5 from 12 votes
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
This Air Fryer Blooming Onion features a large sweet onion cut into 16 petals, coated with a seasoned whole wheat flour and egg wash mixture, then air-fried for a crispy exterior. The use of smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano gives the coating a complex savory flavor with optional heat. The air fryer method produces a crunch with less oil than traditional deep frying, making it suitable for a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
108 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 108
% 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.