Best Air Fryer Blooming Onions Ever Recipe

Introduction

Discover how to make the best air fryer blooming onions, a crispy and flavorful appetizer that’s easier and less greasy than the traditional fried version. These golden, crunchy onions are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a delicious snack at home.

Ingredients

• 4 small onions (preferably sweet varieties like Vidalia)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the onions by peeling them and slicing about ¼ inch off the top, keeping the root end intact. Make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart around each onion, stopping above the root. Gently spread the layers to create a blooming flower shape, handling carefully to avoid breaking them.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Step 3: For each onion, dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat between all petals. Dip it fully into the egg and buttermilk mixture. Then roll it in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing so the coating sticks evenly. Use a spoon if needed to coat inner petals without breaking them.
4. Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place one coated onion in the basket and spray the top generously. Air fry for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with remaining onions as needed.

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.
• Try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mix for a spicy kick.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy horseradish sauce for extra flavor.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover blooming onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use larger onions for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking times may need to be extended slightly to ensure they cook through and become crisp on the outside.

Is it necessary to use an air fryer for this blooming onion?

The air fryer is recommended to achieve a crispy texture without soaking in oil, but you can deep fry the coated onions if preferred for a more traditional result.

Best Air Fryer Blooming Onions Ever Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 141 reviews

This recipe for the Best Air Fryer Blooming Onions Ever offers a crispy, golden-brown appetizer made by air frying sweet onions coated in a flavorful seasoned flour, egg batter, and panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly crunchy and tender, these blooming onions are a healthier twist on the classic fried favorite, made easy in the air fryer for less oil and mess.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 blooming onions 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Blooming Onions:

• 4 small onions (preferably sweet varieties like Vidalia)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Peel the onions, removing any dry or papery skin. Slice about ¼ inch off the top of each onion, leaving the root end intact. Set the onion root-side down and make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart all around, stopping just above the root to keep the base whole. Gently spread the layers to “bloom” the petals—like a flower. Handle carefully to avoid breaking the layers.
2. Mix the Coatings: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl, ready for the final coating.
3. Dredge and Coat: Working one onion at a time: dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring the flour gets between all the petals. Dip it fully in the egg-and-buttermilk mixture. Roll it in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing so the coating adheres to every surface. Tip: Use a spoon to help coat the inner petals evenly without breaking them.
4. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place one coated onion in the basket and mist the top of the onion generously with cooking spray. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, or until the onion is golden brown and crisp all over. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the onion and your air fryer model. Repeat with remaining onions if necessary.

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Make sure the root end stays intact while slicing to hold the onion layers together during cooking.
• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Handle the onions carefully when coating to avoid breaking the petals.
• Adjust air frying time based on your air fryer model and onion size.
• Spraying the onion with cooking spray before air frying helps achieve a golden, crispy finish.

Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer appetizer, crispy onion, panko breadcrumb onion, easy air fryer recipe