1. Can I make this blooming onion without a deep fryer?

Absolutely. A deep fryer is convenient, but not necessary. You can use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven and a cooking thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 375°F for best results.

2. How do I get the onion to "bloom" properly?

The key is in the cutting technique. Make quarter cuts down to about ½ inch above the root to keep the onion intact. Then slice each quarter into thinner sections and gently fan them out. If it’s stiff, soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes after slicing to help it bloom.

3. Can I bake or air-fry the onion instead of frying it in oil?

Yes. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, cover the onion with foil for the first 10 minutes, then bake uncovered for another 20 minutes. For an air fryer, cook it at 350°F for about 20 minutes, checking for a golden brown finish.

4. What’s the best type of onion to use for this recipe?

Sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions work best. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances beautifully with the seasoned coating.

Easy Blooming Onion

Name: Easy Blooming Onion
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium sweet onions; 2 eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce); 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 tablespoons creamy horseradish; 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Description

This easy blooming onion recipe features sweet onions coated in a spiced, crispy breading and fried or baked to golden perfection—ideal for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale

3 medium sweet onions
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons creamy horseradish
1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

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Instructions

Combine all dipping sauce ingredients (mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, ketchup, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne) in a bowl and chill.
Peel the onions and cut a small flat spot on the non-root end. Place the onion root-side up and slice into quarters, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root. Cut each quarter into 3–4 thin sections, then turn root-side down and gently fan out.
In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another, combine the flour with all dry seasonings.
Coat the onion fully in the flour mixture, gently separating petals to get even coverage. Dip into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture, pressing flour in gently.
Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pan. Carefully place the onion root side up in the hot oil and fry for 7–10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm with dipping sauce.

Notes

Use sweet Vidalia onions for best results.
Soak onion in cold water after cutting to help it bloom.
Use a thermometer to keep frying oil at 375°F.
Baking alternative: 400°F for 30 minutes (covered first 10 min).
Air fry alternative: 350°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Best served immediately for optimal crispness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 blooming onion
Calories: 638
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 1084mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Carbohydrates: 86g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 138mg