We all have that one dish that we love to order at a restaurant but can’t seem to recreate. Well, I finally found the secret ingredient! The air fryer.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion is one of the recipes I have been trying to perfect over the years.
This Air Fryer Blooming Onion is an easy and healthier way to enjoy your favorite restaurant appetizer at home. CRISPY with Juicy onions will be the hit of any party!
While many websites claimed to have made it, I tried and tried, and none of the recipes worked for me, but I did not give up. My son loves the Bloomin Onion they serve at Outback Steakhouse, and like most things, I will not give up. This recipe is perfected, so I wanted to share it with you.
So, if you have been to Outback Steakhouse, you probably ordered the famous appetizer, Bloomin Onion, which is served deep-fried and with a spicy signature sauce. The air fryer does a fantastic job at frying foods without any oil, so it was on my list of things to prepare.
What is A Outback Steakhouse Bloomin (Blooming) Onion
It is a fantastic deep-fried Onion if you have not heard of this. Outback has been serving it since it opened back in 1988. It has been widely popular; the name stems from when you stick it in the deep fryer, the onion opens, and it looks like a blooming flower.
It has been a favorite since the start. It is easily replicated in the air fryer. Today, I give you my foolproof method.
FAQ’s:
Tips On Cutting An Onion For A Bloomin’ Onion:
Cutting an onion for a Bloomin’ Onion will require some practice, but here is how to do it in steps:
Step 1: Slice the top 1/2 inch of the stem end of the onion and peel the whole onion.
Then Step 2: Place the onion cut side down, so the root end is facing up on a cutting board.
Step 3: Taking a knife, about 1/2 inch from the root, cut down four slices, so the onion is now cut into fourths but still intact. Between those cuts, make three more precise cuts, making sure not to cut through the root or anciently cut off a chunk. Turn the onion right side up and generally separate the petals, set aside.
What Type of Onions Should I Use For The Bloomin Onion?
For this recipe, use a sweet onion, the most common variety available in most grocery stores is the Vidalia onion.
But if you find another onion labeled as Sweet Onion in the store, the chances are that it is a Vidalia Onion.
What Kind of Onions Does Outback Use?
Outback uses a sweet onion, usually a pale yellow, which is milder and sweeter, than the other onions.
Look for an onion that is about the size of your hand. This will make for a fantastic appetizer!
What Type of Spray Oil Should I Use On The Blooming Onion Or My Air Fryer?
It is not recommended that you use aerosol sprays in your air fryer. Over time the chemicals in the sprays will cause your basket to peel.
Invest in a refillable spray bottle that will last for years.
About Time
- Prep Time 20 mins
- Cook Time 24 mins
- Total Time 45 mins
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- cooking spray
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting.
-
Slice the top 1/2 inch of the stem end of the onion and peel the whole onion.
-
Place the onion cut side down so the root end is facing up on a cutting board.
-
Taking a knife, about 1/2 inch from the root, cut down four slices, so the onion is now cut into fourths but still intact. Between those cuts, make three more even cuts, making sure not to cut through the root or accidentally cut off a chunk. Turn the onion right side up and generally separate the petals, set aside
-
In a medium-sized bowl, big enough to fit the onion, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together, set aside.
-
In another medium-sized bowl large enough to fit the onion, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne.
-
The best you can dip the onion in the buttermilk mixture, coating everything. You may need to use your hands for this. Place the onion into the flour and coat with the flour. Separate the petals in each step to make sure to coat. Shake off any excess flour. Dip the onion once again in the buttermilk mixture the once again in the flour mixture. You can also open the petals up and sprinkle the flour inside to make sure everything is coated.
-
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
-
Place the onion cut side up into the basket.
-
Spray very generously with cooking spray.
-
About every 8 minutes, open up the air fryer and respray cooking spray on top.
-
Serve with the dipping sauce.
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 Calories
- Fat 4g
- Saturated Fat 1g
- Trans Fat 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 96mg
- Sodium 366mg
- Potassium 233mg
- Carbohydrates 33g
- Fiber 2g
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 8g
- Vitamin A 442IU
- Vitamin C 4mg
- Calcium 74mg
- Iron 2mg
