Air Fryer Blooming Onion: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Making a blooming onion in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying it. Blooming onions are a popular, crispy and salty appetizer that can be made at home with an air fryer. While it may seem intimidating, the key to making it is cutting the onion into a blossom shape, and the rest of the process is simple.

Choosing the right onion

Firstly, it is recommended to use a large onion for a blooming onion. A larger onion will result in bigger petals, which are less likely to turn into wilted, crispy bits when fried. Aim for an onion weighing around 500g or a "cannonball onion".

Secondly, the variety of onion is important. Sweet onion varieties, such as Vidalia, are often recommended as they have a milder and sweeter flavour, making them more palatable to a wider range of people. Yellow and white onions, on the other hand, have a stronger flavour which may be too intense for some.

Therefore, when choosing the right onion for your blooming onion, opt for a large, sweet onion variety such as a Vidalia onion. This will ensure your blooming onion has a mild, sweet taste and a crisp texture.

Cutting the onion

First, cut off 1/2 to 1 inch from the top of the onion and remove the outer papery skin. Place the onion on a cutting board with the cut side down and the root on top. Make a downward cut about 1/2 inch away from the root, all the way through to the board. Repeat this three more times to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion. Then, make three additional cuts in each of the four sections to divide them evenly, ensuring all cuts meet in the middle. You should now have 16 evenly spaced cuts.

Turn the onion over and set it aside for five minutes to let the petals relax and open up. If any petals are stuck together, gently separate them so the onion can be in full bloom.

Preparing the coating

The coating for the blooming onion is a simple flour-based mixture with spices. You can use regular white flour or whole wheat flour for this recipe. If you are looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free flour or almond flour. Keep in mind that if you use almond flour, you may need an extra egg to help bind the mixture.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme, and oregano. You can also add other spices like cumin, black pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste. Whisk the mixture until it is well combined.

In a separate bowl, prepare the wet mixture by whisking together the eggs and milk. You can use regular milk, almond milk, or even beer for a unique flavour. If you are using almond flour, you may need to add an extra egg to the wet mixture to help bind the dry ingredients.

Once you have your flour mixture and wet mixture ready, you can start coating the onion. Place the onion in a separate bowl, cut-side up, and spoon the flour mixture over it. Make sure each petal is well-coated. You can use your fingers or a spoon to gently separate the petals and get the flour mixture in between them.

After the onion is coated in the flour mixture, turn it over and tap off any excess flour. Then, dip the onion into the wet mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Again, use your fingers or a spoon to separate the petals and get the mixture in between them.

Now, for the second coat of flour. Dredge the onion back into the flour mixture, turning it over to coat all the petals. Be sure to gently tap off any excess flour so that you have a thin, even coating.

At this point, you can place the onion in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let the coating set. This will help ensure a crispy texture when it's fried.

Frying the onion

To fry the onion, first preheat your air fryer to at least 300°F. Place the onion in the basket of the air fryer, cut-side up, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. You may need to spray the onion with cooking oil 2-3 times during the cooking process to ensure it crisps up.

Making a dipping sauce

To make the sauce, simply combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until smooth. You can adjust the amount of horseradish to your taste and even leave it out completely if you prefer a milder sauce.

This sauce is best served after being chilled for at least 24 hours, so it's a good idea to make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to a month, so you can enjoy it with your blooming onion and other fried treats for weeks to come!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or plant-based alternative)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2-3 teaspoons horseradish (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. You can add the horseradish a teaspoon at a time, tasting as you go, to get the right amount of kick for your preference.

Chill the sauce for at least 24 hours before serving for the best flavor. It can be served with your blooming onion, onion rings, French fries, or tater tots. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions