Crunchy, Golden Goodness: Air Fryer Blooming Onion Magic 🌼

Name: Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 large sweet onion; 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; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 cup water; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil in a spray bottle

Okay, be honest. Who hasn’t craved one of those ridiculous, oversized blooming onions from that chain restaurant? You know the ones, right? Crispy, fried, and like, the perfect shareable snack? But like, who wants to go out when you can whip one up at home? 🙋‍♀️

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

So, here’s the deal. You’re gonna need a big ol’ sweet onion (the kind that makes you feel like a champ when slicing it and doesn’t make you ugly cry), some all-purpose flour (2 ½ cups, but no one’s counting, right?), and a sprinkle of spices — paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, and oregano. Oh, and don’t forget the eggs and milk to coat this beauty. Seriously, grab the salt and pepper—can’t forget that! And a lil’ oil in a spray bottle for that crispy finish, because we’re fancy like that!

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Alright, picture this: It was one of those lazy Sunday afternoons, and I was like, “I need snacks!” (Totally valid, right?) So, I rummaged through my pantry and saw that onion chillin’ there, looking all sad and abandoned. I thought, why not? I threw on some tunes, and before I knew it, I was deep into the blooming onion zone. The smell wafting through my kitchen? *Heavenly!* I had friends over, we were all munching away, and I swear, they disappeared in like two minutes. It was a blast! Every time I make this, it feels like a mini party, and it’s just SO good!

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Listen up! The key is to let the onion petals relax for a good 5 minutes after you cut it. Seriously, don’t rush this step! It helps them open up and get that amazing bloom. Like, they deserve their moment to shine! 🌟

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

– Cut Carefully: You want those petals to be pretty, not a jumbled mess—trust me, I’ve had *some* disasters here.
– Spray Generously: When you’re oiling it up before it hits the fryer, do NOT skimp! Make it rain oil, but in a classy way, ya know?
– Check on It: The last few minutes? Keep an eye on it! Sometimes I set the timer for 25 minutes, but I check at 20 just to be sure it’s not turning into a charred onion disaster.

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

Okay, so if you somehow have leftovers (which, let’s be real, is unlikely), pop ‘em in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay decent for a day or two. But reheat in the air fryer, not the microwave! We want that crunch back, people!

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

So, if you’re all about the shareable snacks, you gotta try my air fryer mozzarella sticks or the loaded nacho fries! They’re perfect for movie nights or just when you wanna snack like royalty!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to try making this blooming onion magic at home? Hit me up with your thoughts, and if you make it, I NEED to see pics! 🧅✨

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Flavor-packed Air Fryer Blooming Onion with amazing ingredients and incredible taste! Perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Category: Dinner

Yield: 6 servings servings

Ingredients

1 large sweet onion

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

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil in a spray bottle

Instructions

Slice the onion to make it bloom. Start by cutting off 1/2 inch from the top of the onion, then peel the outer skin from the onion.
Place the onion cut-side down. Starting about 1/2 inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the cutting board.
Repeat to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion. Make 3 additional cuts between each section until you have 16 evenly spaced cuts.
Turn the onion over and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the petals to relax.
Prior to breading use your fingers to gently separate the outer pieces.
Whisk the flour, paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. In a medium deep bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and water.
Place the onion in a clean bowl, cut-side up, and pour the flour mixture on top. Using a large spoon to coat the onion with the flour mixture, especially between the onion petals. Turn the onion over and pat off the excess flour. Reserve the bowl of flour.
Put the onion in the egg mixture and coat evenly. Remove and let the excess drip off.
Then transfer the onion back into the reserved flour mixture and repeat the flouring process. Be sure you gently tap off extra flour. There will be leftover flour in the bowl when you are done.
Place the onion in the refrigerator.
Preheat the air fryer for 10 minutes to 350ºF.
Remove the onion from the refrigerator and spray generously with vegetable oil from a spray bottle.
After making a sling from a sheet of aluminum foil transfer the onion cut side up into the fryer basket.
Set the timer for 25 minutes and cook. Spray the onion with the cooking oil 2-3 times as you cook it. If any spots still have visible flour spray them with the oil.
After 25 minutes remove onion using the aluminum foil sling and season with salt and pepper.
Serve with the blooming onion dip.