Air Fryer Bloomin' Onion

No ratings yet

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.

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Total Time35

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Servings:

Calories: 297kcal

Author: Meaghan - The Quicker Kitchen

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

US Customary - Metric

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