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Crispy Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe – Easy Ranch Dip Included

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This air fryer blooming onion is a lighter, faster take on the classic fairground snack, featuring a golden, crispy onion with a creamy homemade ranch dip. Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you crave a crunchy, savory treat without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Texas Sweet, about 14–16 oz)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can swap for gluten-free blend)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup milk (use dairy-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Spray oil (avocado or olive oil)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Peel the onion and trim just the root end, leaving it intact. Place onion cut-side down and make 8–12 evenly spaced cuts downwards to create petals. Flip and gently separate layers.
  2. Optional: Soak onion in cold water for 15 minutes to help petals bloom.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk until smooth.
  4. Sprinkle flour mixture over and between onion petals, shake off excess. Dip onion into egg mixture, ensuring coverage, then repeat with another layer of flour.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place onion root side down in air fryer basket. Generously spray with oil to coat all surfaces.
  7. Air fry at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, checking halfway and spraying any dry spots. Onion should be deep golden and crispy.
  8. While onion cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice for ranch dip. Chill for 10–15 minutes.
  9. Carefully lift blooming onion out with tongs or spatulas. Serve hot with ranch dip.

Notes

For extra crunch, double dredge the onion in flour and egg. Generous oil spray is key for crispiness. Use gluten-free flour for dietary needs. The ranch dip can be made ahead and improves with chilling. If baking instead of air frying, use a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F for 25–30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer blooming onion, ranch dip, crispy onion, appetizer, party snack, gluten-free option, vegetarian, easy recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-air-fryer-blooming-onion-recipe-easy-ranch-dip-included/