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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe with Easy Spicy Mayo Dip

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A golden, crispy blooming onion made in the air fryer for a healthier, mess-free alternative to deep-frying, served with a creamy and spicy mayo dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia or Walla Walla; firm with tight layers)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as substitute)
  • Cooking spray (preferably avocado or olive oil spray)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel the outer skin of the large sweet onion. Cut off the top (stem end), leaving the root intact. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board. Make 12 to 16 vertical cuts about ½ inch apart without slicing through the root. Gently spread the onion petals outward to create the blooming effect.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth.
  4. Dip the blooming onion into the wet mixture, coating each petal. Let excess drip off. Transfer to the flour mixture and sprinkle coating over all petals, pressing lightly. Repeat the wet and dry coating process once more for extra crunch.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Place the coated onion in the air fryer basket, root side down so it stands upright. Lightly spray with cooking spray, especially on petal tips. Cook for 8-9 minutes, then carefully flip using tongs or chopsticks. Spray again with oil and cook for another 7-9 minutes until deep golden and crispy.
  7. While the onion cooks, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust heat to taste.
  8. Let the cooked onion cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with the spicy mayo dip on the side.

Notes

Keep the root intact to hold petals together. Use a sharp knife to avoid crushing layers. Double coating with wet and dry mixtures ensures extra crunch. Lightly spray oil on petals for golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. If browning too fast, lower temperature by 10-15°F and add cooking time. Rest onion a few minutes before serving to firm crust. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer, appetizer, crispy onion, spicy mayo dip, easy snack, game day food, healthier fried onion

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-with-easy-spicy-mayo-dip/