Air Fryer Outback-Style Blooming Onion

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions (or 1 large onion; keep the root intact)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp garlic powder (for the batter)
• 2 tsp onion powder (for the batter)
• 2 tsp paprika (for the batter)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 0.75 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 0.25 cup mayonnaise (for the sauce)
• 0.25 cup sour cream (for the sauce)
• 2 tbsp ketchup (for the sauce)
• 1 tbsp prepared horseradish (for the sauce)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for the sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for the sauce)
• 1 tsp onion powder (for the sauce)
• 2 tsp paprika (for the sauce (listed twice in original))
• cooking spray (to spray before frying)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the onion: cut off the top of the onion and peel it, keeping the root intact so it doesn't fall apart.

2. 2

   Place the onion face down and cut it into quarters without reaching the base. Then, cut each quarter one or two more times depending on the size of the onion to create the 'petals'.

3. 3

   Submerge the onion in a bowl of ice water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

4. 4

   In a bowl, mix the flour, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and water until you get a thick and smooth batter.

5. 5

   Remove the onion from the ice water and dry it completely with paper towels.

6. 6

   Dip the onion into the batter, ensuring you carefully cover every crevice and petal. Let the excess batter drip off.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the breadcrumbs or panko over the onion until it is completely coated.

8. 8

   Generously spray the onion with cooking spray.

9. 9

   Place in the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

10. 10

    While the onion is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 2 tsp paprika.

Notes

It is crucial to keep the root intact so the onion maintains its flower shape. The ice water helps the petals open up naturally before breading.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• air fryer
• onion
• snack
• restaurant style
• easy