10. 10
    Place the onion in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, spraying with oil 2-3 times during cooking.
11. 11
    Check for doneness; the onion should be golden brown and crispy.
12. 12
    Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations:

• Make sure to coat the individual layers of onion in flour for maximum crispiness.
• You can substitute some or all of the milk for beer in the egg wash for a different flavor.
• Spray the onion multiple times during cooking for better crispiness.