Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe: Easy Spiced Crunch Snack
This air fryer blooming onion is golden, crispy, and bursting with bold flavor—your go-to snack or appetizer made lighter and easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
1 cup all-purpose flour
Gluten-free option: almond flour
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt preferred)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
½ cup buttermilk
Dairy-free option: plant milk + splash of lemon juice
Cooking spray (avocado oil spray recommended)
Instructions
Prepare the onion: Peel onion and cut off the top. Place cut-side down and slice 12–16 vertical cuts, stopping about ½ inch from the root. Gently separate the petals.
Mix coatings: In one bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk. In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Dredge onion: Dip onion into egg mixture, making sure it gets between petals. Coat thoroughly with seasoned flour.
Extra crunchy option: Repeat egg and flour coating.
Let onion rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to help coating adhere.
Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
Cook: Spray air fryer basket lightly. Place onion cut-side down, spray top with cooking spray.
Cook 7–8 minutes, carefully flip, then cook another 7–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Rest & serve: Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Don’t cut through the root—it holds the onion together.
Double dredging gives the crispiest results.
Adjust cayenne for mild or extra-spicy heat.
Best served immediately while hot and crunchy.
