Ever had one of those blooming onions at a restaurant and thought, “I wish I could make this at home without deep frying”?

That’s exactly how this Air Fryer Blooming Onion was born in my kitchen. It’s crispy, perfectly seasoned, and comes together without a pot of hot oil.

Why I Love This Recipe

All the crisp, none of the grease – The air fryer delivers a crunchy texture without the deep fryer mess.

A total showstopper – It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.

Flavor-packed layers – The seasoning mix is smoky, spicy, and bold.

Fun to eat and share – A centerpiece snack for movie nights or game days.

Homemade dip ready to go – The BBQ mayo takes it over the top.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Sweet onion – Choose a large one like Vidalia; it’s ideal for blooming and has a mild, sweet flavor.

All-purpose flour – Helps create a crispy coating around every petal.

Eggs + milk + water – The wet batter ensures the flour sticks beautifully.

Paprika, cayenne, cumin – Adds depth, heat, and a smoky touch.

Dried thyme & oregano – For that earthy, herby flavor.

Salt and pepper – Crucial for bringing everything together.

Spray oil – Helps achieve that golden crunch in the air fryer.

Mayonnaise + BBQ sauce – A quick dip that’s creamy, smoky, and tangy.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Microwave the onion slightly – Makes cutting easier and safer.

Use a sharp knife – Precision is key to get even petals.

Double-dip the coating – Ensures a thicker, crispier crust.

Chill before frying – Helps the coating stick better during air frying.

Spray oil thoroughly – Especially between the petals to avoid dry flour spots.

How to Make Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Step 1: Prep the Onion

Cut off about from the top and peel the skin. Place the onion cut-side down.

Make 4 downward cuts evenly around the onion, starting about from the root.

Then make 3 more cuts between each section to form 16 “petals.”

Step 2: Let It Bloom

Flip the onion over and let it sit for 5 minutes so the petals begin to separate.

Gently use your fingers to spread them apart.

Step 3: Mix the Breading and Batter

In one bowl, whisk flour with paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

In a second bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and water.

Step 4: Bread the Onion (Twice!)

Place the onion cut-side up in a bowl and sprinkle the flour mixture over it, working between the petals.

Shake off the excess.

Dip into the egg mixture, let excess drip, then coat again in the flour.

Tap off any loose flour.

Step 5: Chill and Preheat

Place the coated onion in the fridge for about 10 minutes while you preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

Step 6: Spray and Fry

Remove from fridge and spray generously with oil—especially between the petals.

Place the onion cut-side up in the air fryer using an aluminum foil sling.

Air fry for 25 minutes, spraying with oil 2–3 times as it cooks.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the blooming onion using the foil sling.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Serve warm with the dipping sauce.

What to Serve It With

BBQ ribs, burgers, or grilled chicken

French fries, sweet potato wedges, or air fryer pickles

A crisp slaw or fresh garden salad

Homemade dipping sauces: ranch, garlic aioli, or chipotle mayo

A cold beer or iced tea to balance the heat

Variations / Substitutions

Make it milder – Reduce cayenne or skip it entirely for a less spicy version.

Gluten-free – Use a gluten-free flour blend for coating.

Vegan version – Try plant-based milk and flax eggs.

Extra crispy – Add panko breadcrumbs to the flour mix.

Cheesy twist – Sprinkle grated parmesan over the onion before frying.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat – Use the air fryer for 5–6 minutes at 350°F to regain crispiness.

Avoid microwaving – It softens the crispy texture.

No freezing – The coating doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

FAQs

How do I make the onion bloom evenly?
Use a sharp knife and start cuts about ½ inch from the root to keep petals intact.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep and bread the onion in advance. Store it in the fridge and air fry just before serving.

Do I need to use sweet onion?
It’s recommended for flavor, but yellow onion can work in a pinch.

Can I skip the second flour dip?
You can, but the double dip helps create a thicker, crispier coating.

How much oil should I spray?
Spray thoroughly—especially any white flour spots. Reapply oil a few times while cooking.

What if I don’t have a foil sling?
Use tongs to carefully lift the onion, or line the basket with parchment for easy removal.

Is this spicy?
It has a gentle kick from cayenne. You can easily reduce or omit it for a milder version.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is everything I love about indulgent appetizers—but without the deep-fried guilt.

It’s crispy, golden, and deeply flavorful with a smoky heat that keeps you reaching for more.

Whether it’s for game day, a party, or a dinner side dish, this onion is always the star of the table.