This was a bit of an experiment, but I was super happy with the end result! This air fried blooming onion recipe is so simple and using the air fryer makes this dish much healthier than the deep fried alternative. The air fried blooming onion can be served as a light snack alongside the paprika dip or could be added to a larger meal. This goes well with steak, burgers or chicken and whilst you already have the panko breadcrumbs out why not choose to pair it with my air fired chicken thighs for a truly delicious meal. The paprika dip will also compliment both parts of the meal. I love it when ingredients can be shared across multiple dishes, avoiding waste wherever possible is always on my agenda, and creating a full meal using just the air fryer is always a win for me.
Ingredients
1 large onion
2 eggs
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
3 tablespoons of panko bread crumbs
For the dip: mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of paprika
Method
I first started with removing all the onion skins being super careful not to rip it. Then I turned the onion upside down (see photo) and sliced down evenly around the onion. In a bowl I mixed two eggs and a tablespoon of mayonnaise with a squeeze of hot sauce. In a separate bowl I had around three tablespoons of panko bread crumbs. First I popped the onion into the egg mix making sure it was all coated, then I carefully placed the onion into the panko mix. I then placed in the air fryer drawer on 180c for around 15 to 20 minutes, checking half way. Finally I served with paprika dip. I made this with Mayonnaise, ketchup, a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of paprika.
My air fried blooming onion makes a delicious mid afternoon snack.
The paprika dip is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier dip, add a bit more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of paprika or skip the hot sauce altogether. This flexibility allows you to cater the dip to your liking or the preferences of your guests. For those watching their calorie intake, you can make a lighter version of the dip using Greek yoghurt instead of mayonnaise. This will still provide a creamy texture and rich flavour while reducing the overall fat content.
When preparing the onion, take care to slice it evenly so that it cooks uniformly. If the onion pieces are too thick, they might not cook through properly. While overly thin slices can become too crispy. Practice makes perfect, and once you get the hang of it. You’ll be able to create beautifully blooming onions every time.
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