The air fryer blooming onion is stunning and tasty. 

I did have trial and error, which I discuss below.

This blooming onion in the air fryer recipe uses no egg mixture.

There is something about a Blooming Onion that brings out the oohs and the ahs.

I mean, let’s face it–this appetizer is one of our favorite things.

It’s a food item that was invented by Tim Gannon, founder of the Outback Steakhouse chain back in 1988.

Now there are plenty of knock-offs, including this one made in the air fryer.

They’re all pretty good, but I’m going to call Outback the expert on this one.

A bloomin’ onion, by tradition, is deep-fried.

But with the air fryer, you skip all the drama of the deep fryer.

Fried food is not healthy nor is it a practical cooking option for the home cook.

It requires a lot of oil, heated.

Air Frying offers great results with less guilt. 

You might also enjoy our Pinterest Air Fryer 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.

 

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe Ingredients:

1 large whole onion (I recommend Vidalia, White onion, or yellow onion as they are a sweeter onion)

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 tsp. dried oregano)

1-1/4 cups water

1/2 cup Italian Bread Crumbs

Non-stick cooking spray

 

How to make a Blooming Onion in the Air Fryer

Prepare the Onion:

Tips: Rinse your onion under cold water before cutting or peeling. 

This will help minimize the tears.

Remove the outer skin of the onion.

Using a sharp knife, 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 onto 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 then cut down into the onion until you ALMOST hit the cutting board.

DON’T CUT THROUGH THE ROOT END.

Starting from the root (the bottom of the onion, with the coarse end) slice the onion into even quarters.

Now, slice the quarters in half.

Ultimately, you want 8-12 slices that are about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wide (this will depend on the size of your onion).

Make sure the knife slices all the way through all of the layers.

Leave the onion connected in the center from the onion root side.

These are your onion petals.

 

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 that is barely larger than the onion.

I have learned from trial and error that the upside-down onion works far better. 

 

Next, combine flour with all of the ingredients in a large bowl.

 

After soaking onion in cold water, remove and dry.

I place mine on an elevated mesh plate and then use a paper towel to pat dry.

 

Preheat the air fryer to 400-degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Add water to the spice mixture to make a batter and whisk well to get rid of lumps.

Now coat the onion with the batter.

Spread the petal layers out and make sure they are covered on the inside.

I found it easier to pour the bowl of the flour mixture over the onion to coat it–you’ll need a second bowl to place the onion in to do this.

Get your hands in there and move the onion around to help coat it.

You may also try putting the flour mixture in a Zip-loc baggie and shaking to coat the onion.

I use a slotted spoon under the onion so I can lift it easily when I am done.

Move battered onion to a small bowl with bread crumbs and set onion on top to coat the bottom of onion with bread crumbs.

Lightly coat the top of the onion with bread crumbs.

Spray onion with cooking spray.

Carefully, move the onion to the air fryer, and cut side up.

Cook at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, then cook 15 minutes at 350-degrees F.

I found this recipe took a couple of practice runs.

Tips:

I learned not to slice the center of the onion so deeply, more like cut a “groove.”

Slices in general should be shallow.

The water part is really important.

I also found it easier to spoon the batter onto the onion, with the onion in the air fryer basket on top of the breadcrumbs.

Try substituting the water with beer for a really great flavor that elevates the experience.

Also, this can be messy.

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

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup ketchup

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon paprika

½ 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 onion petals in the dipping sauce.

You may also enjoy these air fryer recipes.

Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

Donuts in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Vegetable Couscous

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Guides:

5 Tips for Using an Air Fryer 

10 Reasons to Buy an Air Fryer