Description

This recipe for the Best Air Fryer Blooming Onions Ever offers a healthier twist on the classic fried appetizer. Using sweet onions coated in a flavorful seasoned batter and panko breadcrumbs, these blooming onions achieve a golden, crispy texture without deep frying. The air fryer method reduces oil and cleanup while delivering a visually stunning appetizer that is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a delicious snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Blooming Onions

4 small sweet onions (preferably Vidalia)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Onions: Peel the onions, removing any dry or papery skin. Slice about ¼ inch off the top of each onion, leaving the root end intact. Place the onion root-side down and make vertical cuts about 1 inch apart all around, stopping just above the root to keep it whole. Gently spread the layers to bloom the petals like a flower, handling carefully to avoid breaking them.
Mix the Coatings: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl for the final coating.
Dredge and Coat: Working with one onion at a time, dredge it completely in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure the flour gets between all petals. Then dip it fully in the egg-and-buttermilk mixture. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing so the coating adheres to every surface. Use a spoon to help coat the inner petals evenly without breaking them.
Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place one coated onion in the basket and mist the top generously with cooking spray. Air fry for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining onions as needed.

Notes

Use a sweet onion variety like Vidalia for best flavor and texture.
Carefully avoid cutting into the root too deeply to keep the onion layers intact.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Serve immediately for maximum crispness and visual appeal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes per onion
Category: Lunch
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer blooming onion, blooming onion recipe, healthier fried onion, crunchy onion appetizer, panko onion, air fryer appetizers