This $5 Trader Joe’s Find Is a Spot-On Bloomin’ Onion Dupe—No Deep Fryer Needed

Published on January 21, 2026

Craving a classic Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse? This crispy, deep-fried comfort food can be a bit of a challenge to make at home, especially if you don’t have a deep fryer. Fortunately, Trader Joe’s came up with the easiest dupe for this iconic appetizer, and it's simpler than ever to prepare.

The next time you’re visiting the Trader Joe’s frozen foods aisle, keep your eyes peeled for a light pink box. The brand’s battered and deep-fried Onion Flowers require no active cooking, making them a hands-off appetizer that will have your guests more than impressed.

Trader Joe's Onion Flowers

You can cook these deep-fried onion flowers in your air fryer or in the oven. Both methods should take about 15 minutes, though Trader Joe’s recommends the air fryer for a slightly shorter cooking time. Customers who have tried them recommend testing the center before serving, since the middle of the onion can take a little longer to heat up. 

These Onion Flowers act much like real buds, because when you first open the box, you’ll likely find them closed up for transport. As your onions cook, they’ll open up and transform into gorgeous fried blossoms. 

Each box contains two pre-battered, vegan-friendly onions perfect for sharing with another or serving on a dish. All you need to do is pop them in the air fryer and grab a plate. One box retails for $6.

Dipping Sauces

Though the batter is beautifully seasoned, the grocer recommends pairing the flavorful bite with your favorite dipping sauce. The Onion Flowers don't come with a dipping sauce of their own, so you've got room to decide what you want to pair them with.

For an Outback-style sauce, you’ll want to whip up a horseradish-based dip. To double up on the sweet onion flavor, try our recreation of the Lipton French Onion Dip. Or, a few mouthwatering premade sauces at Trader Joe’s to look out for include the Garlic Spread Dip and Spicy Dynamite Sauce. 

What Customers Think

So far, these Onion Flowers are receiving high praise from customers, many of whom agree that the appetizer is restaurant-quality. One commenter on a post from @shoppinggeekbuys said they're good, but could use more breading and a sauce.

Another potential hurdle you might run into is the cook time, especially when it comes to getting the center hot enough. It’s recommended to start by setting your air fryer to 375°F, though some of those who have tried the Onion Flowers say to increase the temperature if your onions don’t crisp up fast enough. You can also try cutting your Onion Flowers in half to help the centers cook better.