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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe with Creamy Dipping Sauce

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A lighter, crispy blooming onion made in the air fryer paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce. Perfect for parties and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray (light olive oil spray)
  • For the creamy dipping sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel the onion and trim about 1/2 inch off the top. Place cut-side down on a cutting board. Make downward cuts about 1/2 inch apart, slicing about 3/4 of the way down. Gently separate petals until the onion blooms open. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in another bowl.
  4. Dip the blooming onion into the flour mixture, ensuring flour gets between petals. Shake off excess flour.
  5. Dip the onion into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
  6. Coat the onion with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently between petals to adhere. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes.
  8. Place coated onion cut-side down in air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  9. Air fry for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy, spraying halfway through cooking. Use tongs or gloves to remove.
  10. While onion cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
  11. Serve the crispy blooming onion with creamy dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Use a sharp knife for even cuts to ensure uniform cooking. Press coating gently but thoroughly for best crunch. Spray liberally with cooking spray before and halfway through cooking. If petals are soggy, add more panko or spray more oil next time. Can bake in convection oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes as alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer, appetizer, party snack, crispy onion, dipping sauce, easy recipe

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-with-creamy-dipping-sauce-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/