Easy Crispy Blooming Onion in the Air Fryer

This Easy Crispy Blooming Onion in the Air Fryer is the perfect appetizer for snack enthusiasts because it’s golden, crunchy, and flavorful! The air fryer is a lighter but just as tasty alternative to deep-frying since it produces a wonderfully crispy texture with a lot less oil. After coating each onion petal with seasoned breadcrumbs, they are air-fried until they are gorgeously crisp and golden brown.

Ingredients

1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or similar sweet onion)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Olive oil spray or vegetable oil spray

Method

Cut off the top of the onion and peel away the outer skin while keeping the root intact.
Place the onion root-side up on a cutting board.
Slice the onion into sections without cutting through the root, creating flower-like petals.
Gently spread the onion petals apart.
In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
Dip the onion into the flour mixture, coating between the petals.
Dip into the egg mixture, then coat again with the seasoned flour or breadcrumbs.
Lightly spray the onion with oil, including between the petals.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Place the onion carefully into the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 15–20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.