Description
These Mini Crispy Blooming Onions are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer, featuring cipollini onions that are meticulously cut and fried to a perfect golden brown. Each onion is coated in a flavorful mixture of spices and buttermilk for extra crispiness. Served with a creamy buttermilk ranch dip, they are perfect as party snacks or game day treats. The intricate presentation and incredible flavor will impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients
- 16 cipollini onions
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Fill a tall pot with 2 ½ inches of oil and preheat to 350˚F.
- Cut off 1/8 inch from the pointed stem end of each onion and carefully peel, ensuring not to remove an actual onion layer.
- Place each onion cut-side up and make a cross-cut, leaving the bottom stem intact. Continue cutting until you have 12 evenly spaced cuts in each onion.
- Turn the onions over and gently separate the outer layers with your fingers.
- Pour buttermilk into a small bowl and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, dry mustard, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each onion into the buttermilk, shake off excess liquid, and dredge in the flour mixture. Repeat for a double coating.
- Carefully drop a few onions at a time into the hot oil, cut-side down, and fry for 3-4 minutes. Flip and fry for another 2 minutes, until crisp and golden brown.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, then season with additional salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with buttermilk ranch dipping sauce.
Notes
For ingredient substitutions, you can use almond milk instead of buttermilk or gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. These onions can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, but are best served fresh for optimal crispiness. If the onions don’t bloom, ensure the cuts are deep enough and use hot oil. Leftover fried onions should be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 onion
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg