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Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions

Crispy Mini Bloomin' Onions

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions are bite-sized appetizers featuring tender, sweet mini onions coated in a flavorful, crunchy seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a party snack or side dish, these appetizers bring bold savory flavor with a satisfying crunch that will impress guests and delight any occasion.

Ingredients

Primary Ingredients

  • Mini Sweet Onions – 12 small onions
  • All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup
  • Paprika – 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Cayenne Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon, plus extra for seasoning
  • Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup
  • Vegetable Oil – For frying (about 4 cups)

Optional Variations

  • Almond Flour or Gluten-Free Flour Blend – as a substitute for all-purpose flour for gluten-free option
  • Extra Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder – to increase spiciness
  • Dried Oregano, Thyme, or Rosemary – 1 teaspoon each to infuse herbal flavor
  • Parmesan Cheese – 1/4 cup, grated, to add into flour mixture for cheesy crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mini Onions: Peel the mini sweet onions and carefully slice off the bottom ends so they stand upright. Then, make multiple gentle slices down the sides of each onion, stopping just before fully cutting through to create a blooming effect.
  2. Soak in Buttermilk: Submerge the prepared onions in a bowl of buttermilk. This tenderizes the onions and ensures the coating will adhere well, adding a mild tang to the flavor.
  3. Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture.
  4. Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Thoroughly coat each onion in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure all the petals are covered.
  5. Fry to Crispy Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower each coated mini onion into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Drain and Season: Remove the fried onions with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. While still hot, sprinkle with additional salt to enhance flavor.

Notes

  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for crispy, non-greasy results.
  • Pat onions dry before soaking to improve batter adhesion.
  • For extra crunch, double dip onions by repeating buttermilk and flour coating before frying.
  • Drain fried onions on a wire rack to avoid sogginess instead of paper towels.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy their perfect crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini bloomin onions, crispy appetizer, fried onion petals, bite-sized snack, party appetizers, crunchy onion bites