Recipes

Air Fryer Blooming Onion with Cider Cheese Sauce

A blooming onion is one of those irresistible comfort snacks that combines crispy texture with bold seasoning. This blooming onion recipe uses the air fryer to create a lighter version of the classic, delivering golden, crunchy layers without deep frying.

What makes a blooming onion so popular is its unique shape and texture. The onion is carefully cut into petals that open up during cooking, creating a crispy outside while staying tender inside. The seasoned coating adds warmth and spice, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

The air fryer plays a key role in this blooming onion recipe. It circulates hot air around the onion, allowing it to crisp up evenly while using much less oil than traditional frying. This air fryer onion method keeps the dish lighter but still indulgent.

The cider cheese sauce adds an extra layer of richness. The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese creates a smooth and creamy base, while the apple cider adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.

If you are putting together a snack platter, this dish pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken recipes or other finger foods. It works great for sharing and is ideal for casual gatherings.

When preparing onions and dairy-based sauces, it is important to cook them properly and store leftovers safely. For more food safety guidance, refer to the FDA.

Why blooming onion works so well in the air fryer

A blooming onion is especially suited for the air fryer because of its structure. The separated layers allow hot air to circulate easily, ensuring even cooking and crisping.

This air fryer blooming onion technique creates a golden crust without excessive oil. The result is a lighter version of a classic appetizer that still delivers on flavor and texture.

The seasoning mix enhances the onion’s natural sweetness while adding depth and a mild kick of spice. The balance between crispy coating and soft onion creates a satisfying contrast.

The cheese sauce completes the dish by adding creaminess. Its smooth texture pairs perfectly with the crunchy onion petals, making it ideal for dipping.

Another advantage of this blooming onion recipe is its simplicity. Although it looks impressive, the preparation is straightforward and achievable at home.

This dish is also versatile. You can adjust the spice level, use different cheeses, or serve it with alternative dips depending on your preference.

Because it is designed for sharing, it works well as a party snack or appetizer. It is especially popular during casual events and game nights.

With its crispy texture, rich sauce, and eye-catching presentation, a blooming onion is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings both flavor and fun to the table.

blooming onion air fryer crispy onion with cheese sauce on a rustic wooden table

Air Fryer Blooming Onion with Cider Cheese Sauce

Crispy blooming onion made in the air fryer with a creamy cider cheese sauce.
Couverts4 servings
Preparation 35 minutes
Preparation time:10 minutes
Total time 45 minutes
estimated costs pp $2.10 per serving
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

For the blooming onion:

For the cheese sauce:

Instructions

  • Cut onions into petals without cutting through the root.
  • Whisk milk and egg.
  • Mix flour with spices.
  • Dip onions in milk mixture, then coat with flour mixture.
  • Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  • Drizzle onions with oil and cook for 10 minutes, turning halfway.
  • Melt butter, add flour, and cook briefly.
  • Add milk and cook until thickened.
  • Stir in cider and cheeses until smooth.
  • Serve onions with sauce.

Notes & Wine Advice

Notes

Cut onions carefully to keep the base intact.
Coat evenly for best crisp result.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Variations

Use different cheese blends.
Add paprika for extra flavor.
Serve with spicy dip.

Wine Advice

This dish pairs well with a fresh Witte wijn or a light Rose.
These wines balance the richness of the cheese sauce.

Nutrition values

Calories: 420 kcal | koolhydraten: 28 g | Eiwitten: 12 g | Vet: 28 g | Verzadigd vet: 14 g | Natrium: 620 mg | Suiker: 6 g
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Appetizer / Party Food / Snack / Vegetables
Cuisine; American / North America
Season: All Seasons
Diets; Vegetarian
Occasions Game Day

Air Fryer Mushroom Burgers

Air Fryer Mushroom Burgers are the perfect combination of smoky barbecue flavor, tender mushrooms, melted mozzarella, and crispy toasted brioche buns. These hearty vegetarian burgers deliver all the comfort of a classic burger. At the same time, they keep the filling rich, savory, and packed with texture. The air fryer creates beautifully caramelized vegetables. It also keeps preparation simple and efficient.

What makes these mushroom burgers especially satisfying is the balance between smoky barbecue sauce, sweet roasted peppers, and juicy portobello mushrooms. The mushrooms absorb the barbecue glaze during cooking, creating a deep savory flavor. That flavor pairs perfectly with melted cheese and toasted brioche. Every bite feels rich and comforting. However, it never becomes overly heavy.

The popularity of Air Fryer Mushroom Burgers continues to grow because more people are looking for satisfying meatless meals that still feel indulgent and filling. Using the air fryer gives the mushrooms a roasted texture. It also allows the vegetables to soften beautifully without needing much oil. This makes the burgers flavorful. Yet, they still feel lighter than many traditional fast-food style burgers.

Another reason these burgers work so well is their versatility. You can easily customize them with extra toppings like crispy onions, jalapeños, avocado, or different cheeses. The smoky barbecue sauce creates a rich base flavor that pairs well with a wide variety of toppings and sauces.

If you enjoy creative air fryer recipes, you may also like our collection of Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons, which are another great option for easy comfort food made in the air fryer.

The texture combination in these burgers makes them especially enjoyable. The brioche buns become lightly crisp in the air fryer while staying soft inside. Meanwhile, the mushrooms stay juicy and tender, and the melted mozzarella creates a creamy finish that ties everything together beautifully.

The barbecue seasoning also plays a major role in the flavor profile. Smoked paprika, garlic, and smoky barbecue sauce create layers of savory depth without requiring complicated preparation. The sweetness from the roasted red peppers and onions balances the earthiness of the mushrooms perfectly.

Because mushrooms naturally contain a lot of moisture, cooking them at high heat in the air fryer helps concentrate their flavor while creating lightly browned edges. This gives the burgers a more satisfying texture. Furthermore, it prevents the filling from becoming watery during assembly.

Food safety and proper ingredient handling remain important whenever preparing fresh vegetables and dairy products. For additional food preparation guidance and kitchen safety information, visit the FDA.

These Air Fryer Mushroom Burgers ultimately deliver everything people love about comfort food: crispy bread, melted cheese, smoky flavor, and satisfying texture. They are perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or relaxed weekends. Choose them when you want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Air Fryer Mushroom Burgers served on a rustic wooden table with melted mozzarella and barbecue mushrooms

Air Fryer Mushroom Burgers

Smoky barbecue mushroom burgers with roasted peppers, mozzarella, and toasted brioche buns.
Couverts4 personen
Preparation 20 minutes
Preparation time:45 minutes
Total time 1 hour 5 minutes
estimated costs pp $4.50 per person
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  • Toast the brioche bun bases in the air fryer for 5 minutes until golden.
  • Repeat with the bun tops and keep warm.
  • Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil with sliced onion and bell pepper.
  • Place the vegetables into the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper.
  • Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes until softened.
  • Transfer the vegetables to a bowl.
  • Mix remaining olive oil, garlic, barbecue sauce, and smoked paprika.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and toss well.
  • Cook the mushrooms in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes until tender and browned.
  • Place mozzarella slices onto the bun bases.
  • Heat for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Top the buns with mushroom mixture, peppers, onions, mustard, and pickles.
  • Finish with the bun tops and serve immediately.

Notes & Wine Advice

Notes

Portobello mushrooms work best because they stay juicy while developing a rich roasted flavor in the air fryer.

Serve Tip

Serve these burgers with crispy potato wedges, coleslaw, or grilled corn for a complete meal.

Variations

Add jalapeños, crispy onions, avocado, or smoked cheddar for extra flavor and texture variations.

Wine Advice

A fruity Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the smoky mushrooms and sweet barbecue sauce.

Nutrition values

Calories: 520 kcal | koolhydraten: 39 g | Eiwitten: 16 g | Vet: 33 g | Verzadigd vet: 10 g | Natrium: 890 mg | Suiker: 11 g
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Burgers / Main Course / Vegetables
Cuisine; American
Season: All Seasons
Diets; Vegetarian

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes from thee airfreyer

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes from thee airfreyer

Couverts6
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 20 minutes / Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Whipped Chive Butter:

Instructions

  • Start by washing the unpeeled sweet potatoes.
  • Place each sweet potato on a cutting board and trim a small piece lengthways from one side so they sit flat.
  • Place a chopstick on either side of a sweet potato on the board to act as a stopper.
  • Slice the sweet potatoes crossways at ½-inch intervals, being careful not to cut all the way through, thanks to the chopsticks.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining sweet potatoes.
  • Place them on a tray.
  • Preheat a 5- or 6-quart air fryer to 400°F, and set the timer for 3 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed garlic, ground cinnamon, and salt flakes.
  • Brush this butter mixture over the prepared sweet potatoes.
  • Carefully pull out the air-fryer pan and basket, then place the seasoned sweet potatoes into the basket.
  • Slide the pan and basket back into the appliance.
  • Keep the temperature set at 400°F and set the timer for 15 minutes.
  • Allow the sweet potatoes to cook.
  • After 15 minutes, place the pancetta slices on top of the sweet potatoes.
  • Set the timer for an additional 5 minutes to finish cooking the sweet potatoes until they’re tender when pierced with a knife, and the pancetta is crisp.
  • While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the Whipped Chive Butter.
  • Beat the softened butter in a small bowl with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy.
  • Then, beat in the maple syrup and stir in the chopped chives.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are ready, serve them spread with the Whipped Chive Butter and topped with chopped chives and the crisp pancetta.

Notes & Wine Advice

You can use any type of sweet potato or even regular potatoes. If using regular potatoes, omit the cinnamon and use paprika instead. Regular potatoes will discolor when cut, so prepare them just before serving.
You can prepare the sweet potatoes up to the end of step 3, up to 6 hours ahead. Refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook, and then preheat the air fryer just before cooking. Enjoy your Hasselback Sweet Potatoes!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Side Dish / Vegetables

Deluxe Roasted Veggies

Deluxe Roasted Veggies

Couverts4
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Airfreyer

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat a 5- or 6-quart air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  • Halve the new potatoes.
  • Trim and scrub the unpeeled carrots; cut any larger carrots in half lengthways.
  • Separate the unpeeled garlic into cloves.
  • Place the potatoes, carrots, and garlic in a large bowl with the remaining ingredients.
  • Season with salt and pepper, and toss everything to combine.
  • Carefully pull out the air-fryer pan and basket.
  • Place the seasoned vegetables in the basket.
  • Slide the pan and basket back into the appliance.
  • Keep the temperature set at 400°F and set the timer for 20 minutes.
  • Turn the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and become golden and tender.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Vegetables
Diets; Vegetarian

Broccoli Au Gratin

Broccoli Au Gratin

Couverts4
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Airfreyer

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 25 minutes / Cooking Time: 35 minutes

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 6½ ounces grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1 tbsp white shiro miso
  • 1 pound broccoli cut into large florets
  • 1 cup panko Japanese bread crumbs
  • â…“ cup natural flaked almonds toasted

Instructions

  • In a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat, melt half of the butter.
  • Stir in the flour and cook while stirring until the mixture bubbles.
  • Gradually add the milk, continuing to stir.
  • Cook for about 4 minutes, or until the mixture boils and thickens.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the Gruyère cheese and the miso.
  • Season to taste.
  • Divide this cheese sauce between two 7¼-inch oval dishes that will fit in a 5- or 6-quart air fryer.
  • In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil.
  • Cook the broccoli for 1 minute or just until it turns bright green.
  • Drain the broccoli well and divide it between the two dishes.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  • Melt the remaining butter.
  • In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, melted butter, and the remaining Gruyère cheese.
  • Mix them well and scatter this crumb mixture evenly over the broccoli.
  • Cover each dish with a piece of greased foil.
  • Carefully pull out the air-fryer pan and basket and place one of the dishes in the basket.
  • Slide the pan and basket back into the appliance.
  • Keep the temperature set at 350°F and set the timer for 20 minutes.
  • Leave it to cook.
  • Then, remove the foil from the dish and set the timer for an additional 5 minutes to cook until the broccoli is tender and the crumb topping is golden.
  • Transfer the dish to a wire rack and cover it with the reserved foil to keep it warm.
  • Repeat the cooking process with the remaining dish.
  • Serve the au gratins, topped with toasted flaked almonds.
  • Enjoy your Broccoli Au Gratin!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Vegetables
Diets; Vegetarian

Homemade Banana Bread

Homemade Banana Bread

Couverts8
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Airfreyer

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 25 minutes / Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Instructions

  • Grease a 4-inch x 8-inch loaf pan and line the base and sides with parchment paper, ensuring the paper sits flush with the rim.
  • In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, just until combined.
  • Then, add the mashed bananas and maple syrup.
  • Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Add the chopped walnuts and stir with a large spoon until everything is well combined.
  • Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
  • Preheat your 5- or 6-quart air fryer to 325°F for 3 minutes.
  • Carefully pull out the air-fryer pan and basket.
  • Place the loaf pan in the basket, then slide the pan and basket back into the appliance.
  • Keep the temperature set at 325°F and set the timer for 10 minutes.
  • Allow the bread to cook.
  • Place the banana halves, cut-side up, on top of the bread.
  • Cover the loaf pan with foil, making sure to pierce the foil.
  • Set the timer for 40 minutes to cook.
  • Then, uncover the bread and set the timer for an additional 5 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
  • Remove the loaf pan from the basket and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it, top-side up, onto a wire rack.
  • While the bread is still hot, scatter the brown sugar on top.
  • Serve slices of the banana bread topped with ricotta and drizzled with honey.

Notes & Wine Advice

You’ll need approximately 3 large bananas to yield 1½ cups of mashed banana. Enjoy your homemade banana bread!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Bread / Cake / Fruit

Rhubarb Galette

Rhubarb Galette

Couverts4
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 10 minutes / Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Instructions

  • Preheat your 5- or 6-quart air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  • Line an oven tray with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, rhubarb, brown sugar, and orange rind.
  • Toss until the rhubarb is well coated.
  • Cut a 10½-inch x 10¾-inch oval from a sheet of parchment paper.
  • Cut a 9½-inch round from the puff pastry sheet and place it on the parchment paper cutout.
  • Sprinkle almond meal evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1½-inch border.
  • Top the almond meal with the rhubarb mixture.
  • Fold the pastry border up and around the filling, pleating as you go.
  • Brush the pastry border with the extra melted butter.
  • Carefully pull out the air-fryer pan and basket.
  • Using the parchment paper as a guide, lower the galette into the basket.
  • Slide the pan and basket back into the appliance.
  • Keep the temperature set at 350°F and set the timer for 20 minutes to cook until the pastry is golden, and the rhubarb is tender.
  • Just before serving, dust the galette with confectioners’ sugar.
  • Scatter it with zested orange rind and serve with whipped cream.

Notes & Wine Advice

You will need 1 bunch of rhubarb for this recipe.
Use a zester to create thin strips of orange rind. If you don’t have one, peel large pieces of rind, avoiding the pith, then cut them into thin strips. Enjoy your rhubarb galette!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Fruit / Pastry / Quiche

Savory Pizza Scrolls

Savory Pizza Scrolls

Couverts12
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Airfreyer

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 25 minutes / Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Instructions

  • Sift the self-rising flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl.
  • Using your fingertips, rub in the cold butter.
  • Add buttermilk gradually until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly until it’s smooth.
  • Roll the dough into a 12-inch x 16-inch rectangle on a floured sheet of parchment paper.
  • Spread the pizza sauce and barbecue sauce evenly over the dough.
  • Top with thinly sliced red onion, roasted red peppers, chopped pepperoni, olives, rosemary, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  • Roll the dough up tightly from one of the long sides.
  • Place the roll in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm it up.
  • Preheat your 5- or 6-quart air fryer to 350°F for 10 minutes.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Pizza

Chicken & Leek Pie

Chicken & Leek Pie

Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Airfreyer
  • medium saucepan

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 25 minutes / Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
  • Add the chicken breasts, return to a boil, then reduce the heat.
  • Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  • Remove the pan from heat and let the chicken stand in the poaching liquid for 10 minutes.
  • Preheat your 5- or 6-quart air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  • Stack the puff pastry sheets on top of each other.
  • Place a 6-inch x 8¾-inch, 6-cup rectangular dish on the pastry stack.
  • Cut around it to create a rectangle the same size, then cut four slits crosswise in the center of the pastry.
  • Alternatively, use another dish of a similar size, ensuring it is no larger than the pastry sheet.
  • Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
  • Carefully pull out the air fryer pan and basket.
  • Spray the basket with cooking spray and place the pastry in the basket.
  • Slide the pan and basket back into the appliance.
  • Maintain the temperature at 325°F and set the timer for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden.
  • While the pastry is cooking, remove the chicken from the liquid and chop it coarsely.
  • Reserve 1 cup of the poaching liquid, keeping the remaining liquid for another use or disposing of it.
  • Heat the butter in a medium saucepan and cook the leek and celery, stirring until the leek softens.
  • Add the flour and thyme, and continue stirring for 1 minute.
  • Gradually stir in the reserved poaching liquid, milk, and cream.
  • Cook, stirring until the mixture boils and thickens.
  • Stir in the chopped chicken and mustard, and season to taste.
  • Spoon the hot chicken mixture into the dish, then carefully place the cooked puff pastry on top.
  • To serve, you can scatter extra thyme leaves on the pie for garnish, if desired.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Chicken / Quiche

Apple & Strawberry Crumble

Apple & Strawberry Crumble

Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Airfreyer

Ingredients

Active Time: 15 minutes / Total Time: 35 minutes

Spiced Crumble Topping:

Fruit Filling:

Instructions

  • Start by making the Spiced Crumble Topping.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the almond meal, rolled oats, ground ginger, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, and cold butter.
  • Use your fingertips to rub the mixture together until it forms small clumps.
  • Halve the strawberries and peel, core, and coarsely chop the apples.
  • In a large bowl, combine the apples, strawberries, vanilla bean paste, orange juice, and maple syrup.
  • Preheat your 5- or 6-quart air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  • Grease four 4-inch ovenproof dishes, making sure they fit in the air fryer.
  • Divide the fruit mixture among the dishes; note that the fruit will reduce during cooking.
  • Carefully pull out the air fryer pan and basket.
  • Place the prepared dishes in the basket and return the pan and basket to the appliance.
  • Keep the temperature set at 350°F and set the timer for 10 minutes, or until the fruit is almost tender.
  • Top the cooked fruit with the spiced crumble topping.
  • Cover the dishes with foil and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and the fruit is bubbling.
  • Finish the dish by topping the crumbles with roasted flaked almonds and a dusting of confectioner’s sugar.

Notes & Wine Advice

 
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tip:
You can freeze the uncooked spiced crumble topping for up to 3 months. Enjoy your delicious homemade crumble!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Air fryer / Fruit / Pastry