Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions put a fun, crispy spin on the classic, offering all the crunch and flavor in perfectly poppable portions.

These mini onion bites are coated in a seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection, delivering a satisfying contrast between their crispy exterior and tender onion center. Plus, they pair beautifully with dips like ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

The first time I made these for a party, they were an instant hit! They’re just as delicious as the traditional blooming onion but much easier to eat—no messy slicing required.

What I love most is how versatile they are—add smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick, or go for a Parmesan crust for a cheesy twist. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or party favorite, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients

For the Onions:

• 2 large sweet onions, cut into bite-sized wedges
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Sweet Onions: Mild and naturally sweet, ideal for frying.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Ensures a crunchy, airy texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Enhances the coating with a rich, smoky depth.
• Buttermilk: Helps the batter adhere for a crispier bite.

Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

1. Cut the Onions: Peel and slice onions into bite-sized wedges, keeping the layers intact.
2. Soak: Place the onion wedges in a bowl of buttermilk and let them soak for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Coating:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.

Coat the Onions:

1. Dredge in Flour Mixture: Remove onions from buttermilk, let excess drip off, and coat them evenly in the flour mixture.
2. Dip Again: Return onions to the buttermilk briefly.
3. Coat with Panko: Toss the onions in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Fry the Onions:

1. Heat Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry in Batches: Fry the onions in small batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Dipping Sauce:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

1. Plate and Enjoy: Arrange the crispy onion bites on a serving dish and pair them with the dipping sauce.

Pro Tips

• Choose the Right Onion: Small sweet or yellow onions work best for bite-sized portions.
• Ice Water Trick: Soak onion slices in ice water for 10-15 minutes before coating to enhance crispiness.
• Double-Coating for Extra Crunch: Dip the onions twice in buttermilk and breading for a thicker, crunchier texture.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C) and avoid greasy results.
• Air Frying Option: Spray coated onions with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy while hot for the best crisp and flavor.
• Flavor Variations: Add grated Parmesan, dried herbs, or chili flakes to the batter for extra depth.

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