why make this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals are a fun and tasty snack that brings a restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. Using the air fryer means you get that delicious crunch without the extra oil, making this recipe a lighter option. It’s perfect for parties, game nights, or just a cozy family meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices and ingredients!
how to make Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- Buttermilk or milk alternative – enough to submerge the onion (about 1 cup)
- Olive oil spray (for misting)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for cheesy variation)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (for herb-infused variation)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy variation)
Directions:
- Peel your large sweet onion and trim just enough off the stem side so it can sit flat.
- Carefully slice the onion vertically into 12-16 even petals, stopping about half an inch from the root end to keep the petals attached.
- Submerge the onion in buttermilk or your chosen milk alternative. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes to soften the onion and help the coating stick.
- In one bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices like cayenne or herbs.
- In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with optional Parmesan cheese or herbs.
- Remove the onion from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each petal thoroughly in the flour-spice mix, then dip again in buttermilk, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every petal is generously covered.
- Lightly spray the coated onion petals with olive oil spray. Place the onion standing upright in the air fryer basket if possible, or arrange petals in a single layer.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
how to serve Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals
Serve your Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals hot, with your favorite dipping sauces. Good choices include ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli. These petals make a great appetizer or a delightful side dish!
how to store Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals
If you have leftovers, let them cool down and place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
tips to make Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals
- Be gentle when cutting the onion to keep the petals intact.
- Soaking the onion in buttermilk is key to making the coating stick well.
- Customize your spices based on your taste. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices!
variation
For a cheesy version, add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. For an herb-infused twist, mix dried oregano or thyme into the flour. If you like it spicy, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder in with the spices.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, you can use other onions, but sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best for the sweetness.
2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the onions and coat them, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying.
4. Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variation.
Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and crispy onion petals made in the air fryer, perfect for a fun snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- Buttermilk or milk alternative – enough to submerge the onion (about 1 cup)
- Olive oil spray (for misting)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for cheesy variation)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (for herb-infused variation)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy variation)
Instructions
- Peel your large sweet onion and trim just enough off the stem side so it can sit flat.
- Carefully slice the onion vertically into 12-16 even petals, stopping about half an inch from the root end to keep the petals attached.
- Submerge the onion in buttermilk or your chosen milk alternative. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes to soften the onion and help the coating stick.
- In one bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices like cayenne or herbs.
- In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with optional Parmesan cheese or herbs.
- Remove the onion from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each petal thoroughly in the flour-spice mix, then dip again in buttermilk, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every petal is generously covered.
- Lightly spray the coated onion petals with olive oil spray. Place the onion standing upright in the air fryer basket if possible, or arrange petals in a single layer.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
Notes
Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American