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–+ servings
air fryer blooming onions crispy petals with cheese sauce on a rustic wooden table

Air-Fried Blooming Onions

Crispy blooming onions cooked in the air fryer and served with a rich cider cheese sauce.
Couverts3 servings
Preparation 35 minutes
Preparation time:10 minutes
Total time 45 minutes
estimated costs pp $2.20 per person
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 large red onions
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Olive oil spray
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/8 cup apple cider
  • 1 1/2 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 3 tsp whole grain mustard

Instructions

  • Cut the tops off the onions and peel them, keeping the root intact.
  • Slice into sections to create petals without cutting through the root.
  • Gently separate the layers.
  • Mix milk and egg in a bowl.
  • Combine flour, spices, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
  • Dip onions in the milk mixture, then coat with flour mixture.
  • Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
  • Drizzle onions with oil and spray lightly.
  • Place onions in the basket.
  • Cook for 10 minutes, rotating halfway, until golden.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan.
  • Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Gradually add milk and stir until thickened.
  • Add apple cider and cook briefly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in cheeses and mustard until smooth.
  • Serve onions with warm sauce.

Notes & Wine Advice

Notes

Keep the root intact to hold the onion together during cooking. Make even cuts to ensure proper blooming. Do not overcrowd the air fryer for best results.

Serve Tip

Serve immediately while hot so the petals stay crispy. Place the sauce in the center or on the side for dipping.

Variations

Use white or yellow onions for a milder flavor. Add smoked paprika for extra depth. Make the sauce spicier with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Wine Advice

A fresh Chardonnay pairs nicely with the creamy cheese sauce. A slightly sweet Riesling balances the savory and tangy flavors perfectly.

Nutrition values

Calories: 280 kcal | Carbohydrates: 24 g | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Sodium: 420 mg | Sugar: 6 g
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Course; Appetizer / Side Dish / Vegetables
Cuisine; North America / United States
Season: All Seasons
Diets; Vegetarian