Get ready to transform an ordinary onion into a jaw-dropping, restaurant-quality appetizer that will have your guests begging for your secret recipe! This Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Blooming Onion is not just a dish; it's a culinary masterpiece that combines crispy, golden perfection with mind-blowing flavor in just 35 minutes. Imagine serving a restaurant-style appetizer right from your own kitchen, without the greasy deep-frying mess – sounds too good to be true? Keep reading to discover how you can create this showstopping dish that will make you the ultimate home chef!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 blooming onion
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Spices (paprika, garlic powder, etc.) to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 large onion, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 cup of buttermilk, and your choice of spices such as paprika and garlic powder.
- Prepare the onion by cutting off the top (the pointy end) and peeling off the outer skin. Carefully slice the onion from the top down towards the bottom, making 12-16 evenly spaced cuts around the onion, but do not cut all the way through the bottom. This will create the "petals" of the blooming onion.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with your chosen spices. A good starting point is 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 egg until well combined.
- In a third bowl, place 1 cup of breadcrumbs. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs depending on your preference.
- Carefully dip the prepared onion into the flour mixture, ensuring all the petals are coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured onion into the buttermilk and egg mixture, making sure it is fully submerged to help the breadcrumbs stick.
- Finally, coat the onion with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well to the surface and between the petals.
- Preheat your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Once preheated, carefully place the coated onion into the air fryer basket. If it doesn't fit, you can break the petals slightly to make it fit better.
- Cook the onion in the air fryer for about 20 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. You may want to check halfway through and gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the blooming onion from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Blooming Onion with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or a spicy mayo, and enjoy!
Tips
- Choose a large, firm onion with thick layers for the best "blooming" effect
- When cutting the onion, use a sharp knife and make sure not to cut through the bottom
- Pat the onion dry before coating to help the flour and breadcrumbs stick better
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – this ensures maximum crispiness
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning
- Let the onion rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the coating set
- Experiment with different spice blends to customize your flavor profile
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch and temperature
- Have your favorite dipping sauce ready before serving
- If the petals stick together, gently separate them with two forks after cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
