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Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals deliver a perfectly crispy, flavorful snack with minimal oil and mess. These golden, crunchy onion petals are seasoned with a savory blend and air fried to perfection, making them a healthier and quick alternative to traditional deep-fried onion blossoms. Ideal for parties, snacks, or comfort food cravings, this recipe is simple, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 large sweet onion (firm with wide layers)

Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour substitute)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Binding

  • 2 large eggs (or flaxseed egg substitute for vegan version)
  • 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan version)

Other

  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onion: Trim the top and bottom of the large sweet onion and peel off the papery skin. Carefully cut the onion into thick vertical petals, being sure not to slice all the way through the bottom so the petals remain attached and hold their shape.
  2. Make the Coating Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the seasoned all-purpose flour mixture (flour combined with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper), one with whisked eggs and milk, and one with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. This setup helps achieve a full, crispy coating.
  3. Coat the Petals: Dip each onion petal first into the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dunk it into the egg and milk mixture, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press the petal thoroughly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even coat on all sides.
  4. Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated petals in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Air fry the petals for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Cook until the petals are golden brown and crunchy, watching closely to prevent burning as cooking times may vary by air fryer model.

Notes

  • Choose a firm, large sweet onion for best petal separation and natural sweetness.
  • Season the flour mixture well to enhance flavor and help coatings stick better.
  • Cook petals in a single layer to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
  • Use cooking spray generously to achieve a golden, crispy crust without extra oil.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before beginning; extra paprika or garlic powder can enhance the flavor profile.
  • Flash freeze coated, uncooked petals for easy future frying; increase air fryer time by a few minutes when cooking from frozen.
  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness without drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer snack, blooming onion petals, crispy onion petals, healthy appetizer, party food, gluten free appetizer, vegan option