Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion Recipe

Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favorite!

The air fryer blooming onion is a stunning and tasty appetizer that’s sure to impress. While creating this recipe, I went through a few trial and error attempts, which I discuss below. Unlike traditional recipes, this version uses no egg mixture. There’s something about a Blooming Onion that always brings out the “oohs” and “ahs.” It’s a beloved appetizer originally invented by Tim Gannon, founder of the Outback Steakhouse chain, back in 1988. While there are plenty of knock-offs, including this air fryer version, I’ll still give Outback the nod as the expert on this one.

Traditionally, a bloomin’ onion is deep-fried, but with an air fryer, you skip all the drama of deep frying. Fried food isn’t healthy and isn’t practical for home cooks—it requires a lot of heated oil. Air frying offers great results with less guilt.

You might also enjoy our Pinterest Board for more great recipes like this Bloomin’ Onion recipe.

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

Think of an air fryer as a miniature convection oven. It cooks by continuously circulating hot air around the food, in this case, the onion, allowing it to get crispy without submerging it in oil.

How long does it take to make an air fryer bloomin’ onion?

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large whole onion (Vidalia, white onion, or yellow onion recommended for their sweetness)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you want a little more kick)
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano (or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano)
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• Non-stick cooking spray

Directions for Making Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion

Prepare the Onion

Tips:

Rinse your onion under cold water before cutting or peeling. This helps minimize tears.

• Remove the outer skin of the onion.

• Cut off the end that does not have the root—the pointy stem end of the onion. This cut should be flat.
• Place onion cut-side down on a cutting board placed on a hard, flat surface.
• Prepare to cut onion: Place your knife about 1/2-inch away from the root and cut down into the onion until you almost hit the cutting board. Don’t cut through the root end.
• Slice the onion: Starting from the root, slice the onion into even quarters. Slice the quarters in half. Ultimately, you want 8-12 slices about 1/4-inch to 1/2 inch wide. Ensure the knife slices through all layers, leaving the onion connected at the root. These are your onion petals.

Soak the Onion

Carefully place the onion in ice water for at least two hours. The longer it soaks, and the colder the water, the better (this gives the onion time to separate on its own).

For Best Results:

Flip the onion upside down (so cuts are in the water) and place the onion into a shallow bowl barely larger than the onion. I learned from trial and error that the upside-down onion works far better in the end.

Prepare the Batter

1. Combine flour with all the spices in a large bowl.
2. After soaking the onion in cold water, remove and dry it. I place mine on an elevated mesh plate and then use a paper towel to pat dry.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
4. Add water to the spice mixture to make a batter and whisk well to remove lumps.
5. Coat the onion with the batter. Spread the petal layers out to cover the inside. I found it easier to pour the batter over the onion to coat it.

Pro Tip:

You may also try putting the flour mixture in a Ziploc baggie and shaking it to coat the onion.

6. Move the battered onion to a small bowl with bread crumbs and set the onion on top to coat the bottom with bread crumbs. Lightly coat the top of the onion with bread crumbs.
7. Spray the onion with cooking spray.
8. Carefully move the onion to the air fryer, cut side up.
9. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then cook for 15 minutes at 350°F.

Expert Tips:

• I learned not to slice the center of the onion too deeply, more like a groove. Slices should generally be shallow.
• The water soak is really important.
• I also found it easier to spoon the batter onto the onion while it’s in the air fryer basket on top of the breadcrumbs.
• Try substituting water with beer for a great flavor that elevates the experience.

Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion Dipping Sauce

This is sure to be your favorite sauce for dipping air fryer bloomin’ onion:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

While the onion is cooking, make the dipping sauce by combining all the ingredients and mixing well. Serve the Blooming Onion as soon as it comes out of the air fryer and dip the onion petals in the sauce.

FAQs

What type of onion is best for this recipe?

Vidalia, white, or yellow onions are recommended due to their sweetness.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour, but all-purpose flour is recommended for the best results.

How do I prevent the onion from falling apart?

Ensure the root end is intact and be gentle when handling the onion.