Crispy Air Fryer Onion Blossom Recipe: A Healthier Take

The Air Fryer Onion Blossom Recipe is a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried Bloomin’ Onion we all know and love. This crispy, golden appetizer is made with fewer calories and less oil, making it perfect for anyone looking for a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, game night, or just a fun treat for yourself, the air fryer makes the process faster, cleaner, and easier.

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Introduction

The Onion Blossom is a famous appetizer that gained popularity in restaurants for its eye-catching presentation and irresistible crunch. Traditionally, it’s deep-fried, but with an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy perfection with significantly less oil. This recipe combines a well-seasoned coating, a tender yet crispy texture, and a flavorful dipping sauce, making it an excellent option for any occasion.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare this delectable appetizer, from prep time to nutritional benefits.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 250 per serving
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Appetizer

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Basting brush
• Aluminum foil (optional for easier clean-up)

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Ingredients

For the Onion Blossom:

• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia works best)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
• Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Onion Blossom:

1. Cut the Onion:
   • Peel the outer layer of the onion, leaving the root intact.
   • Place the onion root-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the onion into 12-16 sections, starting ½ inch from the root to prevent cutting through completely. Gently spread the onion petals apart to form a blossom shape.
2. Make the Flour Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Prepare the Wet Batter:
   • In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk until well combined.
4. Coat the Onion:
   • Place the onion in the flour mixture, ensuring all petals are coated. Shake off any excess.
   • Dip the onion into the wet batter, making sure the mixture gets between all the petals.
   • Return the onion to the flour mixture and coat it thoroughly again for an extra-crispy texture.

2. Air Fry the Onion Blossom:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
3. Place the coated onion in the basket, root side down.
4. Lightly spray or brush the onion with cooking spray or olive oil to ensure even crisping.
5. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even cooking. The onion is ready when it’s golden brown and crispy.

3. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

1. While the onion is cooking, mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

4. Serve:

• Carefully transfer the hot onion blossom to a serving plate. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side, and enjoy this crispy, flavorful appetizer!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	6 g
Fat	12 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	450 mg

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Tips for Success

1. Choosing the Right Onion:
   Sweet onions like Vidalia are ideal because of their mild flavor and ability to hold their shape during cooking.
2. Cutting Technique:
   Use a very sharp knife to ensure clean cuts. A dull knife can tear the onion petals, making it harder to form a blossom shape.
3. Even Coating:
   Ensure every petal is well-coated with the flour mixture and wet batter for uniform crispiness.
4. Preheating the Air Fryer:
   Preheating is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking.
5. Serving:
   Serve immediately after air frying for the best crunch. The onion may lose some crispiness as it cools.

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Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, cutting down on fat and calories while still delivering the crispy texture everyone loves. Plus, the air fryer is faster, less messy, and easier to clean than traditional deep-frying methods.

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Culinary Variations

• Spicy Blossom: Add more cayenne pepper to the coating mixture and dipping sauce for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and egg substitutes like aquafaba or flaxseed meal for the batter.

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Conclusion

This Air Fryer Onion Blossom Recipe offers all the indulgence of a classic Bloomin’ Onion but with fewer calories and less guilt. It’s a perfect appetizer for any occasion, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The air fryer brings out the best in this dish, delivering a crispy, golden onion that pairs beautifully with the tangy dipping sauce.

Try it today and impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing appetizer!