An air fried blooming onion is a healthy alternative to its deep fried counterpart, and it’s delicious too!
The air fried blooming onion is a popular appetizer that can be served as finger food or part of a meal.
What Is An Air Fried Blooming Onion?
Blooming onions are made by slicing off the outer layer of each bulb, leaving only the core intact.
Then they are sliced into thin rounds.
This process leaves the outside layers exposed so they turn light brown in color when cooked with oil.
Air frying is a cooking technique where you cook foods without using hot oil.
You may have heard of pan-frying, which involves placing your food in a skillet over medium heat and then stirring it around until it cooks evenly on all sides.
Air frying is similar but instead of adding fat to the mix, the food itself contains enough moisture.
When you fry something on high heat, you need plenty of space to work with.
You might find yourself moving the pan back and forth several times just to get everything coated.
When you air fry, however, there isn’t much room for error because the food doesn’t require constant movement to prevent burning.
It also has less grease than traditional frying methods, making it more healthful.
Ingredients
- Onions
- Salt
- Pepper (optional)
- Olive oil
- Cooking spray
- Water bath
To make an air fried bloomer onion, first slice off both ends of the onion.
Slice the bulbs horizontally in half lengthwise.
Next, cut out the center from each half.
Cut the centers into slices about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread them flat onto paper towels to absorb excess water.
Coat lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Next, coat the bottom of a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Place the prepared onions on top of the sprayed area and allow to sit for 5 minutes before transferring to the oven at 350°F degrees Fahrenheit (177oC).
Cook for 40 – 45 minutes, turning halfway through.
Remove the onions from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
They will continue to crisp up as they cool down.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.
How Is An Air Fried Blooming Onion Made?
There are two methods used to make an air fried blooming onion – dry frying and wet frying.
Dry-frying uses vegetable oil (or other cooking oils) while wet-frying uses water.
In both cases, the vegetables are cut into thin slices and then dipped in batter before being fried.
After they’re cooked, you need to drain them on paper towels so excess grease doesn’t drip onto your table or countertop.
You may also want to use tongs to lift out the onions from the pan because some people find the hot oil burns their hands when handling these delicate morsels.
You could serve this tasty treat at home by cutting up fresh onions, dipping them in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, and shallow frying them until golden brown.
However, if you like this recipe, you should try making air fried blooming onions instead.
What Are The Ingredients In An Air Fried Blooming Onion?
Here are the main ingredients you will find inside one of these tasty treats.
- Onions – You will need white onions, red onions, Spanish onions, yellow onions, sweet onions, or a combination of all four types, depending on your preference and what you want from the finished product.
- Salt – You may use table salt (fine) or kosher salt.
- Pepper – Use freshly ground black pepper.
- Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is ideal because of its high quality and low acidity level.
- Butter – A good stick butter would add richness to the final result.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder adds flavor, but more importantly helps keep the color of the onions intact during cooking.
- Sugar – Sugar gives sweetness to the onions without adding extra calories.
- Water – Water keeps the onions moist while they cook.
- Baking soda – Baking soda prevents the onions from browning when frying them in oil.
- Celery seeds – Celery seed brings out the natural aroma of the onions.
There are many other spices that you could include if you like, such as thyme, rosemary, cumin, garlic, bay leaves, parsley, basil, etc.
How Long Does It Take To Air Fry A Blooming Onion?
If you want your bloomin’ onions to have crispy edges but not crunchy ones, then you must air fry them first.
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare an air fried blooming onion.
A typical oven-to-table time frame is around 20 minutes.
So, if you don’t have much time on your hands, you may decide to just bake your blooming onion instead.
Since baking doesn’t get the crispiness right (and will also make your blooming onion soggy), we suggest making this recipe with air frying.
You won’t regret it!
Step 1: Peel off the outer layer of skin from the onion
Peel the outer layer of skin away from the onion using a sharp knife.
If there is no peel left, cut through the top portion of the onion to remove the entire piece.
Step 2: Slice the onion into wedges
Cut each wedge into quarters by slicing down along one side.
Then slice across the other side to create four even pieces.
Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform in size because you can trim them later.
They’re supposed to look messy when air fried.
Step 3: Chop up the garlic cloves and add to the pan
Chop up the garlic cloves and sauté them over medium heat for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
Remove the garlic from the pan after five minutes and set aside.
Add the oil back to the pan and cook the onion slices until golden brown.
Step 4: Air fry the onion
Arrange the onion slices on paper towels for 30 seconds so they cool quickly.
When fully cooled, transfer them back to the same bowl where you cooked the onion.
Place the bowl inside the refrigerator for 15 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Once the onion has had enough time to chill, preheat the broiler on low.
Put the egg roll wrapper onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spread some almond flour evenly on both sides of the wrapper.
Next, place two full tablespoons of chopped mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of the wrapper.
Layer three slices of the chilled onion on top of the cheese followed by another cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle some pepper seasoning on top of the cheese.
Fold the top half of the wrapper over the filling and press down firmly to seal the edge.
Repeat steps 3–4 with all remaining wrappers.
Spray the tops of the folded rolls with cooking spray before placing them under the broiler.
Broil the rolls for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
After the allotted amount of time, carefully slide the finished rolls out of their pan and serve warm.
What Temperature Should You Air Fry A Blooming Onion At?
Although there are no specific guidelines on how long you need to cook your blooming onions, most recipes suggest cooking them until they reach the desired doneness level.
If you want to avoid over-cooking your blossoms, then the best approach would be to follow these tips:
- Cook the onions in batches so you only have one batch of onions going into your oven at once.
- Start with small onions (about 2 inches) and work up from there.
- Use tongs when handling your onions because they will continue to release water while cooking which may result in soggy onions if not handled carefully.
- Don’t crowd the pan – use just enough oil to cover your onions but make sure to leave some space between each onion as this will ensure even cooking time.
- If using a smaller frying pan, start by heating about 1/4 cup of oil in the bottom before adding your onions. When the oil starts to bubble, add your onions and let them sit for 3 minutes before turning them around in the hot oil.
- Turn the heat down after 5 minutes and wait for another 4 minutes before taking them out and draining them on paper towels.
You can also try baking your onions instead of frying them.
It takes longer but gives you more control over the outcome.
Is An Air Fried Blooming Onion Healthier Than A Deep Fried Blooming Onion?
With all the health benefits associated with eating vegetables, it makes sense that people are looking for ways to incorporate more of them into their diet.
Air frying has become increasingly popular because it provides a way to enjoy your favorite foods without adding extra fat and calories.
So does this mean that an air fried blooing onion is better for you than a deep fried one?
Not necessarily.
There are still plenty of reasons why you would want to opt for the traditional method of cooking.
If you have concerns about the amount of oil used in deep frying, then an air frying option may be appealing.
If you don’t like the texture of the onions after being deep fried, then you might prefer to go with an air fryer instead.
But if you love both methods of preparation, then there’s no reason not to try out some different recipes.
We’ve got three tips on how to make sure that your air fried blooming onions taste just as good as they would if you had cooked them in oil.
First, we will look at what temperatures you need to keep your air fryer set to in order to get the best results from these veggies.
Then, we will tell you whether an air fried bloominonion is healthier than a deep fried one.
Finally, we will show you how to check if your air fried blooming onions are ready to eat.
How Do You Know When An Air Fried Blooming Onion Is Done?
There are two methods for cooking an air fried blooming onion: shallow frying or baking (also known as oven-baked).
Shallow frying involves submerging the onions in hot oil until they turn golden brown.
Baking uses a little bit less oil but requires more time.
You will need at least 1/4 cup of vegetable oil for each large onion you plan to cook.
You may want to experiment with different amounts before deciding on how much oil to use per onion.
When one side of your air fried blooming onion turns dark brown and crispy, remove them from the pan using tongs, then flip over the onions to finish cooking on the other side.
When both sides have reached this stage, set the onions aside to cool off completely.
Once cooled off, cut the top off of each blossom and carefully peel back the skin to reveal the tender flesh inside.
Serve immediately so that the flavor stays fresh.
Shallow Fry Air Fried Blooms
- Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add your onions and let them sit undisturbed for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, gently shake the pan to make sure the onions don’t stick together. If they start sticking, add some more oil to the pan.
- Let the onions continue to cook undisturbed for another 5 to 6 minutes. Once the onions have turned light gold, gently place them into bowls containing ice water to stop further cooking.
Bake Air Fried Blooms
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the tops off of your onions and carefully peel away the outer layer of green skin. Remove the inner layers of white pithy tissue that covers the onions’ stalks.
- Place the onions, stalk down, onto the prepared cookie sheet. Be careful not to crowd the onions because there should always be space between each onion.
- Spray the tops of the onions again if necessary. Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, check to see whether the bottoms of the onions are starting to get golden brown. If so, give them about 15 more minutes in the oven.
- Remove the onions from the oven and serve immediately so that the flavors remain fresh.
Can You Air Fry A Frozen Blooming Onion?
Yes, it is possible to air fry a frozen blooming onion.
All you need is your kitchen blender and some oil.
You may also want to use a frying pan if you don’t have a blower.
- Place the onions in a bowl and fill with enough oil so they are submerged completely.
- Blend until smooth, then add more oil if needed.
- Once blended, pour into a skillet and cook over medium heat until golden brown on each side.
- Remove from pan and place onto paper towels to absorb excess fat.
Why would I make my own air fried blooming onion?
Making your own air fried blooming onion has several benefits including cost savings, versatility, and healthfulness.
For instance, making your own means you get exactly what you desire without having to compromise on flavor.
Plus, there aren’t preservatives added to commercial products, which makes them a perfect fit for families who like freshness but hate additives.
What Do You Serve With An Air Fried Blooming Onion?
There are many ways to enjoy this treat including serving it alongside your favorite meat or fish dishes or even salads such as potato salad or coleslaw.
It also makes a great accompaniment to soups like chicken noodle soup or vegetable broth.
You may want to consider making them ahead of time if you plan on having guests over, because they will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
How to make Air-Fried Blooms
- Place all ingredients into a bowl except for the flour. Cover with plastic wrap and place in freezer until completely firm – about 30 minutes.
- Remove from freezer and mix well using hands. Place 1 tablespoon at a time onto prepared pan and flatten slightly (about ½ inch thick). Repeat process until all onions have been flattened. Sprinkle with flour and fold gently to coat evenly. Set aside.
- In another large bowl combine egg white and milk together until frothy. Add remaining flour mixture and whisk until smooth. Allow batter to sit for 5 minutes before pouring into a shallow baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, flip over and bake for 8 more minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool on wire rack.
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air fryer
Ingredients:
- 1 pound onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic salt (optional)
How to make an air fried blooming onion:
- Wash your onions under cold water and peel them using a vegetable peeler.
- Slice your onions into thin slices.
- In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to warm up in the microwave.
- Add 1 tablespoon of garlic salt.
- Mix all ingredients together until they are thoroughly coated.
- Place the onions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle some additional salt and pepper over the top.
- After 30 minutes, flip the onions so that the other side gets fully cooked.
- Let them sit for another 10 minutes before serving.
Once you have air fried the onions, you must know how to pair them with other dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Aioli Dip
You will need:
- 4 ounces mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chopped chives
- 1 clove minced garlic
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Lemon juice (about 1/8 lemon)
Mashed Potatoes
If you want to go traditional, try mashed potatoes with this recipe.
You will need:
- 6 large russet potatoes
- 5 cups of milk
- 1 stick butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- Peppermint extract (or vanilla extract if you don’t like mint)
- Zest from one orange
- Coffee ice cubes
- Cooking spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheesy Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are always good when paired with mashed potatoes, but these cheesy ones take things to another level:
You will need:
- 12 chicken drummettes
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Butter cooking spray
- Bacon bits
Fried Pickles
Pickle lovers love anything pickled, especially fried pickles!
This combination is perfect for a game day spread.
You will need:
- 1 jar dill pickles
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crab Cakes
These crab cakes are easy to prepare and even easier to eat!
They’re also packed full of flavor:
You will need:
- 1 pound lump crabmeat
- 1 small onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3-4 drops liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup panko crumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Canola oil cooking spray
Equipment
- Air-fried
Ingredients
FOR THE ONION
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 eggs
- 1 c. breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
FOR THE SAUCE
- 2/3 c. mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. horseradish
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Cut the onion’s stem off, then place the flat side down. Cut the plant in 12 to 16 sections, each one an inch long, starting from the root. Take care not to cut all the way through. To separate petals, turn the onion over and gently pluck out portions.
- Eggs and a tablespoon of water should be whisked together in a small bowl. Stir together the spices and breadcrumbs in a separate small bowl. Using a spoon, completely coat the onion with the breadcrumb mixture after dipping it in the egg wash. Apply oil to the onion.
- Place in air fryer basket and cook for 20 to 25 minutes at 375° until onion is completely soft. Add additional oil as needed.
- while preparing the sauce Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano in a medium bowl. Use salt to season.
- Serve sauce and onions together for dipping.
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My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.