Reheating Your Blooming Onion – Microwave, Oven & Air Fryer Tips

A Bloomin’ Onion is a delicious appetizer from Outback Steakhouse consisting of a large onion that is cut to open into petals, battered and deep fried. While best when freshly made, leftovers can easily be reheated to retain that hot, crispy texture. Here are some of the best ways to reheat a Bloomin’ Onion using a microwave, oven or air fryer.

Reheating a Bloomin’ Onion in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat a Bloomin’ Onion.

• Unwrap the leftover Bloomin’ Onion and place on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover loosely with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
• Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes until hot and sizzling.
• Check and rotate the plate every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
• Watch carefully to avoid overheating and drying out the onion.
• The microwave can make the batter soggy, so only reheat for the minimum time needed.

Reheating a Bloomin’ Onion in the Oven

The oven allows you to reheat the entire Bloomin’ Onion evenly without drying it out.

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Place the leftover Bloomin’ Onion on a baking sheet. Do not cover.
• Heat in the oven for 6-10 minutes until hot and crispy.
• For best results, turn the onion over halfway through baking.
• Watch closely to avoid burning the tips or edges.
• The Bloomin’ Onion may not get as crispy in the oven, but it will be evenly heated throughout.

Reheating a Bloomin’ Onion in the Air Fryer

An air fryer is the best way to reheat a Bloomin’ Onion to perfectly recapture its original texture.

• Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
• Place Bloomin’ Onion in air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes, shaking basket occasionally, until heated through.
• Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes for a extra crispness.
• Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
• The circulating high heat of the air fryer will make the batter crispy again.

Tips for Reheating a Bloomin’ Onion

• For food safety, only reheat leftovers once.
• Slice the onion into individual petals before reheating for faster, more even heating.
• Use caution when reheating to avoid burns from hot oil or steam.
• Serve immediately once reheated for optimal texture and temperature.
• Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or spicy chipotle sauce.
• Only reheat leftovers once for food safety.
• Cut the onion into individual petals for faster, more even reheating.
• Allow extra time for thicker, larger Bloomin’ Onions to fully reheat.
• Serve immediately after reheating for the hottest temperature and crispiest texture.
• If reheating multiple Bloomin’ Onions, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Use tongs or a fork to handle the hot Bloomin’ Onion safely after reheating.

Q&A

Q: How long does it take to reheat a Bloomin’ Onion in the microwave?

A: It takes 1-2 minutes to reheat a Bloomin’ Onion in the microwave. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. The total time depends on the size of the onion.

Q: Should you cover the Bloomin’ Onion when microwaving?

A: It’s best to cover the Bloomin’ Onion loosely with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard when reheating in the microwave. This prevents splattering but still allows steam to escape. Do not use plastic wrap or tightly cover as this can make the onion soggy.

Q: What temperature should you reheat a Bloomin’ Onion in the oven?

A: Preheat the oven to 400°F to reheat a Bloomin’ Onion. This high heat helps recrisp the battered exterior.

Q: How do you keep the Bloomin’ Onion crispy in the oven?

A: Place the onion directly on a baking sheet rather than pan for better airflow. Flip halfway through baking. Watch closely to avoid burning the tips or edges.

Q: How can you reheat a Bloomin’ Onion without drying it out?

A: The air fryer is the best way to reheat a Bloomin’ Onion without drying it out. The circulating high heat crisps the batter without overcooking the onion inside.

Recipes

Bloomin’ Onion Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 reheated Bloomin’ Onion, petals separated
• 5 oz mixed greens
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Separate the reheated Bloomin’ Onion into individual petals.
2. In a salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, feta cheese, tomatoes and vinaigrette.
3. Top the salad with the warm Bloomin’ Onion petals.

Bloomin’ Onion Flatbread

Ingredients:

• 1 reheated Bloomin’ Onion
• 1 naan flatbread
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp ranch dressing

Instructions:

1. Slice the reheated Bloomin’ Onion into strips.
2. Spread ranch dressing over the naan flatbread.
3. Top with the Bloomin’ Onion strips and feta cheese.
4. Broil for 3-5 minutes until hot and melted.

Bloomin’ Onion Eggs Benedict

Ingredients:

• 2 reheated Bloomin’ Onion petals
• 2 poached eggs
• 2 English muffins, toasted
• Hollandaise sauce

Instructions:

1. Reheat Bloomin’ Onion petals until hot.
2. Poach 2 eggs.
3. Place each egg on an English muffin half.
4. Top each with a Bloomin’ Onion petal and hollandaise sauce.

Here are some specific model recommendations for reheating a Bloomin’ Onion:

Microwave

• Panasonic NN-SN936B – 1.2 cubic feet, 1200 watts
• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1.2 cubic feet, 1100 watts
• GE JES1656SRSS – 1.6 cubic feet, 1000 watts
• Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1.2 cubic feet, 1000 watts
• LG LMC1575ST – 1.5 cubic feet, 950 watts

Oven

• GE JB750SJSS – 5.3 cubic feet capacity, convection oven
• Bosch HGI8054UC – 5 cubic feet capacity, convection oven
• LG LDE4415ST – 6.3 cubic feet capacity, dual convection fans
• Frigidaire FFEB2726TS – 5.3 cubic feet capacity, Even-Bake technology
• Whirlpool WGE745C0FS – 4.8 cubic feet capacity, true convection

Air Fryers

• Cosori CO130-AO 12-in-1 Air Fryer, 5.8 qt
• Ninja AF150 4-qt Air Fryer
• Instant Vortex Pro 10 Quart Air Fryer Oven
• Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, 7.3 qt
• Chefman 6.5 Liter Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie

Reheating a Bloomin’ Onion lets you enjoy this tasty appetizer again. With the right appliance and technique, you can revive the hot, crispy bloomed onion almost like it’s fresh from the kitchen.