The Original Air Fried Blooming Onion (2024)

This Air Fried Blooming Onion recipe is a great alternative to usual oil fried version.
I like that I can feel a lot better about what I am eating when it is not fried in oil.

Air Fried Blooming Onion

You have probably seen the famous restaurant versions of the blooming onion.
Those popular appetizers are usually loaded in calories and a bit more.

I must admit that I do get a lot of use out of my air fryer.
Not only is it a healthier option for preparing food, it is easy to use. I have given quite a few fryers as gifts to family members who love them as well.

Here are some tips for making this air fryer blooming onion.

Choose a large onion that is fresh and free of bruises. I like to use a sweet onion because of the flavors.

Here are some more helpful tips.

1. This is one of those recipes that may take you a couple of tries. Blooming onions are not the easiest recipe to conquor. Making one in an air fryer can be an extra challenge however, try not give up!
2. Yes, onion can make you cry. However, rinsing the onion under cold water or allowing the onion to soak in cold water can help calm the tears.
3. Sometimes it can be a challenge to get the onion fully covered with the ingredients. Using a spoon helps if you can spoon the ingredients on top.
4. Because air fryers can vary in sizes and shapes, your onion may seem to be frying too fast in some spots and not enough in other spots. You can turn down the temperature to help fry more evenly. Another idea is to try rotating the onion just a bit when you go to check on it.

Make this air fried onion lower in carbs or gluten free.

Using almond flour is one way to make this recipe both gluten free and lower in carbohydrates. You may need to use an extra egg to help bind the almond flour.

Another option is to use gluten free flour.
Make this recipe gluten free by using gluten free flour instead of regular flour. Or, you can make this recipe lower in carbohydrates by using a low carb flour such as low carb Carbalose flour.

Here are some similar recipes that you may also like.

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The recipe for Air Fried Blooming Onion

As mentioned, using almond flour is one way to make this recipe both gluten free and lower in carbohydrates. You may need to use an extra egg to help bind the almond flour.

Also mentioned, because air fryers can vary in sizes and shapes, your onion may seem to be frying too fast in some spots and not enough in other spots .

You can turn down the temperature to help fry more evenly. Another idea is to try rotating the onion just a bit when you go to check on it.

What you will need to make this Air Fried Blooming Onion

Make this recipe gluten free by using gluten free flour instead of regular flour. Or, you can make this recipe lower carb by using low carb Carbalose flour.

• Onion- 1 big fat yellow or sweet onion.
• Flour- 2 ½ cups. Make this recipe gluten free by using gluten free flour instead of regular flour. Or, you can make this recipe lower carb by using low carb Carbalose flour.
• Seasonings such as Old Bay Seasoning, cumin, paprika, garlic powder,and / or my favorite, Trader Joe's Seasoning Blends.- 4 teaspoons total.
• Eggs-2 beaten.
• Milk, Buttermilk, or do I say, Beer- ½ cup.

See the Video For This Recipe!

How to make Air Fried Blooming Onion

Start by preparing your onion.

• To cut the onion. This can be tricky and it helps to rinse it under cold water first in order to keep down the tears. Peel your onion and cut off the end that is not the root. You want this cut to be flat. Turn the onion so that it sits on the flat end. Starting from the root, we will slice the onion into even quarters. Then, slice the quarters in half. When you cut, place the knife about ½" away from the root and then cut down into the onion until you are about to hit the cutting board. You want 12-16 slices in total that are about ¼-1/2" wide, depending on the size of your onion.
• Flip the onion over and place it into a bowl that is slightly larger than the onion.
• Lastly, pull apart the petals as to separate them and not detach them. the

Make your blooming onion.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 and prep your basket for nonstick if desired.
• In a bowl, whisk together your flour and seasonings.
• Now, in another bowl, whip together the eggs and milk (or liquid of choice).
• First pour the flour mixture over the onion and coat well. It is a good idea to get your hands involved and move the onion around in the bowl to help coat it. Or, you could cover the bowl with a plate or wrap and shake it to coat it.
• Lift the onion up and shake the excess flour mixture off back into the bowl.
• Move the onion over to the other bowl that contains the egg and milk and coat well. Use a spoon or ladle to help you coat the entire onion.
• Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture over the onion, shake the onion out again, and then place it into your air fryer.
• Air Fry this for 8-10 minutes or until crisp.
• Optional: For a bit of an oil taste, you can lightly spray your onion with a bit of olive or other oil before frying.

See the video for this recipe! Click here!

This is how to make an Air Fried Blooming Onion that tastes and looks just like the blooming onion that is fried and full of calories.

You can see this and the other items that have been featured on my Sugar Free Sunday Spotlight here.