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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe Easy Savory Dipping Sauce

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A crispy, flavorful blooming onion made in the air fryer with a tangy savory dipping sauce, offering a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (preferably Vidalia or Walla Walla)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt as a substitute)
  • Cooking spray (avocado oil spray recommended)
  • For the savory dipping sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel the onion and slice off about 1/2 inch from the top, leaving the root intact.
  2. Turn the onion upside down and make 12 to 16 vertical cuts from the cut end down to the root, spacing evenly around the onion.
  3. Gently separate the petals with your fingers, being careful not to tear them apart.
  4. In a large bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together beaten eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
  6. Spray the onion lightly with cooking spray. Dip the entire onion into the flour mixture, making sure to get between each petal. Shake off excess flour.
  7. Dip the onion into the egg wash, ensuring even coverage.
  8. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coat, pressing flour gently into the petals. Shake off extra flour.
  9. Place the coated onion on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  11. Place the onion in the air fryer basket, root side down. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
  12. Cook for 15-18 minutes, checking halfway through and spraying again if dry. The onion should be golden brown and crispy.
  13. While the onion cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
  14. Transfer the cooked onion to a serving plate and serve warm with the dipping sauce.

Notes

Cut onion evenly for uniform cooking. Double coating with flour and egg wash is key for a thick, crunchy crust. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil before and during cooking to achieve golden crispiness. Let the coated onion rest before cooking to help batter adhere. If coating is not crispy enough, add 2-3 more minutes in the air fryer. For baking, cook at 400°F (205°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, blooming onion, appetizer, crispy onion, savory dipping sauce, easy recipe, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-easy-savory-dipping-sauce/