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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe with Smoky Chipotle Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for a crispy blooming onion made in the air fryer, served with a smoky chipotle dipping sauce. Perfect for a flavorful, less greasy snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with vinegar)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil spray)
  • ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise (light or vegan mayo optional)
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce from chipotle can
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim the top of the onion and peel off the outer skin. Place cut-side down on a cutting board.
  2. Slice the onion from top to bottom about ½ inch apart, stopping about 1 inch from the root to keep petals intact (12-16 petals).
  3. Gently spread the petals apart to create a blooming effect.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  5. In another bowl, beat eggs and stir in buttermilk until smooth.
  6. Dip the onion into the wet mixture, making sure it seeps between petals, then dredge in the flour mixture. Repeat the dip and flour coating for a double layer.
  7. Let the coated onion rest for 5 minutes to set the batter.
  8. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  9. Spray the onion generously with cooking spray on all sides.
  10. Place the onion petal side up in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, spraying halfway through cooking.
  11. While cooking, mix mayonnaise, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and salt to make the chipotle sauce. Refrigerate until serving.
  12. Carefully transfer the cooked onion to a serving plate and serve warm with the chipotle sauce.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and fresh buttermilk for batter that clings well. Spray cooking oil generously for crispiness. Handle onion gently to keep petals intact. If onion browns too quickly, lower temperature or cover loosely with foil. For gluten-free, use almond or gluten-free flour. For vegan, substitute eggs with flax egg and use plant-based milk and vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onion, air fryer, chipotle sauce, appetizer, crispy onion, smoky sauce, easy recipe, snack

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-with-smoky-chipotle-sauce-easy-and-perfect/