This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is golden brown, crispy, and full of flavor. Serve this air fryer onion blossom recipe when entertaining or craving something extra.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Making the perfect onion blossom has been on my “to do” list forever! Well, I have done it! I have finally figured out how to make the perfect blooming onion in the air fryer. I am so excited to share it with you.
My air fryer onion blossom recipe results in crispy breading and juicy onions every time.
While many websites claimed to have made it, none of the recipes worked for me no matter how many I tried. My son loves the Bloomin Onion they serve at Outback Steakhouse, and like most things, I will not give up. This recipe has been perfected.
If you have been to Outback Steakhouse, you probably ordered the famous appetizer, Bloomin Onion, which is served deep-fried and with a spicy signature sauce. The air fryer does a fantastic job at frying foods without any oil, so it was on my list of things to prepare.
Be sure to try my Air Fryer Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings, Crab Rangoon, and Air Fryer Olive Garden Copycat Lasagna Fritta.
Why You’ll Love This Blooming Onions Recipe
- Made with basic ingredients
- Party favorite
- Cooks in less than 1 hour
- Crispy and delicious
Our New Air Fryer Appetizer Recipe & Video!
What is A Outback Steakhouse Bloomin (Blooming) Onion
It’s a delicious deep-fried onion with crunchy breading. Outback has been serving it since it opened back in 1988 and it has been widely popular. The name stems from when you stick it in the deep fryer — the onion opens, and it looks like a blooming flower.
It has been a favorite since the start. It is easily replicated in the air fryer. Today, I give you my foolproof method.
Who Created The Blooming Onion?
The famous one is from the Outback Steakhouse, and they have become famous for it over time. But where did it originate from?
We might never know. Several restaurants have their version; Chili’s calls their version the Awesome Blossom, and Applebee’s Restaurants sell the Onion Peels.
But, with your air fryer, you can now have this famous appetizer anytime — thanks to your Air Fryer!
Air Fryer Blooming Onion Ingredients
- Sweet Onions
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- All-Purpose Flour
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Kosher Salt
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cooking Spray
How To Make A Blooming Onion
Step 1: Prep the onion
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 faces up on a cutting board.
With 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 precise cuts, making sure not to cut through the root or accidentally cut off a chunk. Turn the onion right side up and gently separate the petals, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a medium-sized bowl, big enough to fit the onion, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together.
In another medium-sized bowl large enough to fit the onion, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne.
Step 3: Dip onion into batter
Dip the onion in the buttermilk mixture the best you can, 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, and then again in the flour mixture.
You can also open the petals up and sprinkle the flour inside to make sure everything is coated.
Step 4: Air fry onion blossom
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the blooming onion in the air fryer cut side up into the basket. Spray very generously with cooking spray.
Air fry the onion blossom for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the onion is tender. About every 8 minutes, open up the air fryer and spray more cooking spray on top.
FAQ’s:
How To Cut Onion For Blooming Onion
Cutting an onion for an air fryer blooming onion will require some practice, but here is how to do it in steps:
Step 1: Slice the top 1/2 inch of the stem end of the onion and peel the whole onion.
Step 2: Place the onion cut side down so the root end faces up on a cutting board.
Step 3: 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 precise cuts, making sure not to cut through the root. Turn the onion right side up and gently separate the petals, set aside.
What Type of Onions Should I Use For The Bloomin Onion?
For this blooming onions recipe, use a sweet onion. The most common variety available in most grocery stores is the Vidalia onion.
If you find another onion labeled as sweet onion in the store, the chances are that it is a Vidalia Onion.
What Type of Spray Oil Should I Use for this Air Fryer Blooming Onion?
It is not recommended that you use aerosol sprays in your air fryer. Over time the chemicals in the sprays will cause your basket to peel.
Invest in a refillable spray bottle that will last for years.
Can You Freeze An Onion Blossom?
No, these are best eaten right out of the air fryer. If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and put them into the refrigerator. They will last for about 2 to 3 days.
You can reheat your blooming onion in the air fryer at 375 degrees F air fryer setting. For best results, spray your onion blossom before reheating. It will help it crisp back up.
How Does An Air Fryer Work?
An air fryer works by circulating the hot air around the unit, heating the food, and cooking it. It does a great job of crisping up the food and cooking it to perfection.
How To Reheat Blooming Onion Air Fryer
Who doesn’t love a blooming onion? This delicious appetizer is perfect for any party, but sometimes you might not have enough time to make one from scratch.
If you have a leftover Blooming Onion from Outback, here is a foolproof way to reheat it.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- Spread the Blooming Onion out in the air fryer basket.
- Place the onion in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes until it is crispy. Enjoy!
More Air Fryer Recipes:
SOME HELPFUL PRODUCTS USED IN MAKING THIS RECIPE–
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Philips Kitchen Appliances Digital Twin TurboStar Airfryer XXL, with Fat Removal Technology, 3 Lbs, Black, HD9650/96
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.
- 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
- cooking spray
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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.
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Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
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Place the onion cut side up into the basket.
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Spray very generously with cooking spray.
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About every 8 minutes, open up the air fryer and respray cooking spray on top.
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Serve with the dipping sauce.
Don’t Forget To Pin:
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!