Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Print Recipe
4.98 from 34 votes

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

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!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time9 minutes
Total Time24 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Method: Air Fryer
Servings: 4
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
  • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper if you like a little heat
  • Cooking spray

Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons horseradish
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 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 3/4 of the way down. Turn the onion 90 degrees and make another, similar cut that is perpendicular to the first one.
  • Continue cutting 3/4 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

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1807mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1348IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 4mg