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Amazing Copycat Bloomin’ Onion Air Fryer

Copycat Bloomin’ Onion in the Air Fryer
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Make a restaurant-style blooming onion at home with this easy air fryer recipe. Get that perfect crispy coating and tender inside without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

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  • 1 large sweet onion
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onion: Cut off the top 1/2 inch of the onion. Slice off the bottom to create a flat base. Place the onion cut-side down.
  2. Cut the onion: Starting about 1/2 inch from the root end, make a cut down to, but not through, the root. Repeat this around the onion, making 12-16 cuts to create petals.
  3. Separate the petals: Gently spread the onion petals apart with your fingers.
  4. Set up dredging stations: In one shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). In another shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Coat the onion: Dip the entire onion into the buttermilk, ensuring all petals are coated. Lift and let excess drip off.
  6. Dredge in flour: Place the onion in the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Gently shake off excess.
  7. Dredge in breadcrumbs: Dip the flour-coated onion back into the buttermilk, then immediately place it into the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the onion, ensuring every crevice is filled.
  8. Air fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully place the coated onion in the basket. Spray the top of the onion generously with cooking spray.
  9. Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust cooking time based on your air fryer.
  10. Serve: Carefully remove the blooming onion from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispy results, you can double-coat the onion: after the first breadcrumb coating, dip it back into the buttermilk and then into the breadcrumbs again.
  • Ensure you use a large enough onion to hold its shape and allow the petals to open.
  • Dipping sauces like ranch, bloomin’ onion sauce, or a spicy aioli are great accompaniments.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/copycat-bloomin-onion-air-fryer/