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Air Fryer Crispy Onion Petals with Spicy Mayo

Four golden brown Air Fryer Crispy Onion Petals served on a white plate next to a small bowl of spicy mayo dip.
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Make restaurant-style crispy onion petals in your air fryer. This recipe uses a specific dredging method for maximum crunch and includes a simple spicy mayonnaise dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)
  • For Spicy Mayo: 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • For Spicy Mayo: 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
  • For Spicy Mayo: 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onion: Peel the onion. Cut it in half through the root end. Place one half cut-side down. Make vertical cuts from the top toward the root, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root so the layers stay attached. Repeat with the second half. Gently pull the layers apart to form a ‘bloom’ or ‘petals’. Soak the onion pieces in ice water for 15 minutes; drain well and pat completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: In the first shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the onion petals: Dip each onion piece first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure all surfaces are coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  5. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the coated onion petals in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the second side with cooking spray before flipping. Continue cooking until the coating is deep golden brown and crispy.
  7. While cooking, prepare the sauce: Mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice in a small bowl until combined.
  8. Remove the onion petals from the air fryer and serve immediately with the spicy mayo.

Notes

  • Drying the onion thoroughly after the ice bath is critical for the breading to stick properly.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for the best crispiness in the air fryer.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

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