Air Fryer Blooming Onion: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Air Fryer Blooming Onions are a fun and delicious snack, perfect as a pull-apart shared appetizer. They are also a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, which can be messy and use a lot of oil. This article will teach you how to make this mouth-watering treat in your air fryer.

How to Make an Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Choosing the right onion

First and foremost, you'll want to select a large onion for your blooming onion. Look for an onion that is not only big in diameter but also has a good height, as this will create a more impressive-looking bloom.

When it comes to onion varieties, sweet onions like Vidalia onions are an excellent choice due to their mild and sweet flavour. This makes them more palatable to a wider range of people. Additionally, sweet onions contain fewer sulphur compounds, so they are less likely to make you cry during the cutting process!

If you can't get your hands on a Vidalia onion, white onions are the next best option. They have a slightly sharper flavour than Vidalias but are still milder than yellow onions, which can be too strong for this dish.

When shopping for your onion, ensure it is firm and does not have any soft spots or sprouting. A fresh onion will ensure your blooming onion turns out crispy and delicious.

Finally, take the time to properly prepare your onion before cooking. Cut off about half an inch from the top, then carefully peel the outer skin. This will make it easier to create the signature "bloom" shape and ensure your onion cooks evenly.

With the right onion and careful preparation, you'll be well on your way to making a mouth-watering air fryer blooming onion that's sure to impress!

Preparing the onion for frying

First, select a large onion, preferably a sweet variety like Vidalia, as they are milder and sweeter in taste. You can also use yellow or white onions, but they have a stronger flavour.

Next, cut off about half an inch from the top of the onion and remove the outer skin. Place the onion with the cut side down on a cutting board. Starting about half an inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the board. Make sure you don't cut through or too close to the root, as this will hold the onion together.

Now, make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion, repeating the same process as before. Then, make additional cuts between each section to create 8 or 16 evenly spaced cuts, depending on how many petals you want. The more cuts you make, the more petals your blooming onion will have, but it will also be more difficult to manage.

After making the cuts, turn the onion over and set it aside for a few minutes to allow the petals to relax and open up. You can use your fingers to gently separate the outer pieces and create a full bloom.

Once the onion is prepared, you can move on to the next step of breading and frying.

Making the sauce

While the onion is cooking, you can make the sauce. The sauce is what takes your blooming onion to the next level, giving it that extra kick.

For the sauce, you will need mayonnaise, ketchup or tomato sauce, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the measurements of these ingredients to suit your taste. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. You can also add a little water to thin out the sauce if needed.

If you prefer a more creamy sauce, you can add some sour cream or yoghurt to the mix. You could also add a little Worcestershire sauce for extra tanginess.

For a spicier sauce, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chilli powder. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of cayenne and black pepper.

Once you have combined all the ingredients, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add other spices or herbs to suit your preference.

Finally, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator until your onion is ready. This will help the flavours meld together and give you a nice, cool sauce to dip your hot, crispy onion in.

Frying the onion

Now, it's time to fry! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and set the timer for 28 minutes, allowing 3 minutes for preheating. While the air fryer is preheating, spray the onion with cooking spray on both the top and bottom.

Next, carefully place the onion in the air fryer basket. You can use a sling made out of aluminum foil to prevent burning yourself. Air fry the onion for 10 minutes, then remove the aluminum foil and continue air frying for the remaining time (around 15 minutes).

During the cooking process, it is important to spray the onion with cooking spray a few times to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Open the basket and spray the onion with cooking oil 2-3 times. Any spots where you can still see flour should be sprayed with more oil.

After 20-25 minutes, check the onion to see if it is browned enough. It should be golden brown and starting to get a little darker at the tips of the petals. If it needs more time, put it back in for a few more minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Once it's done, use the aluminum foil sling to lift the onion out of the basket. Your air fryer blooming onion is now ready to be served! Enjoy the crispy and juicy treat with your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving suggestions

Blooming onions are a fun and impressive appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family. They can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as:

• A secret sauce from Outback Steakhouse
• A sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano
• A sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper
• Fry sauce, ketchup, or mustard
• Cheese sauce
• A sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, creamy horseradish sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper

If you're serving more than one blooming onion, it's best to fry them one at a time to ensure each onion has enough space to fry properly.

Frequently asked questions