Blooming Onion With Dipping Sauce

Blooming Onion With Dipping Sauce

Breaded and deep-fried onions are a staple in many restaurants. They're also delicious at home, but they can be difficult to make. If you're looking for an easier way to enjoy this appetizer, consider using your air fryer! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make the perfect air fryer blooming onion.
Ingredients:
1 large sweet onion
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or black pepper
Directions:
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting.
Slice the top 1/2 inch of the stem end of the onion and peel the whole onion.
Place the onion cut side down so the root end is facing up on a cutting board.
Taking a knife, about 1/2 inch from the root, cut down four slices, so the onion is now cut into fourths but still intact. Between those cuts, make three more even cuts, making sure not to cut through the root or accidentally cut off a chunk. Turn the onion right side up and generally separate the petals, set aside.                                                                              

In a medium-sized bowl, big enough to fit the onion, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together, set aside.  

In another medium-sized bowl large enough to fit the onion, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne.

The best you can dip the onion in the buttermilk mixture, coating everything. You may need to use your hands for this. Place the onion into the flour and coat with the flour. 

Separate the petals in each step to make sure to coat. Shake off any excess flour. Dip the onion once again in the buttermilk mixture the once again in the flour mixture. You can also open the petals up and sprinkle the flour inside to make sure everything is coated.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Place the onion cut side up into the basket.

Spray very generously with cooking spray.

Air Fry for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, and the onion is tender.  

About every 8 minutes, open up the air fryer and respray cooking spray on top.

Serve with the dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cream-style horseradish sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
⅓ teaspoon paprika
⅓ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch ground black pepper
Directions:

Combine the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve. Best to make ahead allowing flavors to develop and meld.