Air Fryer Blooming Onion -

Golden brown blooming onion rings arranged on a white plate with a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce, garnished with fresh green herbs

Julia Morel

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion delivers all the golden, crispy satisfaction of the restaurant version without the excess oil and heaviness of deep frying. Made with a sweet onion, seasoned flour, and a light spray of oil, it’s a lighter, healthier appetizer that still packs incredible flavor and crunch in every petal.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: air fryer appetizers

Cuisine: American

Calories: 278

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Primary Ingredient

1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla) Yellow onion can be used for a stronger flavor

Dry Mix

1 cup all purpose flour Or gluten free flour blend
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
0.5 tsp dried thyme
0.5 tsp dried oregano

Wet Mix

2 large eggs
0.5 cup milk Almond or oat milk for dairy free version

Optional Crunch Upgrade

0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs Or seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes

Oil Spray

2 tbsp olive oil spray Or avocado oil spray

Method

Slice off about 1/2 inch from the top of the onion, peel the skin, and make evenly spaced cuts to create 16 petals. Gently separate the petals.
Mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano in a large bowl.
Place onion cut side up in the bowl and sprinkle the seasoned flour over it, letting it fall between petals. Shake off excess flour.
Whisk eggs and milk in another bowl. Dip the floured onion into the wet mixture, spooning it over to fully coat. Let excess drip off.
Return onion to seasoned flour or coat with panko for extra crunch. Chill in refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Place onion on foil in the air fryer basket, spray generously with oil, and preheat the air fryer.
Air fry until golden and crisp, spraying lightly with oil 2–3 times during cooking. Lift out with foil and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double dredge the onion and use panko breadcrumbs. Spray generously with oil during cooking to promote even browning.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition facts are estimates.