Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

I recently prepared a Blooming Onions Recipe using a fresh Vidalia onion, egg, milk, all-purpose flour, and cornstarch combined with paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne. Air-fried to a crisp finish, it offers a pleasing crunch alongside a tangy blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, and horseradish sauce for sharing just perfect.

I’ve always been drawn to recipes that offer a little twist on classic flavors, and this Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe sure does that. I took a large Vidalia onion, neatly peeled and cut into a bloom shape, then dipped it in a light mix of egg and milk.

I mixed in just the right amount of all-purpose flour with cornstarch and spiced it up with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper and even a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Once airfried to a perfectly crispy texture, it looked just like those amazing baby blooming onions I’ve seen in Foodie Ninja Recipes and other instant air fryer recipes for sides and appetizers.

I paired it with a tangy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup and a splash of horseradish sauce. This fun appetizer is a perfect way to spice up any meal, offering an unexpected yet delightful taste adventure.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because:
1. I love how fun it is to dip that blooming onion in the egg and milk mix and then coat it in that seasoned flour blend.
2. I like that it turns out extra crispy in the air fryer which makes it feel a bit healthier than deep frying.
3. I enjoy how the spices give it a really unique and tasty flavor that stands out.
4. I appreciate the dipping sauce because it adds a little extra kick that makes every bite even better.

This blooming onion recipe is super fun to make and looks as cool as a flower. Basically, you cut a southern sweet onion into a bloom shape, dip it in a mix of egg and milk, and then dredge it in a spice-loaded flour blend. After that, you air fry it until its golden and crispy, turning it halfway so all sides get that perfect crunch. And the best part? You get to enjoy it with a homemade dipping sauce made with mayo, ketchup, and a bit of horseradish for that extra zing. Even if you mess up a bit here and there, it always turns out delicious and is a total hit when sharing with friends.

Ingredients

• Vidalia onion: Sweet and mild flavor, adds fiber and vitamins while creating a fun look
• Egg: Provides protein and acts as a binding agent so the coating sticks well
• Milk: Offers creaminess, helps the batter adhere and adds a subtle tangy taste
• Flour: The main carbohydrate helps to form a crisp, even coating on the onion
• Cornstarch: Boosts crunchiness and gives the bloom a light, airy texture
• Paprika: Brings a warm, smoky sweetness that enhances the overall flavor

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large Vidalia or sweet onion, peeled and cut into bloom shape
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk if you prefer a tangy taste)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
• For dipping sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp horseradish sauce (or a splash of lemon juice) and a pinch of salt and pepper
• Olive oil spray for the air fryer basket

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F so its gettin nice and hot.

2. In one bowl, lightly beat the egg with the milk until mixed well.

3. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and the cayenne pepper if you’re usin it.

4. Carefully peel your large Vidalia or sweet onion and cut it into a bloom shape by making even cuts around the onion, but leave the bottom intact so the petals stay together.

5. Dip the cut onion first into the egg and milk mixture, making sure its well coated.

6. Next, dredge the onion in the flour mixture, covering every petal thoroughly so you get that crunchy layer.

7. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray, then carefully place the coated onion inside.

8. Air fry the onion for about 15 to 18 minutes, turn it halfway through so it gets crispy all over.

9. While the onion is fryin, mix together the dipping sauce by stirrin the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce (or lemon juice), and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.

10. Once the blooming onion is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately with your dip so everyone can enjoy this fun appetizer.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with basket
2. A large mixing bowl for the egg and milk
3. A second mixing bowl for the dry ingredients
4. A small mixing bowl for the dipping sauce
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. A whisk or fork for beating the egg
7. A sharp knife
8. A cutting board
9. Tongs for turning the onion in the air fryer

FAQ

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have regular milk, you can use almond milk or soy milk. These work fine in keeping the batter smooth.
• If you need to avoid eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. It kinda does the same job.
• Not into all-purpose flour? A gluten-free blend will work in most cases, though the texture might be a bit different.
• Out of cornstarch? Try using rice flour instead. It gives a similar crispness to the coating.
• If you aren’t a fan of horseradish in the dipping sauce, you could swap it with a bit of mustard or extra lemon juice to add that tangy flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your air fryer gets really hot before you start and spray the basket evenly with oil so that the bloom gets crispy instead of a bit soggy.
2. If you have buttermilk on hand, use it instead of regular milk because that little tang really makes the flavors pop and takes your snack to the next level.
3. Mix your dry seasonings really well in the flour and cornstarch mix so every part of the onion gets coated evenly, ’cause missing spots can ruin the crunch factor.
4. Don’t crowd the air fryer basket; if you jam too many things in there, the heat won’t circulate properly and your bloom might end up less crispy than what you were expectin.