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Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Healthier take on the classic restaurant appetizer—a massive sweet onion cut to bloom like a flower, double-breaded with bold spices for ultra-crispy petals, and air-fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy, tangy horseradish dipping sauce. Perfect show-stopping appetizer for game days or parties. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 6 (as appetizer)
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the blooming onion:
  • 1 large sweet onion like Vidalia, about 1 pound
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for heat
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • Oil spray olive or canola
  • For the dipping sauce:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Black pepper and cayenne to taste

Method
 

  1. Cut the onion: Slice off top ½ inch, peel, place cut-side down. Make 16 even cuts from top, stopping ½ inch from root. Gently separate petals (soak in ice water if needed).
  2. Whisk flour with paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and water.
  3. Coat onion thoroughly in flour (spoon into petals), shake excess. Dip in egg wash, then repeat flour coating.
  4. Chill breaded onion 15-30 minutes.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
  6. Spray onion generously with oil. Place cut-side up in basket (use foil sling if needed). Air fry 25 minutes, spraying 2-3 more times.
  7. Mix all sauce ingredients; chill until serving.
  8. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

Sharp knife essential for clean cuts—practice to avoid slicing through root.
Double breading and chilling ensure coating stays on.
Generous oil sprays are key for crispiness without deep frying.
Adjust cayenne for milder or spicier.
Ice water soak helps petals bloom if stubborn.