Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Instructions

1. 1

   Trim the root end just enough to keep the onion intact, then peel it. Set the onion root-side down and make 12 to 16 vertical cuts down toward the root, stopping about 1/2 inch above the root so the onion stays together.

2. 2

   Soak the onion in the ice water for 15 minutes. The petals should open. Drain it cut-side down and pat it very dry with a towel.

3. 3

   Stir the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the egg and milk. Put the panko in a third bowl.

4. 4

   Dust the onion with the seasoned flour, shake off the extra, then dip it in the egg mixture so the petals are coated. Press panko over the outside and between the petals.

5. 5

   Brush the air-fryer basket with 1 tbsp of the oil. Set the onion inside, brush the remaining oil over the crumbs, and air fry at 370°F for 15 to 18 minutes, turning the basket halfway if your model does not rotate.

6. 6

   The onion is done when the crumbs are deep golden and a petal in the center is tender when pierced. Rest 2 minutes, then serve with the root end down so the petals stay open.

Pro tips

• A very large onion fits most 5- to 6-quart baskets. If it touches the top element, trim the tips of the petals.
• Pat the onion dry after soaking. Wet petals make the crumbs slide off.
• Brush oil on the crumbs instead of spraying an aerosol into a nonstick basket.

Easy substitutions

Sweet onion

A large yellow onion. It will taste sharper.

Panko

Fine dry breadcrumbs. The crust will be a little denser.

Milk

Unsweetened oat milk in the egg wash.

Storage and reheating

Nutrition

Estimates per serving, using standard ingredient averages and rounded to the nearest gram. This is not a lab analysis, and it shifts if you change brands or add sides.

Calories

255

Protein

5 g

Carbs

34 g

Fat

11 g

Fiber

3 g

Moderate · Air Fryer