Blooming Onion Recipe

Making a blooming onion in an air fryer is a lighter alternative to the traditional fried entrée, offering the same crispy texture and delicious flavor with less oil. How to make it:

 Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Oil spray (for air frying)

 For the dipping sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
• 1/ 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano

Instructions:

 STEP 1: PREPARE  ONION

1. Cut the onion: First cut off 1 cm from the pointed end of the onion stalk and then peel it. Place the onion cut side down. Start half an inch from the root and make a cut down to the board.Repeat the process to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion. Continue making cuts between each section until you have 16 evenly spaced cuts. Turn the onion over and  gently separate the petals with your fingers.
2. Soak the onion: Place the onion in a large bowl of ice water for 1 hour to allow the petals to open further.Then drain and pat dry with paper towels.

 STEP 2: PREPARE TOP

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper and salt.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.STEP 3: COVER THE ONION
3. First layer: Place the onion in a clean container. Sprinkle the dry flour mixture over the onion, making sure to get it between the petals. Turn over and remove excess flour.

2.Sauce: Dip the onion into the egg mixture, making sure  all the petals are covered. Allow the excess to drip off.

3. Second layer: For a second layer, add the onion back into the flour mixture. Make sure there is a good layer between the petals.Gently shake off excess product.

 STEP 4:  FRY

1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3 minutes.
2. Cooking: Spray onion lightly with cooking spray.Place the onion, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Depending on the air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

 STEP 5: PREPARE THE DIP SAUCE

• Mix all the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, mix all the dipping sauce ingredients. Mix well until a smooth mixture is formed.STEP 6: SERVE
• Serve the scallion hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Blooming Onion as a delicious appetizer or side dish that will impress with its eye-catching appearance and delicious taste, all with less oil and guilt than the fried version.