Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe | Healthy

The Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried version. With the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy, golden exterior while reducing the oil used in traditional frying. To make this delicious dish, start by slicing an onion into a blooming flower shape, ensuring the layers remain attached at the base. After coating the onion in a blend of seasoned flour and breadcrumbs, spray it lightly with cooking spray to encourage crispness. Place the prepared onion in the air fryer basket and cook at a moderate temperature until it becomes perfectly crisp and tender inside. Serve the blooming onion with a homemade dipping sauce, such as a spicy ranch or tangy remoulade, for the perfect appetizer or side dish. This Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a popular dish with less guilt and maximum flavor.

Easy and Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe | Healthy and Delicious

If you love the crispy, flavorful goodness of a blooming onion, but want a healthier version without sacrificing taste, the Air Fryer Blooming Onion is your answer! This version of the classic deep-fried appetizer eliminates the oil-heavy frying process, offering a crispy, golden texture with less fat and fewer calories. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, this Air Fryer Blooming Onion is simple to prepare and tastes just as delicious as the restaurant-style version. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or an impressive party snack, this recipe is sure to impress!

This recipe brings the indulgent flavors of a blooming onion right to your kitchen in under 30 minutes, all while keeping things light and crispy with the air fryer. The best part? You get to enjoy that signature crispy crunch with much less oil!

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 130-150 calories per serving (depending on the size and amount of oil used)
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

(Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portions used.)

Ingredients

• 1 large onion (preferably a sweet onion)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)
• Cooking spray (for air frying)

For the Dipping Sauce (optional):

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onion:
   • Start by peeling the onion and cutting off the top. Leave the root end intact as it will help hold the onion layers together.
   • Place the onion cut-side down and carefully slice it vertically into 12-16 wedges, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through the root. This will create a “bloom” effect once the onion is opened.
   • Gently spread the layers of the onion apart to separate them. If needed, you can trim away some of the center to make the blooming process easier.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
   • In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
   • In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Onion:
   • Dip the onion into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Finally, coat the onion in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
   • Repeat the process to make sure the onion is coated evenly.
4. Air Frying:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
   • Place the prepared onion in the air fryer basket, root side down. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the onion in half or bloom it in batches.
   • Lightly spray the top of the onion with cooking spray to help it crisp up.
   • Air fry the onion at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until the onion is golden brown and crispy. If the onion isn’t crispy enough after the first cook, you can air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn.
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
   • While the onion is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
   • Stir until well combined and set aside.
6. Serving:
   • Once the blooming onion is cooked and golden brown, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a serving platter.
   • Serve it with the dipping sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes

Active Time:

• 18 minutes

Resting Time:

• None (can be served immediately)

Total Time:

• 28 minutes

Cuisines:

• American, Comfort Food

Course:

• Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish

Servings:

• 4-6 servings

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• 3 shallow bowls (for the flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs)
• Knife and cutting board (for prepping the onion)
• Small mixing bowl (for preparing the dipping sauce)
• Cooking spray
• Tongs or spatula (for handling the blooming onion in the air fryer)

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Tips for the Best Air Fryer Blooming Onion

• Onion Selection: Choose a large, firm onion. Sweet onions are ideal because they have a milder taste, but yellow or white onions can also work well.
• Breadcrumb Texture: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture.
• Crispiness: To ensure the onion crisps up nicely, make sure to spray the onion lightly with cooking spray before air frying. This helps the breadcrumbs to become golden brown and crispy.
• Air Fryer Variations: Depending on the model of your air fryer, cooking times might vary. Be sure to check on the onion at the 15-minute mark and adjust the time as needed. If you’re making a smaller onion, reduce the cook time slightly.

Conclusion

Making a Blooming Onion in the Air Fryer is not only a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, but it also delivers the same crispy, savory texture you crave. With minimal prep time and active cooking time, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to parties and gatherings. The tangy dipping sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite delicious. So, fire up your air fryer, and indulge in this guilt-free treat that’s bound to impress everyone!