Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). (5 minutes)

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. (2 minutes)

In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and cumin. (3 minutes)

Prepare the onion: Slice 1 inch off the top of the onion and carefully remove the papery skin. Using an apple corer or a paring knife, remove a 1-inch diameter core from the center of the onion, being careful to leave the very bottom of the root end intact. This will hold the 'petals' together. (5 minutes)

With a large, sharp knife, make your first cut about three-fourths of the way down the center of the onion. Rotate the onion 90 degrees and make another cut. Continue slicing each section in half until you have approximately 16 sections, ensuring you don't cut through the bottom of the onion. Gently spread the sections apart to resemble a blooming flower. (8 minutes)

Dip the prepared onion into the milk mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. Then, transfer it to the flour mixture, carefully separating the petals and sprinkling the flour mixture between them to ensure even coverage. Repeat the dipping process – milk mixture followed by flour mixture – for a double coating. (10 minutes)

Generously coat the entire onion with cooking spray. This will help it crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. (1 minute)

Carefully arrange the onion in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the 'petals' are crispy and golden brown, and the onion is tender. (25 minutes)

While the onion is cooking, prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, ketchup, paprika, salt, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Cover and chill until the blooming onion is ready. (5 minutes)

Once the blooming onion is cooked, carefully transfer it to a serving plate. Serve immediately with the chilled dipping sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra paprika for visual appeal. (2 minutes)