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crispy air fryer blooming onion - featured image

Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe with Spiced Comeback Sauce

  • Author: Nora Winslow
  • Total Time: 30-33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A healthier, easy-to-make version of the classic blooming onion using an air fryer for a crispy, golden bloom served with a tangy, smoky spiced comeback sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (about 12 oz / 340 g), preferably Vidalia
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (60 g)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk (120 ml), whole or 2%
  • Cooking spray (avocado or canola oil spray)
  • For the Spiced Comeback Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 g)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., smoky chipotle)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Onion (10 minutes): Trim the top off the onion and peel the outer skin. Place root-side down on a cutting board. Make vertical cuts about 1/4 inch apart from top almost to root to create 12-16 petals. Spread petals outward to form bloom. Rinse gently under cold water, drain, and pat dry.
  2. Mix the Coatings (5 minutes): In one bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the Onion (10 minutes): Dip onion into flour mixture, ensuring coating between petals; shake off excess. Dunk into egg wash, coating thoroughly. Sprinkle panko crumbs all over, pressing gently. For extra crunch, repeat dipping in egg wash and panko.
  4. Air Fry the Onion (15-18 minutes): Place onion root-side down in air fryer basket. Spray generously with cooking spray. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 15-18 minutes, spraying once halfway through. Onion is done when edges are crispy and browned, and tender when poked.
  5. Make the Spiced Comeback Sauce (5 minutes): Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
  6. Serve: Remove onion from air fryer and place on serving plate. Serve immediately with spiced comeback sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Rinse onion petals to separate them for better coating. Double dip in egg and panko for extra crunch. Spray generously with cooking spray for golden crispiness. Let coated onion rest in fridge 10 minutes if petals are floppy. Sauce flavors meld better if chilled 30 minutes before serving. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving leftovers.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of blooming onio
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 520
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 5

Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer, appetizer, crispy onion, spiced comeback sauce, snack, party food, healthier fried onion

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Find it online: https://gentlerecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-with-spiced-comeback-sauce-easy-and-perfect/