Air Fryer Blooming Onion

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Step 1: Prepare the Onion

  1. Peel and Slice: Peel the onion and cut off the top, leaving the root end intact. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Make 8-12 evenly spaced cuts from the root end to the top, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  2. Bloom the Onion: Gently separate the onion petals by gently pulling them apart. This will create the “bloom” effect.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

  1. Mix Flour and Spices: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
  3. Prepare Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Step 3: Bread the Onion

  1. Coat in Flour Mixture: Carefully coat the onion in the flour mixture, making sure to get the mixture between the petals. Shake off any excess flour.
  2. Dip in Egg Mixture: Dip the flour-coated onion into the egg mixture, making sure to cover all the petals.
  3. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Coat the onion with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well.

Step 4: Air Fry the Onion

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Air Fry: Place the breaded onion in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the onion is golden brown and crispy. You may need to check halfway through and gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce (if using), paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
  2. Chill: Refrigerate the dipping sauce until ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Cool Slightly: Allow the blooming onion to cool slightly before serving.
  2. Garnish: Place the onion on a serving platter and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips and Variations

  • Extra Crispy: For extra crispy results, lightly spray the breaded onion with cooking spray before air frying.
  • Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasonings or add a bit of cayenne pepper for some heat.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare and bread the onion ahead of time and freeze it. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (about 1/4 of the blooming onion with 2 tablespoons of dipping sauce) provides approximately:

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

Air fryer blooming onion offers all the delicious crunch and flavor of a traditional blooming onion with a healthier twist. With less oil and a simple preparation, it’s a fantastic choice for a tasty appetizer or side dish. Enjoy the crispy petals with a zesty dipping sauce for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!

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