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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A large onion cut into a bloom, coated in a seasoned crust, and air fried until crisp and golden. These Air Fryer Blooming Onions are fun to share and even better with creamy dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large white onion
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 Tbsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Olive oil spray
Dipping Sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp sour cream
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tsp creamy horseradish sauce
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Method
 

  1. Peel the onion and cut off the top, leaving the root intact. Cut into 12 sections, starting 1/2 inch from the root.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic salt, thyme, and oregano.
  3. Coat the onion in the flour mixture, getting between the petals.
  4. Whisk milk and eggs in another bowl. Coat the onion in the egg mixture.
  5. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coating.
  6. Place foil in the air fryer basket, set onion on top, and spray generously with olive oil spray. Loosely tent with another piece of foil.
  7. Air fry at 340°F for 10 minutes. Spray again with oil.
  8. Increase heat to 360°F and cook 10 to 12 minutes. Remove top foil and cook 3 to 5 minutes more until browned.
  9. Whisk dipping sauce ingredients together while the onion cooks.
  10. Transfer the onion to a serving plate, remove the center, and place a ramekin of sauce in the middle. Serve hot.

Notes

Spray any dry flour spots so they crisp well.
A large onion works best for blooming.
Best served immediately.