Longhorn Steakhouse Texas Tonion Recipe

Get ready to enjoy the crispy, golden goodness of Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous Texas Tonion right at home! This copycat recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, crunchy onion petals with a zesty dipping sauce that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a restaurant-quality appetizer, this Texas Tonion will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Texas Tonion is a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring golden-fried onion petals seasoned to perfection and served with a zesty dipping sauce.

This copycat recipe allows you to recreate the restaurant favorite at home, delivering the same crunchy texture and bold flavors you love. The onions are coated in a seasoned batter, and air fried until perfectly crispy, and paired with a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that enhances every bite.

Whether you’re serving it as a starter for a steakhouse-inspired meal or as a snack for game day, this Texas Tonion recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You Will Love This Longhorn Texas Tonion Copycat Recipe!

• Crispy, Crunchy Texture: The batter and breadcrumbs create the perfect crunchy exterior that pairs perfectly with the tender onion inside.
• Customizable Size: Make it as big or small as you like! The recipe allows you to adjust the onion size to fit your preference for a lighter or more indulgent snack.
• Fun to Make: It’s a great recipe to involve the whole family in!
• Great for Parties: This is a fantastic appetizer or party snack that’s sure to impress guests with its delicious taste and presentation.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The seasoning in the batter provides a savory kick, while the sweetness of the onion balances it out beautifully.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite the impressive results, this recipe is simple to make with easily accessible ingredients, making it ideal for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile: It’s not just for parties! Serve it as a side dish, a snack, or even a main event when you’re craving something indulgent.

Ingredients Needed For Longhorn Steakhouse Texas Onion

• Large Sweet Onion: Mild, sweet flavor, perfect for frying.
• Flour: For the crispy coating texture.
• Cornstarch: Helps the batter crisp up perfectly.
• Baking Powder: Adds lightness and airiness to the batter.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory, aromatic flavor.
• Paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and color.
• Buttermilk: Adds richness and helps batter adhere.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates an extra crunchy outer coating.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning for flavor enhancement

How To Make Longhorn Steakhouse Texas Tonion

Step One: Peel the onion and cut it into slices about 1/2 inch thick. Then, carefully cut into petals.

Step Two: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and buttermilk together. In the last bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Step Three: Dredge it in the dry mixture (flour mixture) until fully coated, then dip each onion petal into the wet mixture (eggs and buttermilk). Then add to the panko breadcrumb mixture. Repeat for all petals, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step Five: Arrange the coated onion petals in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the onion petals with more olive oil spray.

Step Six: Set cook time for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer.

Longhorn Texas Tonion Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Onion: Use a large sweet onion (like Vidalia) for the best flavor. It’s milder and sweeter, making the fried petals tender and delicious.
• Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Soaking the onion petals in buttermilk helps the batter adhere better, resulting in a crispy coating. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
• Proper Coating: For an extra crispy texture, double coat your onion petals: dip in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture before applying the breadcrumbs.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. This helps the onion petals crisp up faster and more evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the onion petals in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly and get crisp. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the coated onion petals with olive oil or cooking spray before air frying. This will give them a golden, crispy texture without deep-frying.
• Watch the Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so keep an eye on the onions while they cook. Typically, 10-15 minutes at 375°F is perfect, but adjust based on your air fryer and how crispy you like them.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Texas Tonion as soon as it’s done. It’s crispiest when fresh!

Storing

• Storing: Store leftover Texas Tonion in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dipping sauce in a separate container to maintain its freshness.
• Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cooked onion petals on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat frozen or refrigerated Texas Tonion in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Longhorn Steakhouse Texas Tonion Recipe Faqs

Can I make Texas Tonion without an air fryer? Yes! You can deep-fry the onion petals in hot oil (around 350°F) until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What type of onion is best for Texas Tonion? A large sweet onion, such as a Vidalia onion, is ideal for Texas Tonion. It has a mild and sweet flavor that complements the crispy batter.

Can I freeze the Texas Tonion? Yes! After cooking, let the onion petals cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat them in the air fryer for best results.

What dipping sauce should I serve with Texas Tonion? A classic dipping sauce includes ranch dressing mixed with ketchup and a bit of horseradish for a tangy kick. You can also serve it with barbecue sauce or your favorite creamy dip.

How do I prevent the onion petals from falling apart? Ensure that the onion petals are coated thoroughly in the flour and egg mixture. Handling them gently while breading and air frying will also help keep them intact.

Can I make the batter spicier? Yes, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture to increase the heat. Adjust the spice level to your taste!

How do I keep the onion petals crispy after cooking? Serve the onion petals immediately after cooking for the best crispiness. If you need to store them, reheat in the air fryer to restore their crunchy texture.

More Copycat Longhorn Recipes

• Longhorn French Onion Soup Recipe
• Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe
• Air Fryer Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

• Longhorn Steakhouse Redrock Grilled Shrimp Recipe

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