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A delicious plate of Crispy Air Fryer Onion Petals with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Crispy Air Fryer Onion Petals with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Enjoy restaurant-style crispy onion petals from the comfort of your home, made healthier in the air fryer! Paired with a zesty, homemade spicy dipping sauce, these are perfect for appetizers or game day snacks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Onion Petals
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or yellow) For the best flavor, choose a firm and unblemished onion.
  • 60 g all-purpose flour Used for the initial dredging to create a crispy coating.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Adds a savory depth to the onion petals.
  • 1 tsp onion powder Enhances the onion flavor of the coating.
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika Provides a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a lovely color.
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper Add for a kick of heat, or omit for a milder flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp salt Crucial for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent aroma.
  • 1 large egg Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the onion petals.
  • 120 ml milk (any kind) Any type of milk will work; dairy or non-dairy.
  • 90 g Panko breadcrumbs Essential for achieving extra crispiness in the air fryer.
  • 10 ml olive oil spray or neutral oil in mister Crucial for achieving a golden, crispy texture and even cooking in the air fryer.
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce
  • 120 g mayonnaise Use a good quality mayonnaise as the base for the sauce.
  • 30 g sour cream or Greek yogurt Adds tanginess and creaminess; Greek yogurt offers a lighter option.
  • 15 g ketchup Provides a touch of sweetness and classic flavor.
  • 1 tbsp prepared horseradish Gives the sauce a zesty and spicy kick.
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (for sauce) Adds a smoky depth and color to the dipping sauce.
  • 0.25 tsp Worcestershire sauce Provides umami and a savory complexity to the sauce.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Platter

Method
 

  1. Peel and trim the onion. Cut in half and slice into 1/2-inch wedges. Separate into petals, discarding small inner layers.
  2. Set up a dredging station: In Bowl 1, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In Bowl 2, whisk together the egg and milk. In Bowl 3, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Working in batches, coat the onion petals first in the flour mixture, then dip them in the egg mixture, and finally coat them thoroughly with the Panko breadcrumbs. Repeat until all petals are evenly coated.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated petals in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it for optimal crispiness.
  5. Spray the arranged petals generously with olive oil spray. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the petals, spray again, and continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  6. While the onion petals are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), ketchup, prepared horseradish, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
  7. Once cooked, transfer the crispy onion petals to a platter. Serve immediately with the chilled spicy dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, serve the onion petals immediately after cooking to maintain their crispiness. If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or deep fry until golden brown.