How do you make a crispy blooming onion in the air fryer?

To get a crispy blooming onion in air fryer , the secret is in the layers: season your flour mix, thoroughly coat each petal with egg and panko, then chill before frying. Spray generously with oil before and during cooking. This lets the air fryer do its thing, circulating heat for that crunchy, golden finish. A little extra oil spray goes a long way in getting that fried effect without the deep fryer.

How to make a blooming onion in an air fryer (like the YouTube versions)?

Those viral YouTube videos often show a blooming onion that's massive, dramatic, and ultra-crispy. The trick? Use a sweet onion, cut it into 16+ petals, soak it in ice water to help it bloom, then bread it using the triple-dip method: flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Place it cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Next, air fry at 375°F for 16–20 minutes, giving it a light oil spray halfway through. Want to go bigger? Pair it with sides like air fryer catfish or corn on the cob for the full experience.

How do I cook onions in my air fryer?

Air frying onions depends on the cut and purpose. For a blooming onion in air fryer recipe , you're using a whole sliced onion, soaked and breaded, cooked upright for 15–20 minutes. But if you're just air frying onion rings or sliced onions, toss them in oil and seasonings and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway. Want savory-sweet onions? A pinch of sugar and salt helps recreate that caramelized flavor. A pinch of sugar and salt helps recreate that caramelized flavor.

What is the sauce made of for blooming onions?

The classic blooming onion sauce is a creamy, zesty mix of mayo, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. For added depth, some recipes mix in Worcestershire sauce and a dash of vinegar, it’s tangy, slightly spicy, and perfect for dipping each crispy petal. Store extras in the fridge and use them for sandwiches or bison burgers later in the week.

Blooming Onion In Air Fryer Recipe | The Perfect Golden Crunch

Name: Blooming Onion in Air Fryer Recipe: Crispy Perfection Made Simple
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Cooking spray

Description

This blooming onion in air fryer recipe delivers ultra-crispy texture with a bold, flavorful crust using pantry staples—no deep frying needed!

Ingredients

1 large sweet onion (Vidalia)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 eggs

½ cup milk

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Peel onion and slice into 12–16 sections, leaving root intact.

2. Soak in ice water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry.

3. Prepare 3 bowls: seasoned flour, egg/milk mix, and panko.

4. Dredge onion in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

5. Chill for 20 minutes.

6. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.

7. Spray onion with oil and place in fryer basket.

8. Air fry for 16–20 minutes, spraying again halfway.

9. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

Soaking helps the onion bloom and open up. Chilling before frying keeps the coating intact. Use oil spray liberally to encourage browning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American