Step 1

Slice the onion to make it bloom. Start by cutting off 1/2 inch from the top of the onion, then peel the outer skin from the onion.

Step 2

Place the onion cut-side down. Starting about 1/2 inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way through to the cutting board.

Step 3

Repeat to make four evenly spaced cuts around the onion. Make 3 additional cuts between each section until you have 16 evenly spaced cuts.

Step 4

Turn the onion over and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the petals to relax.

Step 5

Prior to breading use your fingers to gently separate the outer pieces.

Step 6

Whisk the flour, paprika, cayenne, cumin, thyme and oregano in a large bowl. In a medium deep bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and 1 cup water.

Step 7

Place the onion in a clean bowl, cut-side up, and pour the flour mixture on top. Using a large spoon to coat the onion with the flour mixture, especially between the onion petals. Turn the onion over and pat off the excess flour.  Reserve the bowl of flour.

Step 8

Put the onion in the egg mixture and coat evenly. Remove and let the excess drip off.

Step 9

Then transfer the onion back into the reserved flour mixture and repeat the flouring process. Be sure you gently tap off extra flour. There will be leftover flour in the bowl when you are done.

Step 10

Place the onion in the refrigerator.

Step 11

Preheat the air fryer for 10 minutes to 350ºF.

Step 12

Remove the onion from the refrigerator and spray generously with vegetable oil from a spray bottle.

Step 13

After making a sling from a sheet of aluminum foil transfer the onion cut side up into the fryer basket.

Step 14

Set the timer for 25 minutes and cook. Spray the onion with the cooking oil  2-3 times as you cook it. If any spots still have visible flour spray them with the oil.

Step 15

After 25 minutes remove onion using the aluminum foil sling and season with salt and pepper.

Step 16

Serve with the blooming onion dip.