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Instructions:
- Prepare the Onion:
- Peel the onion and cut off the top, leaving the root end intact. Slice the onion into 12-16 wedges, making sure not to cut all the way through the root so that the layers stay connected.
- Gently separate the onion petals to form the blooming shape.
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Onion:
- Dredge the onion petals in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat each petal evenly. Then dip the onion in the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the onion is fully coated. Press down gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Air Fry the Onion:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the coated onion in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Spray the top of the onion with a light coating of olive oil spray or cooking spray.
- Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onion is golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the time depending on the size of your onion and your air fryer model. If necessary, flip the onion halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- While the onion is cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the onion is crispy and golden, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a serving platter. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Blooming Onion
- Choose the Right Onion: A large, sweet onion works best for this recipe, as it provides a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla will create a milder, sweeter taste.
- Use Panko for Extra Crispiness: Panko breadcrumbs give the blooming onion its signature crunchy texture. If you want an even crispier coating, you can toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly before using them for extra crunch.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dipping sauce. You can also experiment with other spices, such as paprika or chili powder, to give the onion a unique twist.
- Make It Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based egg substitute and swap the mayonnaise in the dipping sauce for a dairy-free version.
- Serve with Other Dips: While the classic dipping sauce is a favorite, feel free to experiment with other options such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or garlic butter.
Why You Should Try Air Fryer Blooming Onion
- Crispy Without the Guilt: The air fryer cooks the onion to crispy perfection while using much less oil than deep frying. This makes the blooming onion a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing flavor or crunch.
- Fun and Entertaining: This dish is a fun way to enjoy a classic restaurant favorite at home. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings, parties, or as a snack to munch on while watching a movie.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavor by adding your favorite seasonings to the breading or dipping sauce. The options are endless when it comes to experimenting with different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Blooming Onion offers all the crispy, flavorful goodness of the restaurant version with a fraction of the oil. It’s a fun, easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a casual meal at home or serving it at a gathering. With its crispy texture, savory seasoning, and creamy dipping sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Try it out today and enjoy the crispy, tender delight of a blooming onion, made healthier in the air fryer!
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