Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals with Creamy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals, breaded and seasoned to perfection with a homemade spicy dipping sauce. This healthier version of a classic appetizer features perfectly cooked onion slices that are golden brown and tender, made easily in the air fryer for a crunchy, guilt-free treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Onion Petals
- 2 Medium sweet onions (use 3 if they’re very small)
- 2 Large eggs (beaten)
- 1 Cup buttermilk
- 1 Cup all purpose flour
- ¼ Cup cornstarch
- 1 Tsp paprika
- 1 Tsp salt
- ½ Tsp black pepper
- ½ Tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- ½ Tsp garlic powder
- ½ Tsp dried oregano
- Nonstick or oil spray
Dipping Sauce
- ½ Cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp creamy horseradish sauce
- 1 Tbsp chili sauce (or ketchup)
- ½ Tsp garlic powder
- ½ Tsp paprika
- ¼ Tsp cumin
- ¼ Tsp oregano
- ½ Tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ Tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Cut Onions: Peel your onions, trim the ends, and cut them in half. Slice into approximately 1-inch thick slices, keeping them as even as possible to ensure even cooking. Gently separate the slices into petals.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten eggs until fully combined. Place the onion petals into the mixture and allow them to soak completely.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to distribute all the seasonings evenly.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket or rack with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bread Onions: Working in batches, lift the soaked onion petals from the wet mixture and transfer them into the dry breading mixture. Toss gently to coat each petal thoroughly, using tongs, a slotted spoon, or your hands.
- Add to Air Fryer: Arrange the breaded onion petals in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the rack. Lightly spray the tops of the coated petals with oil or nonstick spray to help create a crispy crust.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes on the air fry setting. Pause halfway through cooking to gently flip the petals and reapply a light spray of oil. The petals are done when they are golden brown and the onions are tender but still hold their shape. Add additional time in small increments if needed, as air fryer models may vary.
- Make Sauce: While the onion petals cook, combine mayonnaise, creamy horseradish sauce, chili sauce, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well until smooth and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the blooming onion petals hot, accompanied by the prepared dipping sauce on the side for dipping and enjoying immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use medium to large sweet onions to achieve the ideal petal size and sweetness.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the dipping sauce.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable.
- Ensure even thickness when slicing onions to promote uniform cooking.
- Use nonstick spray generously to prevent sticking and to help the breading crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Cooking times may vary slightly based on the air fryer model; check for doneness and adjust accordingly.
