This Air Fryer Gluten-Free Blooming Onion offers all the crispy, flavorful goodness of the classic restaurant appetizer without the heavy oil or gluten. A whole onion is cut into petals, coated in a seasoned gluten-free breadcrumb mixture, and air fried until perfectly golden and crunchy. It’s a lighter, healthier take that’s just as satisfying, making it perfect for parties, game days, or a fun side dish—all with simple ingredients and easy prep!
If you love the classic restaurant-style blooming onion but want a healthier, gluten-free version, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Gluten-Free Blooming Onion! Lightly coated in a seasoned gluten-free breadcrumb mixture and crisped to perfection in the air fryer, this appetizer delivers all the crunch and flavor without the heavy oil or gluten. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you’re craving a savory snack with a little extra flair.
Try my Air Fryer Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings, Crab Rangoon, and Air Fryer Olive Garden Copycat Lasagna Fritta.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Gluten-Free Friendly – Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, using simple gluten-free ingredients.
- Crispy and Flavorful – The air fryer delivers a golden, crunchy coating with bold, seasoned flavor.
- Fun and Impressive – A show-stopping appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for game days, parties, family gatherings, or a fun weekend treat.
Ingredients Needed
- Sweet Onions or Large Onion: Choose a large, sweet onion like Vidalia for the best flavor and size to create the iconic bloomed appearance.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent in the batter.
- Buttermilk: Creates a batter that adheres well to the onion.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the batter, providing a light coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Onion Powder: To enhance the onion flavor!
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the batter with a rich, savory taste.
- Paprika: Adds a sweet, smoky flavor to the batter.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the blooming onion.
- Cayenne Pepper: Brings gentle heat to the dish, adding complexity to the flavors.
How To Make Air Fryer Gluten-Free Blooming Onion
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (air fryer setting). Slice off about 1/2 inch from the stem end of the onion and peel the outer skin.
Step 2: Place the onion cut-side down, root end up, on a cutting board.
Starting about 1/2 inch from the root, make four evenly spaced cuts downwards to divide the onion into fourths (without cutting through the root). Between those cuts, make three more slices, again stopping before the root, to create “petals.” Turn the onion upright and gently separate the petals.
Step 3: In a medium bowl large enough to fit the onion, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Set aside.
Step 4: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Step 5: Dip the onion into the buttermilk mixture, making sure to coat between the petals (you may need to use your hands). Then place the onion into the flour mixture, gently coating the entire surface and between the petals.
Repeat the dipping process once more: back into the buttermilk, then into the flour mixture for a thicker, crunchier coating. Shake off any excess flour as needed.
Step 6: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the onion cut-side up into the basket and spray the onion generously with cooking spray to help it crisp.
Set cook time for 20–25 minutes, or until the onion is golden brown and tender.
Open the air fryer every 8 minutes and reapply cooking spray to keep the onion crispy.
Gluten Free Blooming Onion Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- Use a large sweet onion like Vidalia for the best flavor and easier slicing.
- Make precise cuts and avoid cutting through the root so the onion stays intact.
- Separate the petals gently to allow the buttermilk and flour coating to reach every layer.
- Double-dip for extra crunch—dip the onion twice in buttermilk and flour mixtures.
- Generously spray cooking spray between petals and over the top for maximum crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—make sure there’s room for hot air to circulate around the onion.
- Re-spray the onion during cooking every 8–10 minutes to keep it crispy and golden.
- Serve immediately for the best crunchy texture and freshest flavor.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover blooming onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Keep it wrapped loosely in parchment paper to help maintain crispness.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the crispy coating and tender onion may become soggy after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this blooming onion fresh for the best flavor and crunch.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soft and lose its crunch.
Air Fryer Gluten-Free Blooming Onion Recipe Faqs
Can I use any type of onion? Sweet onions like Vidalia work best because they have a mild flavor and tender texture when air fried.
What’s the best gluten-free flour to use? A good all-purpose gluten-free flour blend works great; make sure it contains xanthan gum for better coating adhesion.
Do I have to double-dip the onion? Double dipping in the buttermilk and flour helps create a thicker, crispier coating that’s worth the extra step.
How do I keep the onion crispy after air frying? Serve immediately after cooking and avoid covering it tightly, which can trap steam and soften the petals.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the onion and coat it in advance, but for the crispiest results, air fry it right before serving.
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Air Fryer Gluten-Free Blooming Onion
Description
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup gluten-free 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
Instructions
- 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.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
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Suzanne
Simply Shamazing!!!!!:))
Karen Retterer
Is there a recipe for the dipping sauce?
Laurie
https://forktospoon.com/outback-bloomin-onion-sauce/
Betty Knapik
Excited to make this over New Years! Didn’t see a dipping sauce recipe and never ordered an onion at a restaurant. Will try a mild horseradish aioli. Thanks for the great idea. P.S. I only have aerosol sprays. Don’t know ingredients for an oil spray that won’t clog a spray bottle. Wish me luck!