This Bite-Sized Blooming Onions recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, all with a fun frying method that makes it a easy snack or appetizer that your family will love! Switch up the spices or sauces to fit everyone’s tastes, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, these little onion beauties are bound to be a hit!

Ingredient Breakdown

Mini Onions
Flour
Cornstarch
Baking Powder
Salt and Pepper
Paprika
Garlic Powder
Buttermilk
Oil for Frying
Creamy Dipping Sauce

Let’s Get Cooking!

Prep the Mini Onions (5 mins): Start by peeling your mini onions and cutting the tops off. A sharp knife will make this easy, you want to keep them whole for that cute blooming effect!
Make the Dry Mix (5 mins): In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined. The aroma is going to be fantastic!
Dredge the Onions (5 mins): Take your mini onions and toss them into the dry mixture, coating them completely. Don’t skip this step, or your blooming onions won’t have that delicious crunch!
Buttermilk Bath (5 mins): Next, dip the coated onions in the buttermilk, making sure they’re nicely coated, then re-coat them with the dry mixture. Trust me, it’s worth the double-dip!
Heat the Oil (5 mins): Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. The oil is hot enough when you drop in a little of that dry mix and it sizzles!
Fry the Onions (5-7 mins): Working in batches, carefully place the onions in the hot oil. Fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes each side. You’ll be able to smell them when they’re almost done, yum!
Serve and Enjoy (2 mins): Remove the blooming onions with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, dig in!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Comes together in under 30 minutes, meaning you’ll have a tasty treat before the kids even realize it’s dinner time! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by for snacks!

Crowd-Pleaser

For real, the whole family will love it! My kids can’t get enough of these little golden bites, and they make such a fun appetizer for parties. Just wait until you see their faces when they take that first bite… priceless!

Customizable

This recipe is all about options. Want to spice things up? Toss in some cayenne or chipotle powder! Prefer a milder onion? Just adjust the seasoning! You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a fantastic clean-out-the-fridge dish!

Comfort Food

These bite-sized beauties are loaded with tons of flavor and crispy goodness. I mean, who doesn’t love a good onion ring? They’re perfect for snuggling on the couch with a movie or serving as an appetizer for game night.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prep the onions ahead of time by coating them and storing them in the fridge. Just fry them right before you’re ready to eat! Your guests won’t know you had a head start, it’ll be our little secret!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This

Serve these baked beauties with a side of your creamy dipping sauce. They pair wonderfully with burgers, sandwiches, or as a snack for energetic kids! You could also coat them with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs for that extra pop!

Storage

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but let’s pretend), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know that they’re BEST fresh out of the fryer!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will help them stay crispy. You can also toss them into an air fryer for about 3-4 minutes if you have one, delicious!

Freezer Friendly?

Now, I wouldn’t recommend freezing these after they’re fried. Instead, consider freezing the uncooked battered onions. You can pop them in hot oil straight from the freezer when you’re ready for a flavorful snack!

If you loved these Bite-Sized Blooming Onions, be sure to check out my Tortellini Party Snacks, my Crispy Reube n Balls, or my Marry Me Dip! Each dish is as delightful as the next, so you won’t be disappointed!

I absolutely adore this recipe! It’s my go-to recipe when I’m looking for a quick and comforting snack. Understanding that you can use whatever you have on hand is a total plus, making it versatile, perfect for any occasion! And the best part is, they come together so quickly. Seriously, you won’t regret trying these little beauties. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make this a snack to remember!

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