Air Fryer Blooming Onion: Is It Possible?

A blooming onion is a popular deep-fried appetizer that is crispy, salty, and delicious. It is usually served in restaurants but can also be made at home using an air fryer. An air fryer blooming onion is healthier than the deep-fried version as it uses less oil. The key to making a blooming onion is cutting the onion into a blossom shape, which requires a good sharp knife and a steady hand. The onion is then coated with a flour and spice mixture, and cooked in the air fryer. The end result is a crispy, golden brown blooming onion that can be served with a dipping sauce.

Choosing the right onion

First and foremost, size matters. Aim for the largest onion you can find, as this will give you bigger petals and a more impressive bloom. Look for "cannonball onions" if you're in the UK; otherwise, any large sweet onion variety, such as Vidalia, will do. The bigger the onion, the better it will hold up during the frying process.

Sweet onion varieties, like Vidalia, are ideal because they have a milder flavour. This makes them more appealing to a broader range of palates. Additionally, sweet onions contain fewer sulphur compounds, so they won't make you cry as much during the cutting process!

When selecting your onion, inspect it carefully. Choose one with a thick, intact root, as this will hold the onion together while you make your cuts. Also, make sure the onion is firm and doesn't have any soft spots or bruises.

Once you've found the perfect onion, it's time to start preparing it. Cut off about half an inch from the top (not the root end) and carefully peel away the outer skin. Now you're ready to start slicing! Follow a blooming onion slicing guide for the best results.

With the right onion and careful preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering blooming onion in your air fryer. Enjoy the process and savour the delicious results!

Cutting the onion

The trickiest part of making a blooming onion is cutting it into the blossom shape. You will need a good, sharp chef's knife. First, cut a nice, flat surface off the top of the onion (the stem end). Then, cut as little as possible off the root end – just enough to allow the onion to sit flat. The root is the key to success in cutting the blooming onion properly. You want there to be enough root to hold the onion together, but you should never cut through the root.

Place the onion stem side down on the countertop and make four slices down the onion at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, but don't cut through the root. Then, make three slices down the onion between each of the original four slices, but again, don't cut through the root.

If you've been successful, when you turn the onion over, the onion will open up, but not fall apart because the root will still be intact. Use your fingers to gently separate all the petals of the onion.

Now you're ready to coat the onion with the flour, egg, and milk mixture, and then it's time to air fry!

Tips for Cutting the Onion

• Make sure you use a sharp knife for cutting the onion.
• A sweet onion, such as a Vidalia onion, is recommended because they are milder and sweeter, and they have less of the sulfur compounds that make you cry as you cut the onion.
• Slicing the onion is dangerous, so make sure you are doing it on a flat surface like a cutting board for stability.
• Give the onion plenty of time to open so that each petal gets coated.

Preparing the onion for frying

First, cut a nice flat surface off the top of the onion (the stem end). Then, cut as little as possible off the root end – just enough to allow the onion to sit flat. The root is what holds the onion together, so be careful not to cut through it. Place the onion stem side down on the countertop and make four slices down the onion at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, but don't cut through the root. Then, make three slices down the onion between each of the original four slices, again being careful not to cut through the root.

Turn the onion over and gently separate the petals with your fingers. The onion should now be in a blossom shape.

Next, you'll need a series of bowls to make this messy job as tidy as possible. Place the onion in one bowl and sprinkle the seasoned flour over the top, doing your best to get the flour on all the petals. Transfer the onion to a second bowl and pour the egg mixture over the top, using your fingers to spread the petals apart and coat the onion in egg.

Transfer the onion to a third bowl and pour the remaining seasoned flour over the top. Again, do your best to get the flour on every petal. Then, tip the onion over to shake off any excess flour.

Now you're ready to air-fry!

Air-frying the onion

Next, you need to coat the onion. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and water. Place the onion in a clean bowl, cut-side up, and pour the flour mixture on top, ensuring you get it in between the petals. Turn the onion over and tap off any excess flour, then place it in the egg mixture and coat evenly. Finally, transfer the onion back to the flour mixture and repeat the process.

Now, you need to let the coating set. Place the onion in the refrigerator while you preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes. Once preheated, remove the onion from the refrigerator and spray it generously with cooking oil spray. Transfer the onion to the air fryer basket, cut-side up, and cook for 20-25 minutes, spraying it with cooking oil 2-3 times during the cooking process. Once the onion is golden brown and starting to get darker at the tips of the petals, it is ready to be removed from the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

The blooming onion is a fun and impressive appetizer that can be served at parties or as a side dish. It's a great way to elevate a simple meal and impress your guests. Here are some tips and ideas for serving this delicious treat:

• Dipping Sauces: Blooming onions are often served with a dipping sauce, and you can get creative with your choices. Try a secret sauce from Outback, or make your own sauce with mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano. You can also serve it with fry sauce, ketchup, mustard, or even a cheese sauce.
• Other Appetizers: If you're serving the blooming onion as an appetizer, consider pairing it with other air-fried treats like chicken nuggets, buffalo cauliflower, or bacon-wrapped pineapple bites.
• Main Course: If you're serving the blooming onion as a side dish, it can complement a variety of main courses. Try it with a steak, burger, or sandwich for a hearty and indulgent meal.
• Beverages: Offer a variety of drinks to pair with the blooming onion, such as beer, cocktails, or soft drinks.
• Presentation: To make your blooming onion look even more appealing, use a foil sling to transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish it with additional paprika or herbs, and provide small plates and napkins for your guests.
• Leftovers: While it's best served fresh, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, the onion might not retain its crispness, so it's best enjoyed immediately.

Whether you're serving it as an appetizer or a side, the blooming onion is a unique and tasty treat that your guests will surely enjoy. Don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces and pairings to find your favourite combinations.

Frequently asked questions