Copycat Outback Bloomin' Onion in the Air Fryer with Spicy Bloom Sauce

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 large colossal sweet Vidalia or yellow onion (approx. 1 lb)
• Ice water bath (for blooming)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
• Olive oil cooking spray (generous amount)
• Outback Bloom Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sour cream, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1.5 tbsp prepared horseradish, 1/3 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, pinch cayenne and salt

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Cut 1/2 inch off the stem end of the onion. Peel off the papery outer skin, leaving the root base intact. Place onion cut-side down on a cutting board.
2. 2
   Starting 1/2 inch from the root, make 4 cuts evenly spaced around the onion (like quarters). Make 3 additional cuts between each quarter until you have 16 even petals.
3. 3
   Flip the onion over so petals face up. Submerge into a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes to help petals naturally blossom apart. Remove and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
4. 4
   In a wide bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
5. 5
   Place the onion petal-side up in a large shallow dish. Sprinkle flour mixture generously between every single petal. Invert and tap gently to shake off excess.
6. 6
   Pour the egg wash mixture evenly over and between all petals until completely moistened.
7. 7
   Coat the onion a second time with the remaining flour mixture, ensuring every petal is covered in seasoning.
8. 8
   Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Carefully place the breaded onion root-side down in the center of the air fryer basket.
9. 9
   Liberally spray all petals with olive oil spray until no dry flour spots remain (this is key to maximum crunch!).
10. 10
    Air fry at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes until petals are deep golden-brown and crispy throughout. While cooking, whisk together all Bloom Sauce ingredients and chill in the fridge.
11. 11
    Carefully lift the bloomin' onion out with two spatulas, place on a serving platter with the ramekin of spicy Bloom Sauce in the center, and serve immediately!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)