This Air Fryer Blooming Onion Recipe is a copycat favorite appetizer from Outback Steakhouse. It is a crispy appetizer for game days, parties, or any other occasion! You can make this yummy battered onion in just a few minutes in the air fryer.
– 1 large onion sweet or yellow – 1 cup all purpose flour – 1 tablespoon paprika – 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning – 1 tespoon kosher salt – 1 teapoon garlic powder – 1 teaspoon chili powder for spicier kick, use cayenne pepper – 1 cup water – 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Slice onion, leaving a small uncut circle in the center. Make 8-10 evenly spaced slices from top to bottom of the entire onion, and through all of the layers, leaving the center connected and root intact to the onion petals.
Place onion in ice cold water and let it sit for about an hour to soften the onion petals to help them separate to coat.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the spices. Add one cup of water to the dry ingredients, stirring until it forms into a batter. Add one tablespoon of water or extra flour if necessary.
Place onion in a deep bowl, and dip onion or spoon the batter over the onion, making sure to coat onion sections evenly.Then, to coat outer layer with breading, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the onion to coat it thoroughly.
For an extra onion crisp, lightly spritz the onion petals with cooking oil spray, and then air fry at 380ºF for 15-18 minutes until golden brown color with a crispy coating.
SERVE!