Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Air Fryer Blooming Onion features a sweet onion coated in seasoned panko with paprika and cayenne; air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes until crispy and golden with a tangy dipping sauce.
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Method
- 1
Cut 3/4 off the top of the onion. Peel. Make 16 cuts from top down, leaving the root intact.
- 2
Soak cut onion in ice water 10 minutes to help petals open. Pat thoroughly dry.
- 3
Mix seasonings into flour. Dust the onion, dip in egg, then coat with seasoned panko.
- 4
Spray generously with oil. Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.
- 5
Mix sauce ingredients. Serve the blooming onion hot with dipping sauce in the center.
Pro tip. The ice water soak is what makes the petals separate and 'bloom.' Use a sharp knife and don't cut through the root. Spray oil between the petals for all-around crispiness.
Why the air fryer wins here
- Ready in 20 minutes. The same dish takes about 32 in a conventional oven, plus preheating.
- Fast-moving hot air browns the outside before the inside dries out, so you get color without babysitting.
- Cleanup is a basket, not a sheet pan and a splattered stovetop.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate perishable leftovers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) throughout, measured with a food thermometer. USDA leftover safety guidance.
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes rather than the microwave so the outside crisps back up. See the reheat guide for exact times by food.
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