Creating a Blooming Onion in an air fryer is a lighter alternative to the traditionally deep-fried appetizer, offering the same crispy texture and delicious taste with less oil. Here’s 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 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
- Cut the onion: Trim the top of the onion and peel it. Place the onion cut-side down and make cuts down to the board, evenly spaced around the onion. Turn over and separate the petals gently.
- Soak the onion: Place the onion in a bowl of ice water for 1 hour to further open the petals. Drain and pat dry.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
Step 3: Coat the Onion
- First layer: Sprinkle the dry flour mixture over the onion, ensuring it gets between the petals. Remove excess flour.
- Second layer: Dip the onion in the egg mixture, covering all petals. Allow excess to drip off. Return to the flour mixture for a second coating.
Step 4: Air Fry the Onion
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Cooking: Lightly spray onion with cooking spray. Place it, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the blooming onion hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Blooming Onion as a flavorful appetizer or side dish, guilt-free and deliciously crispy!