Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Ready in about 38 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
A dramatic blooming onion with crisp petals and tender centre, made lighter and less messy in the air fryer.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 60 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 120 g breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
Method
- 1Cut the onion into petals without slicing all the way through the base.
- 2Coat the onion with flour, egg and seasoned breadcrumbs, getting between the petals.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F.
- 4Air fry for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden.
- 5Serve with dip.
Tips for the best results
- Take your time coating between the petals.
- Spray lightly with oil so the crumbs brown well.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer blooming onion steams instead of browning.
- Pulling air fryer blooming onion the moment the timer ends without checking the centre.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer blooming onion?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 15-20 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer blooming onion ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer blooming onion serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.