Air Fryer Blooming Onion: A Tasty, Crispy Treat?

Making a blooming onion in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this popular, crispy, salty, deep-fried appetizer at home. It is healthier than the traditional deep-fried version and can be made with less mess. The high heat of an air fryer is perfect for crisping up appetizers like the blooming onion.

The trickiest part of making a blooming onion is cutting it, but it is not too difficult. You need to cut the onion into a blossom shape, making sure not to cut through the root, which holds the onion together. You can use a sharp knife or buy a blooming onion cutter to help with this process.

Once the onion is cut, you will need to coat it with a batter and air fry it. The batter usually consists of flour, eggs, milk, and various seasonings. You will also need to spray the onion with oil to help it crisp up and brown properly.

Overall, making a blooming onion in an air fryer is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this restaurant-style appetizer at home.

Choosing the right onion

Firstly, you want to select an onion that is big enough to be cut into multiple petals. The bigger the onion, the bigger the petals, and the less likely they are to turn into wilted, crispy bits when fried. Look for large, sweet onions, preferably weighing around 1lb/500g.

Sweet onion varieties, such as Vidalia, are ideal as their mellow flavour won't overpower the batter. Yellow and white onions, on the other hand, have a very strong flavour which can be a bit much for some. Other sweet onion varieties that can be used include 'cannonball onions' (available in the UK) and 'Texas Roadhouse' onions.

When selecting your onion, try to find one with a thick root, as this will help to hold the onion together while you are cutting and frying it.

Cutting the onion

The trickiest part of making a blooming onion is cutting it, but it's not too difficult. You'll need a good, sharp chef's knife with a pointed end. Start by cutting 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 when cutting the blooming onion properly. You want there to be enough root left to hold the onion together, and you should never cut through the root.

Place the onion stem-side down on the countertop and make four slices down the onion at 3, 6, 9, and 12 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 made all the cuts correctly, when you turn the onion over, it will open up but not fall apart because the root will still be intact. Use your fingers to gently separate all the petals.

Tips for Cutting the Onion

• Use a sharp knife to cut the onion.
• Don't cut through the root or too close to it.
• Make evenly spaced cuts.
• Allow the petals to relax for a few minutes after cutting.
• Gently separate the petals with your fingers.

Battering the onion

First, place the onion in the first bowl and sprinkle the flour mixture over the top. Make sure to get the flour on all the petals of the onion. Turn the onion over and pat off the excess flour, then transfer it to the second bowl.

Next, pour the egg mixture over the onion and coat it evenly. Use your fingers to separate the petals and ensure that the egg mixture gets in between all the petals. Let the onion sit in the mixture for a few minutes, then remove it and let the excess drip off.

Finally, transfer the onion to the third bowl and sprinkle the remaining flour mixture over it. Again, make sure to coat all the petals. Gently tap off any excess flour, and you're ready to air fry!

Air-frying the onion

To cut the onion, first, cut off the top of the onion, leaving the root end intact. Then, make 8-16 slices around the onion, starting with your knife about 0.5 inches away from the root so that you never slice through the root. Turn the onion over and gently separate the petals with your fingers.

Next, prepare the batter. In one bowl, whisk together the flour and seasonings. In another bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, and water (optional).

Now, you are ready to coat the onion. Place the onion in a clean bowl, cut-side up, and sprinkle the flour mixture over it, making sure to get the flour in between the petals. Turn the onion over and gently tap off the excess flour. Then, transfer the onion to the bowl with the egg mixture and coat it evenly. Remove the onion from the bowl and let the excess drip off. Finally, transfer the onion back to the bowl with the flour mixture and coat it for a second time.

Once the onion is coated, spritz it generously with oil. Transfer the onion to the air fryer basket, cut-side up, and air-fry for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. During the cooking process, spritz the onion with oil a few times to ensure even cooking and browning.

When the onion is done, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Making the sauce

To make the sauce, you will need: mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include sour cream, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

• In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. The specific quantities of each ingredient can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
• Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
• Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator.
• Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is important to allow the flavours to meld and intensify.

This sauce is extremely versatile and can be used as a dip for onion rings, French fries, or other fried foods. It also works well as a spread for sandwiches or a sauce for steak.

Frequently asked questions