Crispy Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

Are you a fan of the classic blooming onion but wish it was easier to share and less messy to eat? Get ready for a delicious twist! Our Bite-Sized Blooming Onions take all the crispy, flavorful goodness of the original and transform it into a perfect appetizer. These mini blooming onions are ideal for gatherings, offering individual portions that are simple to grab and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

You’ll adore these miniature takes on a beloved classic. The original blooming onion, a popular appetizer that gained traction in the late 1980s, has become a culinary icon, learning more about the history of the blooming onion.

• Effortless Sharing: Individual portions mean less mess and easy grabbing for everyone.
• Ultimate Crispiness: Each small blooming onion gets incredibly crispy thanks to generous flour coating.
• Party Perfection: These are fantastic for entertaining, giving guests a fun, unique appetizer.
• Beginner-Friendly: Our clear steps make preparing these Bite-Sized Blooming Onions simple for any home cook.
• Flavorful Fun: Enjoy all the bold, savory flavor you love in every single bite.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of delicious Bite-Sized Blooming Onions:

For the Blooming Onions:

• 2 pounds cipollini onions, peeled and sectioned
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Notes & Substitutions

Cipollini onions are key for their flat shape and ideal size for these onion bites. If unavailable, small pearl or white onions can work, though the bloom might differ slightly. For buttermilk, simply add one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill with milk to the 1-cup line and let it sit for five minutes. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if desired. Adjust the cayenne pepper to make your blooming onions spicier or milder. For an extra crisp coating, try adding a quarter cup of panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for these tasty Bite-Sized Blooming Onions.

• Deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven
• Deep-fry thermometer for precise oil temperature
• Several large mixing bowls for coatings
• Whisk for mixing
• Slotted spoon or spider for safe frying
• Cooling rack placed over paper towels to drain excess oil

Instructions

Creating these crispy Bite-Sized Blooming Onions is straightforward with our step-by-step guide.

1. Prepare Onions: First, slice off the root end of each cipollini onion, removing as little as possible. Carefully peel each onion. Use a sharp knife to cut the onion into eighths vertically, making sure not to cut completely through. Leave the tip end intact to keep the onion segments connected.
2. Soak Onions: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Gently toss all the prepared onions into this wet mixture. Let them soak for at least 5-10 minutes. For even deeper flavor, you can cover and marinate them overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Prepare Flour Mixture: In another large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the paprika, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This seasoned flour will give your Bite-Sized Blooming Onions their amazing flavor.
4. Coat Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Transfer them to the seasoned flour mixture. Heavily dust each onion, ensuring the flour gets into all the small cracks and crevices. This coating is crucial for creating that characteristic “bloom” and achieving maximum crispiness when fried. Place the fully coated onions on a clean plate or baking sheet.
5. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into your deep fryer or Dutch oven to a depth of about two to three inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature precisely, as this is vital for perfectly cooked onions.
6. Fry Onions: Carefully add the coated onions to the hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy results. Fry the Bite-Sized Blooming Onions for approximately 4 minutes per batch. Cook until they are beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy.
7. Drain & Serve: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the fried onions from the oil. Transfer them immediately to a cooling rack placed over paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve these delightful onion bites while they are still hot for the best flavor and texture, alongside the prepared dipping sauce.
8. Make Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference. Serve this creamy, tangy sauce alongside your warm, crispy onion appetizers.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Perfect Cutting: When cutting your cipollini onions, a helpful trick is to place chopsticks on either side of the onion. This prevents your knife from cutting all the way through, keeping the base intact for the bloom.

Achieving Bloom: Ensure every crevice of your prepped onions is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture. Really work the flour into the cuts; this is what makes them expand beautifully during frying.

Oil Temperature: Consistency is key for crispy Bite-Sized Blooming Onions. Maintain the oil temperature at a steady 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the onions will be greasy; if too hot, they’ll burn before cooking through. To ensure both delicious results and a safe cooking environment, it’s crucial to follow best practices for deep frying, particularly regarding oil temperature and equipment handling, as outlined in these deep frying safety tips.

Avoid Overcrowding: Fry your onion bites in small batches. Overfilling the fryer will drop the oil temperature, resulting in less crispy, oil-soaked onions. Give them space to fry evenly.

Seasoning: Don’t hold back on seasoning the flour mixture. This adds crucial flavor to your snack. A well-seasoned coating makes a huge difference.

For Crispiest Results: These blooming onions are at their peak crispness right after frying. Serve them immediately to enjoy their best texture and flavor.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions:

• Present your Bite-Sized Blooming Onions as a show-stopping party appetizer.
• Offer an array of dipping sauces, like spicy ranch or honey mustard, alongside the classic.
• Provide toothpicks next to the platter for easy, mess-free grabbing by guests.

Storage:

• Store any leftover onion bites in an airtight container once they have cooled completely.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness.

Reheating:

• For the best crispness, reheat leftovers in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crisp.
• Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

Variations:

• Spicier Flour Blend: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
• Herbaceous Flour Blend: Mix in dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic twist.
• Different Dipping Sauces: Experiment with your favorite sauces, such as homemade ranch, zesty honey mustard, or a tangy BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

Here is the nutritional information for a serving of these delicious Bite-Sized Blooming Onions. This provides a helpful overview for meal planning.

FAQ

What kind of onions work best for these Bite-Sized Blooming Onions?
Cipollini onions are truly ideal due to their naturally flat shape and small size, which creates perfect individual portions. Larger onions won’t achieve the same cute “bloom.”

Can I air fry bite-sized blooming onions instead of deep frying?
Yes, you can! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, spraying them lightly with oil before cooking and flipping halfway. They will be crispy, but the texture won’t be as rich or uniformly golden as deep-fried versions.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
You can definitely prep the onions by peeling and cutting them, and even marinate them in the buttermilk mixture overnight. However, for the crispiest results, fry the Bite-Sized Blooming Onions just before you plan to serve them.

Why do the onions “bloom” when fried?
The “bloom” happens because the cuts in the onion, filled with the flour coating, expand and separate during the hot oil cooking process. This creates those iconic, pull-apart segments, making each onion bite irresistible.

What other dipping sauces pair well with these?
Classic options include spicy ranch, cool cucumber dip, or a zesty honey mustard. Get creative with sriracha mayo or a sweet chili sauce for an extra kick of flavor that complements the crispy onions beautifully.

Conclusion

Say goodbye to the struggle of sharing a single giant blooming onion and hello to these delightful Bite-Sized Blooming Onions! This recipe transforms a beloved appetizer into a fun, easy-to-eat snack perfect for any occasion. With their irresistible crispiness and flavorful coating, these mini blooming onions are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Don’t wait, try this simple and delicious recipe today!

Crispy Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

Enjoy these crispy, golden-brown cipollini onions, perfectly seasoned and fried, served with a tangy homemade dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 37 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds cipollini onions peeled and sectioned
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Dipping Sauce

• ¼ cup mayo
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper Pinch of

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Deep pot or fryer
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Clean plate
• Paper towels

Method

 

Instructions

1. Prepare onions by trimming the root end, peeling, then carefully slicing vertically into eighths, ensuring the tip end remains intact.
2. Gently press each sliced onion to separate sections, then toss and soak them in the buttermilk and egg mixture for at least 5-10 minutes, or overnight.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour with paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne; remove onions from the buttermilk and heavily dust them with the flour mixture, ensuring all cracks are coated.
4. Heat frying oil to 350°F, then fry the coated onions for about 4 minutes until golden brown; remove, drain, and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Notes

Leaving the tip end of the onion intact helps it stay together during cooking. Ensure heavy flour coating gets into all crevices for a proper "bloom." Onions can be prepped and marinated overnight for convenience; serve immediately for best taste and crispness.