Step 1: Prepare the Onion
- Cut the onion: Start by cutting off 1/2 inch from the pointy stem end of the onion, then peel it. Place the onion cut-side down. Starting 1/2 inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the board. Repeat to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion. Continue making cuts between each section until you have 16 evenly spaced cuts. Turn the onion over and use your fingers to gently separate the petals.
- Soak the onion: Place the onion in a large bowl of ice water for 1 hour to open up the petals further. Then, drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.
Step 3: Coat the Onion
- First coat: Place the onion in a clean bowl. Sprinkle the dry flour mixture over the onion, ensuring it gets between the petals. Turn over and pat off the excess flour.
- Dip: Dip the onion into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all petals. Let the excess drip off.
- Second coat: Place the onion back into the flour mixture for a second coat. Ensure a good coat between the petals. Gently shake off any excess.
Step 4: Air Fry
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Cook: Spray the onion lightly with cooking spray. Place the onion in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model.
Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dipping sauce. Mix well until smooth.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the blooming onion hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Blooming Onion as a delicious appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress with its eye-catching appearance and tasty flavor, all with less oil and guilt than the deep-fried version.