Peel the outer skin of the onion, and trim the top of the onion for ½ an inch.
Place the cut side down and start cutting downwards ½ inch from the root of the onion. Cut 4 equally spaced cuts around the onion.
Now cut between the sections until it reaches 16 equal cuts. Turn the onion over and use your hands to make some separation between the sections and allow the onion petals to relax for a couple of minutes.
Meanwhile, in a bowl whisk flour, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl whisk egg and milk. Keep the bowls aside.
Place the onion in a wide bowl facing the cut side up and sprinkle the flour over and coat the onion with the flour mixture making sure the onion sections are well coated with the flour.
Transfer the flour-coated onion into the egg mixture bowl and coat it evenly. Once done transfer the onion back to the bowl and pour the remaining flour mixture on top and coat evenly.
Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F. Cover the air fryer basket with aluminum foil.
Place the onion carefully into the air fryer basket and coat the cooking spray generously on the onion.
Air fry the blooming onion for 20 minutes and spray the oil after 10 minutes once again all over the onion.
Once done, serve the blooming onion with a dip on the side to enjoy.