Introduction

Bite-sized blooming onions are a fun and delicious twist on the classic appetizer. Crisp, golden, and packed with bold flavors, these small onion petals are perfect for snacking or serving at parties. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create irresistible crunchy bites in no time.

The image shows a close-up of many pieces of golden brown fried chicken inside a metal fryer basket. The chicken pieces have a crispy, rough texture and vary in size, some round and some irregular shaped, all with a light golden color that shows they are freshly cooked. The metal basket's mesh structure is visible underneath and around the chicken, and the basket is placed inside a fryer with a dark background slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow onions)
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular/seasoned breadcrumbs)
1 cup buttermilk (or almond/oat milk with 1 tsp vinegar for dairy-free)
2 eggs (optional)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Peel and trim both ends of the onions. Cut each onion into quarters or sixths, separating the layers to create individual petals.
Step 2: Place the onion petals into a bowl of buttermilk and soak for at least 30 minutes to soften and mellow their sharpness. For a vegan option, use plant-based milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Dip each soaked petal into the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and finally dredge again in the flour mix. For extra crunch, roll the petals in panko breadcrumbs after the second dredge.
Step 4: Choose your cooking method:
- Deep Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry onion petals in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray coated onions with oil. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place coated onions on a baking rack over a sheet pan, spray with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Step 5: Serve the golden, crispy onion bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for the best experience.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan-friendly version, skip the eggs and use plant-based milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk.
Adding panko breadcrumbs after the second flour dredge creates an extra crunchy coating.
Try seasoning the flour mixture with different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a personalized flavor.
Spraying the coated petals lightly with oil before air frying or baking helps achieve a crispier texture.

Storage

Store leftover blooming onion bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white speckled bowl filled with many small, round, golden brown fried bites arranged in a loose circle. In the center of the bowl, there is a small white dish holding light orange creamy dipping sauce. The fried bites have a rough, crunchy texture with bits of crispy coating visible, showing a slightly darker golden color in some parts. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth partly visible around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the onion petals and coating ahead of time, but it’s best to fry, air fry, or bake them just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

What dipping sauces work well with bite-sized blooming onions?

Classic choices include ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy barbecue sauce. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips to complement the flavors.