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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe Easy Tangy Dipping Sauce

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A lighter, crispy blooming onion made in the air fryer with a tangy dipping sauce, perfect for game nights, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla; firm and medium-sized)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for gluten-free, try almond or chickpea flour)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature, beaten)
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • Cooking spray or oil mist (for air fryer crispiness)
  • For the tangy dipping sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onion (10 minutes): Peel the onion, leaving the root end intact. Slice the onion from top to bottom about 12-16 times, leaving about ½ inch at the root uncut. Gently separate the petals to create the blooming effect.
  2. Make the coating mixes (5 minutes): In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, combine the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
  3. Coat the onion (10 minutes): Dip the blooming onion into the flour mixture, coating every petal. Then dip into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture for a double coating. Press the flour gently to ensure it sticks well.
  4. Preheat the air fryer (3 minutes): Set to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm while finishing coating.
  5. Air fry the onion (15-18 minutes): Place the coated onion root side down in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush with oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, checking halfway through and flipping gently if needed. The onion should be golden brown and crispy outside, tender inside.
  6. Prepare the dipping sauce (5 minutes): Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer the blooming onion to a plate and serve with the tangy dipping sauce.

Notes

Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to slice the onion evenly. Double coating is key for crispiness. Lightly spray oil before air frying to get a golden crunch. If baking, cook at 400°F (205°C) for 25-30 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispness. The dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer, appetizer, crispy onion, tangy dipping sauce, easy recipe, game day snack, gluten-free option, vegan adaptation

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-easy-tangy-dipping-sauce/