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Game Day Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

This Game Day Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on the classic fried onion appetizer by using an air fryer. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of paprika, cayenne, cumin, and herbs, this blooming onion is coated twice in a spiced flour mixture and dipped in an egg wash before air frying to golden perfection. It's a healthier, less greasy option sure to impress at any game day gathering or party.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Onion

  • 1 large sweet onion

Seasoned Flour Coating

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Egg Wash

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water

Other

  • Oil in a spray bottle (vegetable oil recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onion: Slice off ½ inch from the top of the onion and peel off the outer skin to reveal the clean onion underneath.
  2. Cut Onion into Petals: Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Starting about ½ inch from the root, make a downward cut through to the board. Repeat to make four evenly spaced cuts, then make three additional cuts between each to total 16 petals.
  3. Relax the Petals: Turn the onion over, cut-side up, and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the petals to separate slightly and relax.
  4. Separate Petals: Use your fingers gently to separate the onion petals without breaking them, preparing for breading.
  5. Mix Seasoned Flour: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate medium deep bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and water until combined.
  7. First Flour Coating: Place the onion cut-side up in a clean bowl and pour the seasoned flour mixture over it. Use a large spoon to coat well, working flour between onion petals. Turn onion over and gently pat off excess flour. Reserve leftover flour.
  8. Egg Wash Dip: Transfer the floured onion into the egg wash, coating evenly then letting excess drip off.
  9. Second Flour Coating: Return the onion to the reserved flour mixture and coat again, ensuring the petals are well coated. Gently tap off excess flour.
  10. Chill: Place the breaded onion in the refrigerator to set.
  11. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF for 10 minutes.
  12. Oil the Onion: Remove onion from refrigerator and spray generously with vegetable oil spray, covering the surface and petals.
  13. Prepare for Frying: Make a sling using a sheet of aluminum foil to help transfer the onion easily. Place the onion cut-side up into the air fryer basket using the sling.
  14. Air Fry: Cook the onion for 25 minutes at 350ºF, spraying it with oil 2-3 times during cooking to promote crispiness and cook evenly. Spray any exposed flour areas as needed.
  15. Remove and Season: Carefully lift the onion out using the foil sling and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  16. Serve: Serve your blooming onion hot with your favorite blooming onion dip for dipping.

Notes

  • Be gentle when separating and coating the onion petals to avoid breaking them apart.
  • Spraying oil multiple times during cooking is essential for achieving a crispy crust in the air fryer.
  • You can prepare the onion a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to fry.
  • The aluminum foil sling helps with easy removal without damaging the onion’s shape.
  • Use a large sweet onion for best results, as it blooms nicely and has a mild flavor.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/game-day-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe/