Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion
Our air fryer bloomin’ onion is the perfect appetizer for fans of the Outback classic. This version of a bloomin’ onion is lighter but still just as crispy and delicious with a tangy dipping sauce.
We love going to Outback.
Sure the steak is good, but let’s be honest.
The real reason to go to Outback is obviously for the Bloomin’ Onion.
That crunchy, onion petal appetizer that is just so good!
Now you don’t have to go to Outback to enjoy it.
You can make an air fryer bloomin’ onion right at home that tastes every bit as good as their version.
Ingredients
To make this you’ll need two sets of ingredients- one for the air fryer bloomin’ onion itself and a second for the sauce.
For the bloomin’ onion you’ll need:
- Onion– A large Vidalia onion, peeled
- Flour– All purpose
- Seasoning– Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
- Eggs
- Buttermilk– Don’t have any? Mix a teaspoon of white vinegar with a cup of milk and then measure out what you need.
- Hot sauce– Don’t worry it won’t be spicy!
- Olive oil spray
And for the sauce you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise– Real full fat mayo is best. Avoid Miracle Whip or mayonnaise style dressing.
- Sour cream– Full fat tastes best.
- Ketchup
- Seasonings– Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper
How to Make
Despite the longer list of ingredients, this air fryer bloomin’ onion really is pretty easy.
You basically cut it, dredge it, and air fry it.
To cut it into the classic bloomin’ shape, cut the top off the peeled onion and then make 8-10 cut evenly around the onion, like pie slices, but stopping 1/2″ from the root.
Gently separate the layers to create the ‘blooming’ effect.
Set the prepared onion aside.
Then, whisk the flour and seasonings together until evenly combined in a small bowl.
Set the flour mixture aside.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and hot sauce together until evenly combined.
Set the egg mixture aside.
Then, dredge the onion through the seasoned flour, making sure you completely coat it in between the ‘petals.’
Gently shake off any excess.
Dip it into the egg mixture, making sure the egg mixture also gets in between the ‘petals.’
Dredge it through the flour mixture one more time, turning the onion to evenly coat.
Transfer the prepared onion to the center of the air fryer basket, root side down.
Liberally spray it with nonstick olive oil spray.
Air fry the bloomin’ onion at 375° for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, spritzing again with oil half way through the cook time.
While the onion cooks, whisk all of the sauce ingredients together in a small mixing bowl until they are evenly combined.
Pop the sauce in the fridge until it is ready to serve.
Using tongs, transfer the hot onion to a waiting serving plate.
Serve hot with the prepared dipping sauce.
Enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a couple days.
Keep in mind the longer you store it, the soggier the batter will get.
Reheat it in the air fryer until warmed through.
Tips and Tricks
- Peel the onion before you cut it. You don’t want any of the peel getting into the petals.
- You do, however, want all the flour mixture and egg mixture to get in between each petal so every piece is crunchy and full of flavor. Make sure you are working the flour and egg in between each one!
- Air frying root side down will help keep the onion together during the cooking process.
- The hot sauce in the batter does not make the onion spicy. It just adds flavor. If you are very sensitive to spice, you can skip it.
Other Air Fryer Appetizers
This air fryer bloomin’ onion is a delicious way to enjoy the classic Outback appetizer at home!
Make it for your next party and enjoy!
Looking for other air fryer appetizers?
Try these:
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fried Potato Chips
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
If you’ve tried this AIR FRYER BLOOMIN’ ONION, or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!
Air Fryer Bloomin' Onion
Ingredients
For The Bloomin Onion
- 1 large sweet Vidalia onion peeled
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- olive oil spray
For The Bloomin Onion Sauce
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp horseradish
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the top off the peeled onion then make 8-10 cut evenly around the onion, like pie slices, but stopping 1/2" from the root. Gently separate the layers to create the 'blooming' effect. Set aside.1 large sweet Vidalia onion
- In a small bowl mix the flour and seasonings together until evenly combined. Set aside.1 cup flour, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- In another bowl whisk the eggs, milk, and hot sauce together until evenly combined. Set aside.2 large eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Dredge the onion through the seasoned flour to completely coat making sure it gets in between the 'petals' then shake off the excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture making sure it seeps into all the layers. Transfer back to the flour mixture and turn to evenly coat.
- Transfer the prepared onion to the center of the air fryer basket, root side down, and liberally spray it with nonstick spray.olive oil spray
- Air fry at 375° for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, spritzing again with oil half way through the cook time.
- While the onion's cooking, add all of the sauce ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk together until evenly combined. Chill until ready to serve.3 tbsp mayonnaise, 3 tbsp sour cream, 2 tsp ketchup, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp horseradish, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Using tongs transfer the hot onion to a waiting serving plate and enjoy with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
- Peel the onion before you cut it. You don't want any of the peel getting into the petals.
- You do, however, want all the flour mixture and egg mixture to get in between each petal so every piece is crunchy and full of flavor. Make sure you are working the flour and egg in between each one!
- Air frying root side down will help keep the onion together during the cooking process.
- The hot sauce in the batter does not make the onion spicy. It just adds flavor. If you are very sensitive to spice, you can skip it.
Nutrition
