Vegan Blooming Onion Air Fryer Recipe | Crispy & Healthy

If you’ve ever enjoyed the crispy, golden-brown goodness of a blooming onion at a restaurant, you’ll love this healthier, vegan take on the classic appetizer! The blooming onion is known for its stunning presentation and flavorful crunch. By using an air fryer, we’re eliminating the need for deep frying, making this recipe both lower in calories and heart-healthier. This vegan blooming onion recipe captures all the indulgence of the traditional version, but with plant-based ingredients and without compromising on taste or texture.

Perfect for parties, game days, or as a show-stopping starter, this air-fried blooming onion is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of spice. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 25 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Appetizer
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~200 per serving

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small bowls for dipping sauces
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional)

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Ingredients

For the Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (for the flax egg)
• 4 tablespoons water (for the flax egg)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegan Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional, for extra tang)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg

1. In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will create a gel-like mixture that serves as your egg replacement.

Step 2: Cut the Onion

1. Peel the outer skin off the onion and trim the top (leave the root intact).
2. Place the onion root-side down. Use a sharp knife to slice the onion into quarters, being careful not to cut all the way through the root. Then, make additional cuts to divide each quarter into 3-4 smaller sections.
3. Gently separate the layers of the onion to create the “bloom.” Be careful not to break the onion.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Stations

1. In one bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a second bowl, combine the plant-based milk with the prepared flax egg.
3. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Coat the Onion

1. Carefully dredge the onion in the flour mixture, ensuring all petals are coated.
2. Dip the floured onion into the plant-based milk and flax egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
3. Finally, coat the onion with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere them to the petals.

Step 5: Air Fry the Onion

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
3. Place the onion into the basket, root side down. Lightly spray the coated onion with cooking spray for added crispiness.
4. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, checking halfway through. If some petals look dry, lightly spray them with more cooking spray.

Step 6: Prepare the Vegan Dipping Sauce

1. While the onion is air frying, mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the onion cool for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a serving plate.
2. Serve with the prepared vegan dipping sauce on the side.

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Pro Tips

• Use a sweet onion for the best flavor, as it mellows out beautifully when cooked.
• If the onion petals aren’t separating well, soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes before dredging.
• Adjust the spices in the breading mixture to suit your taste.
• For extra crunch, double-dip the onion by repeating the flour and breadcrumb steps.

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Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a healthier, vegan-friendly take on a beloved classic. The air fryer ensures a crispy texture with minimal oil, while the flax egg provides a plant-based binding agent that helps the breading stick to the onion petals. The spices in the breading add a bold flavor, and the homemade vegan dipping sauce ties it all together with a tangy kick.