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Slice the onion to make it bloom. Start by cutting off 1/2 inch from the top of the onion, then peel the outer skin from the onion.
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Place the onion cut-side down. Starting about 1/2 inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the cutting board. Repeat to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion.
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Turn the onion over and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the petals to relax. Prior to breading, use your fingers to gently separate the outer pieces.
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Make 3 additional cuts between each section until you have 16 evenly spaced cuts.
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Whisk the flour, paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme, and oregano in a large bowl. In a medium deep bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and 1 cup water.
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Place the onion in a clean bowl, cut-side up, and pour the flour mixture on top. Using a large spoon to coat the onion with the flour mixture, especially between the onion petals. Turn the onion over and pat off the excess flour. Reserve the bowl of flour.
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Transfer the onion into the egg mixture and coat evenly. Remove and let the excess drip off, then transfer back into the reserved flour mixture and repeat the flouring process.
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Place the onion into the refrigerator.
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Preheat the air fryer for 10 minutes to 350ºF.
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Remove the onion from the refrigerator and spray generously with cooking oil (vegetable or olive).
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After making a sling from a sheet of aluminum foil, transfer the onion cut side up into the fryer basket.
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Set the timer for 25 minutes and cook. Spray the onion with the cooking oil 2-3 times as you cook it fully.
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Remove onion using the aluminum foil sling and season with salt and pepper.
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Serve with the dip.
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Enjoy!