Description
Learn how to make a delicious and crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion with this easy recipe. Perfect for a tasty appetizer or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion (200g)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (1.25g)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (1.25g)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25g)
- 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil, melted
- 1 packet seasoned coating mix 2.5 ounces (70g)
- salt and pepper, optional
- blooming onion dipping sauce
- oil for spritzing
Instructions
- Begin by trimming half an inch from the onion’s top and removing its outer layer.
- Place the onion with the cut side facing down. About half an inch from the root, slice all the way through to the cutting board. Ensure your cuts converge in the center. Avoid slicing into the root or getting too close to it.
- Repeat this process to create four evenly spaced incisions around the onion.
- Make an extra slice between each section until there are eight equal cuts.
- Flip the onion over and leave it for five minutes so the sections can loosen.
- Before coating, use your fingers to gently prise apart the outer layers.
- Now that the onion is open, it’s time to coat it to achieve a crispy texture.
- If any sections are sticking together, carefully separate them so the onion fully “blooms.”
- Blend the flour and spices in a large bowl. In a separate small deep bowl, beat together the egg, butter, and milk.
- Place the onion in a sizable clean bowl, cut-side up and separated.
- Dust the flour mixture over the onion, ensuring you get it between the layers. Use a fork to sprinkle the mixture and your fingers to separate each layer and dust flour between each section.
- Pour any remaining flour over the entire onion. Allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Turn the onion over and gently shake off the excess flour back into the bowl. Save the leftover flour. Ensure the flour covers the sections without leaving clumps between them.
- Transfer the onion into a large bowl and pour the egg mixture over it, ensuring an even coat. Pouring it over helps it reach between the layers and coat the flour.
- Open each section to ensure the egg mixture saturates all the flour between them. Allow the onion to sit in this mixture for a few minutes. Remove the onion from the bowl and let the excess drip away.
- Combine the packet of seasoned coating mix with the reserved flour. Position the wet onion in an empty bowl or on foil and sprinkle the reserved flour and coating mixture over it. Avoid sprinkling between the sections to facilitate spraying with cooking oil later. However, sprinkle the flour and breading mixture over all parts of the onion that are exposed. Brush more egg mixture on any drier parts to ensure thorough coverage.
- Place the onion in the fridge to set while you preheat the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer to 300°F to preheat.
- After ten minutes, take the onion out of the fridge and spray it generously with cooking oil. This step is crucial to achieve the “deep-fried” taste and texture. Ensure all visible flour is soaked with cooking oil. Check between the sections and spray any other flour spots you find.
- Place the onion on a piece of foil for easy removal after cooking.
- Air fry for 20 minutes or until it is crispy and golden brown. Open the fryer and spray with more cooking oil at least once during the cooking process.
- Carefully remove and serve with Blooming Onion Dipping Sauce.
Notes
- Separate each onion layer before coating for a fully bloomed look and crispy texture.
- Ensure to generously spray the onion with cooking oil for a deep-fried taste and texture.
- Check and spray any visible flour spots with oil for even browning while cooking.