Description
Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion is a healthier twist on the classic restaurant favorite — crunchy, golden, and bursting with flavor! Made with oat flour, cornmeal, and simple seasonings, this air-fried version delivers the same satisfying crispness without the oil. Perfect for game day, parties, or when you’re craving a light yet indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or similar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Optional Add-Ins
- Pinch of cayenne pepper for spice
- Dried basil or thyme for herb flavor
- Flax eggs for vegan option (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water)
Instructions
- Cut the onion: Peel the onion and trim the top, leaving the root intact. Make cross cuts from the top toward the root to form petals, stopping 1/2 inch above the root. Gently spread the layers apart.
- Prepare the coating: In one bowl, whisk eggs and almond milk. In another, mix oat flour, cornmeal, and spices.
- Coat the onion: Dip the onion into the egg mixture, coating between each petal, then dredge in the flour mix. Press to adhere and repeat if needed.
- Air fry: Spray thoroughly with olive oil and place root-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use a large sweet onion like Vidalia for best flavor.
- Don’t slice through the root — it keeps the onion intact.
- Spray evenly with olive oil to ensure crispness.
- Air fry in batches for better airflow and even cooking.
- Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 5–8 minutes for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Air Fryer
- Method: Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Blooming Onion, Crispy Bloom Onion, Healthy Onion Appetizer, Air Fryer Recipes, Onion in Air Fryer, Gluten-Free Appetizer, Vegetarian Snack, Lyndy’s Kitchen