Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

I’m excited to share one of my favorite blooming onion recipes. I use a large Vidalia onion dipped in a blend of all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder and then coated with buttermilk and crisp panko breadcrumbs. This recipe is a fun and inventive take on Air Fryer Recipes Snacks that never fails to impress.

I’ve been experimenting with a bunch of new air fryer recipes lately, and this blooming onion recipe really blew my mind. I know it sounds a bit intimidating at first but trust me it ain’t as hard as it seems.

I cut a large Vidalia onion just right, then dip it in a mix of all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it that satisfying heat. I follow that up with a beaten egg, some buttermilk and crunchy panko breadcrumbs to create a perfect coating.

The air fryer does wonders to make it crispy without the deep-fried mess, which is both budget friendly and healthy. Once you master the tricky part of slicing the onion just so, youre in for a tasty treat that’ll impress your friends and give you a boost of culinary pride.

Enjoy making this fun and new twist on classic blooming onion recipes!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a few reasons. First, it looks way more complicated than it actually is, so I feel proud when I nail the blooming onion shape even though I mess it up sometimes. Second, the mix of spices gives it an awesome flavor that’s both a little spicy and super savory – it makes every bite interesting. Third, using the air fryer makes it a bit healthier than the deep fried versions and still leaves the onion nice and crispy, which is perfect for a snack. And lastly, I love that it’s a fun appetizer that always impresses my family and friends when I serve it, even if I sometimes forget a step or two.

Ingredients

• Vidalia onion: Naturally sweet and mild, it adds fiber and depth to the flavor.
• All-purpose flour: A simple carbohydrate that helps make the crisp, well-coated bloom.
• Buttermilk: It gives a light tang while tenderising the layers, making them extra crispy.
• Egg: This ingredient acts as a binder and contributes a bit of protein.
• Panko breadcrumbs: They deliver crunch and airy texture to the dish with every bite.
• Spices: Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder boost the taste real good.
• Cooking spray: Helps the onion crisp up without needing too much extra oil.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large Vidalia onion (about 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

How to Make this

1. Start by cutting your Vidalia onion into a blooming shape. Cut from the top almost down to the root but leave the base intact so it holds together.

2. In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.

3. In another bowl, whisk the beaten egg and buttermilk until they are well combined.

4. Put the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

5. Dip the sliced onion into the flour mixture, making sure you get some between each petal.

6. Next, dunk the onion into the egg and buttermilk mix so its completely coated.

7. Then, coat the onion in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to get the crumbs into the gaps.

8. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

9. Place the coated onion into the basket and air fry for about 15 minutes; flip it halfway through for an even crispy finish.

10. Once done, let it cool for a couple minutes then serve warm and enjoy your crispy blooming onion appetizer.

Equipment Needed

1. Knife and cutting board for cutting the Vidalia onion
2. Three mixing bowls (one for the flour mix, one for the egg and buttermilk, and one for the panko breadcrumbs)
3. Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients
4. Whisk to blend the egg and buttermilk together
5. Air fryer that can be preheated to 375°F
6. Cooking spray to coat the air fryer basket
7. Tongs to flip the blooming onion during cooking
8. A serving plate for the finished appetizer

FAQ

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you want something similar to buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Its not exactly the same but works pretty well.
• You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour if you’re trying to add a bit more fiber. It might change the taste slightly but its a nice twist.
• Swap regular paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Just keep the measurement the same for an extra kick.
• If you need an egg substitute, try a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water; let it rest for 5 minutes before using. Its a common go-to for those avoiding eggs.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your knife is really sharp when you cut the onion into its blooming shape; a clean cut makes all the difference and helps the spices stick better.
2. When you mix up the flour and spices, stir real good so every bit of the onion gets its fair share of flavor – no clumps allowed.
3. Dip the onion into the egg and buttermilk mix slowly to make sure it’s fully soaked; this helps the panko stick better during cooking.
4. Don’t forget to flip the onion midway in the air fryer so every petal gets a nice, even crisp – trust me, it makes a huge difference in texture.