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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe with Easy Creamy Dipping Sauce

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A nostalgic and healthier twist on the classic blooming onion, air-fried to crispy golden perfection and served with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (preferably Vidalia or Walla Walla)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with a splash of lemon juice)
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil recommended)
  • For the Creamy Dipping Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onion: Peel and trim the stem end, keeping the root intact. Place cut side down and slice 12-16 cuts about 1/2 inch apart without cutting through the root. Gently spread petals; soak in cold water for 10 minutes if needed.
  2. Make the batter and flour coating: Whisk together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in one bowl. Beat eggs and buttermilk in another bowl.
  3. Coat the onion: Pat dry the onion. Dip into wet mixture, then dredge in flour mixture. Repeat wet and dry coating once more for extra crunch. Set aside.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3-5 minutes. Spray onion with cooking spray. Place cut side up in air fryer basket. Cook 15-20 minutes, spraying halfway through, until golden and crispy. Check at 12 minutes and adjust time as needed.
  5. Prepare dipping sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill until serving.
  6. Serve: Remove onion carefully, let rest 2 minutes, and serve with dipping sauce.

Notes

Use a sharp knife to avoid breaking the root. Pat onion dry before coating for best crispiness. Double coating the onion ensures extra crunch. Spray with oil during cooking to enhance crispness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Check cooking time at 12 minutes to avoid burning. The dipping sauce can be made ahead and tastes better after chilling. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer, appetizer, crispy onion, dipping sauce, easy recipe, game day snack, party food

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-with-easy-creamy-dipping-sauce/