Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla recommended)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (Whole milk or 2% works great)
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil spray (Avocado or canola oil spray works perfectly)
- For the dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon creamy horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Slice about ½ inch off the top of the onion and peel off the outer skin. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board.
- Make about 16 evenly spaced downward cuts starting about ½ inch away from the root, careful not to slice all the way through the root. Turn the onion over and gently separate the petals.
- Whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and water until smooth.
- Dredge the onion in the flour mixture, using a spoon to coat all the petals. Shake off any excess.
- Submerge the onion in the egg wash, ensuring every surface is wet. Let excess drip off.
- Coat the onion again in the flour mixture, pressing flour into all nooks and crannies.
- Chill the coated onion in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the chilled onion generously with cooking oil spray.
- Lower the onion into the air fryer basket cut-side up using a foil sling.
- Cook for 25 minutes, spraying with oil 2-3 times during cooking for maximum crispiness.
- Prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, ketchup, creamy horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
- Serve the blooming onion hot with the chilled dipping sauce.
Notes
Choose a sweet onion for the best flavor and ensure thorough coating for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg