Air Fryer Blooming Onion

A Mouthwatering Twist to Classic Air Fryer Onion Recipes

Preparation Time:

10 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Yield: 1 serving

Introduction:

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the flavours of a blooming onion with the convenience of an air fryer? Look no further! The Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a delightful treat that will satisfy your cravings for a crispy and flavorful appetizer. With its simple yet unique preparation, this recipe is bound to become a favourite among onion enthusiasts. Join us as we explore the step-by-step process of creating this culinary masterpiece.

The Air Fryer Blooming Onion Experience and Preparation:

Preparing an Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a breeze. To begin, gather the following ingredients: one large sweet onion, two eggs, half a cup of buttermilk, one cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, half a teaspoon of kosher salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and some cooking spray.
Once you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to dive into the recipe. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) using the air fryer setting. While the air fryer is heating up, carefully remove the top half-inch of the onion's stem end and peel the entire onion. Place the onion on a chopping board, cut side down, with the root end facing up.
Now, let's make the cuts that will transform our onion into a blooming masterpiece. With a knife, make four slices about half an inch from the root, dividing the onion into fourths while ensuring it remains intact. Make three additional incisions between the existing cuts, being cautious not to sever the root or any part of the onion.
After making the cuts, turn the onion right side up and gently separate the petals as much as possible. This will give the onion its characteristic blooming appearance. Set it aside for now and prepare the coating.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until they are well combined. Set this mixture aside. In another medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper. This flavorful mixture will be the coating that gives the onion its delightful crunch.
Now it's time to coat the onion. Dip the onion in the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure it is completely coated. This step may require using your hands to ensure even coverage. Next, coat the onion with the flour mixture, ensuring that every petal is evenly coated. Opening the petals during the coating process will help achieve uniform coverage. Shake off any excess flour.
To further enhance the flavours and ensure a crispy result, repeat the dipping and coating process one more time. Dip the onion again in the egg and buttermilk mixture, followed by another generous coating of the flour mixture. Open the petals and sprinkle flour between them to ensure that every part of the onion is covered.
Before placing the onion in the air fryer, liberally coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the onion from sticking to the basket and help achieve an even crispiness. Now, place the onion in the basket, cut the side up, and remember to generously spray the top with cooking spray as well.
Set the timer for 20 to 25 minutes and let the air fryer work its magic. Keep an eye on the onion, and after approximately 8 minutes, open the air fryer and re-spray the top with cooking spray. This additional spray will contribute to the beautiful golden brown colour and add an extra touch of crispiness.
Once the cooking time is complete and the onion has turned a tempting golden brown, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. As you slice into the onion, you will be greeted with a mesmerizing display of crispy petals and tender onion layers.
To elevate the Air Fryer Blooming Onion experience, serve it with a delectable dipping sauce of your choice. Whether you prefer a zesty ranch dressing, a tangy barbecue sauce, or a spicy chipotle mayo, the dipping sauce will complement the flavours and add an extra layer of enjoyment.

Nutritional Value:

Each serving of Air Fryer Blooming Onion contains approximately 182 calories. It is low in carbohydrates, with just 3 grams per serving, and high in protein, providing 24 grams. The dish also contains 7 grams of fat and 1 gram of dietary fibre, making it a relatively healthy indulgence.

Conclusion: 

The Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a delightful twist to classic onion recipes. Its crispy exterior, tender onion petals, and flavorful coating make it an irresistible appetizer or snack. With the convenience of an air fryer, this recipe is both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.

Next time you're in the mood for a unique and delicious treat, try your hand at making an Air Fryer Blooming Onion. Share it with friends and family, and savour the joy that comes with each crispy bite. Let this recipe be a testament to the magic that can happen when simplicity meets creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy!