Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Air Fryer Blooming Onion turns one sweet onion into a crisp pull-apart appetizer with seasoned flour, eggs, milk, and a light oil spray. It is a fun air fryer snack for parties, game day, or anytime you want onion blossom flavor without deep frying.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Oil spray bottle
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
- oil in a spray bottle
Instructions
- Peel the onion, trim the top, keep the root intact, and cut evenly spaced petals without slicing through the root.
- Stir the flour, paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a wide bowl.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, and water in a second bowl until smooth and thin enough to coat between the petals.
- Dredge the onion in the seasoned flour, dip it in the egg mixture, then dredge again so the coating reaches inside the petals.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 2-3 minutes and place the onion root-side down in the basket.
- Spray the onion well with oil, air fry for 18-22 minutes, and spray any dry flour spots halfway through cooking.
- Rest for 3-5 minutes, then serve warm with dipping sauce while the coating is crisp.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover blooming onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after it cools completely.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 4-6 minutes until warm and crisp around the edges.
Air Fryer Tips: Cook one onion at a time, keep the root side down, and spray any dry flour patches so the coating browns properly.
Extra Crispy Tips: Use a double coating and a fine oil mist, making sure oil reaches between the petals without soaking them.
Variations: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, or a milder amount of cayenne to adjust the flavor.