Air Fryer Blooming Onion
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Description
The Air Fryer Blooming Onion is prepared by carefully slicing a large sweet onion into multiple petals while keeping the base intact to create a flower-like shape. The petals are dipped in a seasoned flour mixture enriched with smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried herbs, and optional cayenne pepper, then coated with an egg and almond milk wash before being coated again in the flour. After a brief chilling period to set the coating, the onion is sprayed with oil and cooked in the air fryer at 350°F. This technique yields a crunchy, flavorful crust on each tender onion petal while using less oil than conventional frying.
The texture contrasts the crisp outer coating with the natural sweetness and softness of the cooked onion petals. The inclusion of smoky and aromatic spices complements the onion's mild sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile. The air fryer method allows for a less greasy, easy-to-prepare blooming onion that can be paired with dipping sauces or served as an appetizer or side.
Chilling the coated onion before cooking helps the flour mixture adhere better and improves the final texture. Using almond milk in the egg wash offers a subtle difference in richness while keeping it dairy-free. Spraying the onion generously with oil ensures an even, golden crust during air frying. This recipe is well suited for those interested in a crispy, flavorful snack with a distinctive presentation without deep frying.
Ingredients
- 1 sweet onion large
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 2 egg large
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
- olive oil or avocado oil, in a spray
- salt to taste, sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
- black pepper to taste, sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees F for at least 3 minutes.
- Slice off the top of the onion to create a flat surface. Peel away the outer skin. Turn the onion cut-side down and make several evenly spaced cuts down into the onion starting 1/2 inch from the root. Continue making cuts between the first ones until you have 16 sections.
- Flip the onion over and gently separate the petals.
- In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme and oregano. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and almond milk until well combined.
- Place the onion in a separate bowl, cut-side up, and spoon the flour mixture over it. Make sure each petal is well covered. Flip and tap off excess flour. Dip the onion into the egg mixture then dredge it back in the flour mixture for a second coat.
- Now, you need to let the coating set. I usually chill the onion in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Spray the onion generously with oil from your spray bottle (this is the secret to a crispy texture).
- Create a foil sling for easy handling and place the onion cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes (or stop when you see it golden and crispy). Don't forget to spray the onion 2 to 3 times during the cooking.
- Carefully remove the onion using the foil sling. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 108 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 108kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 77mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 158mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 731IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 77mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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