Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Who can resist the appeal of a blooming onion? This classic appetizer, known for its flavorful crunch and stunning presentation, is a favorite at restaurants and festivals across the country. Now, imagine being able to enjoy a healthier version of this delicacy right at home, without sacrificing any of the taste. Thanks to the air fryer, this dream is now a reality. Today, we’re excited to share an air fryer blooming onion recipe that’s sure to wow your friends and family at your next gathering.
What is a Blooming Onion?
A blooming onion, also known as an onion blossom, is a dish consisting of one large onion which is cut to resemble a flower, battered, and deep-fried. It’s typically served with a tangy, spicy dipping sauce. While incredibly delicious, the traditional deep-frying method is high in calories and fat. That’s where our air fryer recipe comes in.
Benefits of an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It’s a popular choice for people who are conscious about their health but still want to enjoy their favorite fried foods. The air fryer delivers the same crispy texture and delicious taste as deep-frying but with significantly less oil, reducing the calorie and fat content.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet onion
- 2 cups low-fat buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
- For the dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon oregano
- Dash of black pepper
- Dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Begin by cutting the onion. Start approximately 1/2 inch from the root, cutting downward. Continue to make even sections all the way around the onion. Be careful not to cut through the root. Once you’ve made the initial cuts, gently separate the onion sections to give it the “blooming” effect.
- Place the cut onion in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Make sure the onion is fully submerged. Allow it to soak for at least an hour in the refrigerator. This process helps to soften the onion and adds a nice tangy flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your breading mixture.
- After the onion has soaked, remove it from the buttermilk and shake off the excess. Dip the onion in the flour mixture, making sure to cover all sections. You may need to press the mixture onto the onion to ensure it sticks.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the onion generously with the non-stick cooking spray. This will help achieve that golden, crispy texture.
- Place the onion in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to turn the onion on its side.
- Cook the onion for about 10 minutes, then flip it over carefully using two forks or tongs. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the onion is cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
- Once the onion is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the air fryer blooming onion with the prepared dipping sauce.
This air fryer blooming onion recipe is a healthier, but just as tasty, version of a beloved classic. It’s sure to impress anyone who tries it!
FAQs about Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about making a blooming onion in an air fryer.
We recommend using a large sweet onion for this recipe due to its size and mild, sweet flavor. However, you can also use a large white or yellow onion if you prefer.
Yes, you can cut and soak the onion in buttermilk up to a day in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bread and cook it.
If your blooming onion isn’t as crispy as you’d like, it might be due to a lack of oil. Although an air fryer uses much less oil than traditional frying methods, a little bit of oil is still necessary to achieve a crispy texture. Make sure to spray the onion thoroughly with cooking spray before cooking.
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the label to ensure it’s suitable for frying.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, allow the blooming onion to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days.
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Be aware that reheating may not return the onion to its original crispy state.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 2 cups low-fat buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
- For the dipping sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon oregano
- Dash of black pepper
- Dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the onion. Start approximately 1/2 inch from the root, cutting downward. Continue to make even sections all the way around the onion. Be careful not to cut through the root. Once you’ve made the initial cuts, gently separate the onion sections to give it the “blooming” effect.
- Place the cut onion in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Make sure the onion is fully submerged. Allow it to soak for at least an hour in the refrigerator. This process helps to soften the onion and adds a nice tangy flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your breading mixture.
- After the onion has soaked, remove it from the buttermilk and shake off the excess. Dip the onion in the flour mixture, making sure to cover all sections. You may need to press the mixture onto the onion to ensure it sticks.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the onion generously with the non-stick cooking spray. This will help achieve that golden, crispy texture.
- Place the onion in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to turn the onion on its side.
- Cook the onion for about 10 minutes, then flip it over carefully using two forks or tongs. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the onion is cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
- Once the onion is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the air fryer blooming onion with the prepared dipping sauce.
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
Our air fryer blooming onion recipe is the perfect combination of health and indulgence. By swapping out the deep fryer for an air fryer, you can enjoy this mouth-watering appetizer without the guilt. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish as much as we do. Happy cooking!
