Description
As a passionate home cook, I find joy in creating dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also bring a sense of fun to the table. One of my all-time favorite appetizers is the blooming onion. It’s like a flower made of crispy goodness, and when paired with a zesty dipping sauce, it becomes a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. I remember the first time I tried a blooming onion at a local restaurant. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! The crunch, the flavor, and the way it just seemed to bloom open was pure magic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the onion by peeling and slicing off the top, leaving the root intact.
- Make vertical cuts down to the base of the onion, about 1/4 inch apart, and gently pull apart the petals.
- Soak the onion in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- Remove the onion from the water and shake off excess moisture.
- Dip the onion into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the coated onion with cooking spray.
- Place the onion in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Choose a large, firm sweet onion for the best flavor.
- Soaking the onion for an hour can enhance the blooming effect.
- Using panko breadcrumbs can add extra crunch.
- Keep an eye on the onion as cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg