Air Fryer Bloomin' Onions: Which Models Work Best?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to make blooming onions, a popular, crispy, salty, deep-fried appetizer. However, not all air fryers are created equal, and results may vary depending on the size and shape of the air fryer, as well as the type of onion used. While sweet onions are typically recommended for blooming onions, white, yellow, and red onions can also be used. The key to a successful blooming onion is cutting the onion into the blossom shape without cutting into the root area, which holds the onion together. Once the onion is cut properly, it can be coated in a variety of dry and wet ingredients and air-fried to crispy perfection.

Choosing the right onion

First, look for a large onion. The bigger the onion, the more petals you can create, and larger petals will result in a better presentation and texture. Aim for an onion that is at least 14 to 16 ounces in size.

Second, consider the type of onion. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, are often recommended for blooming onions because they have a milder, sweeter flavour. This makes them more appealing to a wider range of palates. Additionally, sweet onions contain fewer sulphur compounds, so they are less likely to make you cry during the cutting process! However, if you prefer a stronger onion flavour, you can also use yellow or white onions.

Finally, when selecting your onion, look for one with a firm texture and dry, papery skin. Avoid onions with soft spots or sprouting, as these may affect the quality of your final dish.

Remember, the onion is the star of this recipe, so take your time in selecting the right one. With the right choice, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering blooming onion that will impress your family and friends!

Cutting the onion

The key to getting your blooming onion to, well, bloom, is in the cutting technique. You'll want to start by cutting off 1/2 an inch from the top of the onion. Peel the outer paper skin off the onion. Place the onion on a cutting board with the cut side down and the root on the top. Starting about 1/2 an inch away from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the board.

Repeat this process to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion, ensuring you stay about 1/2 an inch away from the root with each cut. Then, make three additional cuts in each of the four sections to divide them evenly. You should end up with 16 evenly spaced cuts.

Turn the onion over and set it aside for five minutes so that the petals can start to relax and open up. After this time, use your fingers to gently separate the outer pieces and make the onion bloom. You can also use a fork to help open up the petals.

Slicing the onion can be dangerous, so make sure you are doing it on a flat surface like a cutting board for stability. Rinsing the onion under cold water first can also help to keep the tears at bay!

Preparing the coating

The coating for your blooming onion is a simple mixture of dry ingredients and wet ingredients.

For the dry ingredients, you will need flour, and a selection of spices. The exact spices you use are up to you, but some suggestions include paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, turmeric, and black pepper. You will also need a packet of seasoned coating mix, similar to breadcrumbs or a fish fry coating.

For the wet ingredients, whisk together eggs, butter, and milk. You can substitute almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk if you prefer. You can also add a little beer to the mixture for a slightly different flavor.

Once you have prepared your dry and wet ingredients, it's time to start coating your onion. Place the onion in a large clean bowl, cut-side up, and sprinkle the flour mixture over it, making sure to get it in between the layers. Use your fingers to separate each petal and sprinkle flour between them. Dump any remaining flour over the whole onion and let it sit for a few minutes.

Turn the onion over and gently pat off any excess flour, returning it to the bowl. Now, transfer the onion to a large bowl and pour the egg mixture over it, ensuring it coats the onion evenly. Open each petal to allow the egg mixture to soak into every bit of flour. Let the onion sit in this mixture for a few minutes, then remove it and allow any excess to drip off.

Finally, add the packet of seasoned coating mix to the leftover flour mixture and sprinkle this over the onion, making sure to coat any part of the onion that is exposed to the air. You can also brush more of the egg mixture over any drier parts of the onion. Place the onion in the refrigerator to set while you preheat your air fryer.

Frying the onion

Now that your onion has been cut and coated, it's time to fry! Place your onion in the air fryer basket, cut side up, and set the temperature to 300-375°F. Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, it should take around 20-25 minutes for the onion to turn golden brown and crispy.

During the cooking process, it is important to spray the onion with cooking oil 2-3 times to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Check on the onion occasionally and spray any spots that still have visible flour.

Once the onion is golden brown and the petals are starting to darken slightly at the tips, it's time to remove it from the air fryer. Use an aluminium foil sling to carefully lift the onion out of the basket, as it will be hot.

Season the onion with salt and pepper, if desired, and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy, salty, and indulgent treat!

Making the dipping sauce

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour Cream
• Ketchup
• Prepared Horseradish
• Paprika
• Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Dried Oregano
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. The specific quantities of each ingredient can be adjusted to your taste preferences, but a good starting point is:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Mix the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and all the ingredients are well combined. You can use a whisk or a spoon to do this.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. The sauce needs to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is important as it allows the flavours to meld and develop.
• Before serving, give the sauce a final stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

This dipping sauce is extremely versatile and can be used for more than just Bloomin' Onions. Try it with onion rings, french fries, chicken tenders, or even as a spread on sandwiches or burgers. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions