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Bite-Sized Blooming Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 139 reviews

Crunchy, flavorful bite-sized blooming onions made from sweet onions coated in a spiced flour and breadcrumb mixture, then cooked to golden perfection. This recipe offers multiple cooking options including deep frying, air frying, and oven baking, making it adaptable to your preferred method and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

  • 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow onions)

Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk with 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice for vegan option)
  • 2 large eggs (optional, enhances coating stickiness especially if skipping buttermilk)

Oil

  • Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying (if deep frying)
  • Cooking spray or oil for air frying or baking

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Onions: Peel and trim both ends of the sweet onions. Cut each onion into quarters or sixths depending on size, then carefully separate the layers into individual petals to create bite-sized pieces.
  2. Buttermilk Soak: Place the separated onion petals into a bowl filled with buttermilk and soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps soften the onions, mellow their sharpness, and ensures the coating will adhere well. For vegan versions, soak in plant-based milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
  3. Seasoned Dredging: In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Dip each soaked petal first into the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and again into the flour mixture to double coat. For extra crunch, roll the petals in panko breadcrumbs after the second dredge.
  4. Choosing Cooking Method and Cooking: For deep frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy pot and fry the petals in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), lightly spray the coated petals with oil, and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For oven baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), place the petals on a baking rack on a sheet pan, spray with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until crispy and golden.
  5. Serve: Serve the crispy, golden bite-sized blooming onion petals immediately with your preferred dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Use sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow because they are milder and crisp better.
  • For a vegan version, substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice, and omit eggs.
  • Double dredging the petals helps create a thicker, crunchier coating.
  • Use high smoke point oils such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying to avoid burning.
  • If air frying or baking, lightly spraying the coated onions with oil enhances crispiness and color.

Keywords: blooming onions, bite-sized onions, crispy onion petals, fried onions, appetizer, party snacks

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/bite-sized-blooming-onions-recipe/