Air Fryer Blooming Onion

4.98 from 34 votes

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe makes it easy to create a healthier version of Outback Steakhouse's most popular appetizer. So now you can save money AND calories!

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Prep Time15

Cook Time9

Total Time24

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Method: Air Fryer

Servings:

Calories: 324kcal

Author: Corinne Schmitt

Equipment

Air Fryer
Large, sharp knife
2 large mixing bowls
Whisk or fork

Ingredients

1 large onion
1 cup milk
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon cayenne pepper if you like a little heat
Cooking spray

Dipping Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 ½ tablespoons horseradish
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Cut off the top of the onion (the pointy side). Peel away the outer skin of the onion.
Set the onion cut-side up. Position your knife on top of the onion at the center and carefully slice ¾ of the way down. Turn the onion 90 degrees and make another, similar cut that is perpendicular to the first one.
Continue cutting ¾ of the way down in between the original cuts to create eight equal sections. Repeat this process once more to form 16 equal sections.
Combine eggs and milk in a large bowl and whisk together.
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and all the spices and stir to combine.
First, place onion root side down in the flour mixture. Coat onion in flour.
Place onion in egg mixture and coat each piece.
Return onion to flour bowl and dredge again.
For a thicker, crispier coating, coat the whole onion once more in the egg mixture followed by the flour.
Place onion in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray.
Cook at 350°F for 9 minutes.

For the Dipping Sauce

Combine all ingredients in small bowl.
Mix well.

Notes

Pro Tip: To make it easier to keep the petals from sticking together, drop the onion into boiling water for one minute then transfer immediately into a bowl of cold water.

Nutrition