Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

These Bite-Sized Blooming Onions take everything you love about the classic restaurant appetizer and turn it into fun, poppable bites! Perfectly seasoned, double-dredged, and fried to golden crispiness, these mini onion blooms are the ultimate party snack. Serve with a zesty dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in seconds!

The first time I made Bite-Sized Blooming Onions, it was for a game night snack board. My husband, who’s obsessed with steakhouse blooming onions, couldn’t stop grabbing “just one more.” My daughter loved dipping them into her own little bowl of sauce like it was a mini meal. Now, we make them every time we want something crispy, crave-worthy, and fun to share.

Why You’ll Love Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

•Crispy & Golden: Double-dipped for that perfect crunch

•Poppable & Shareable: A fun twist on the classic appetizer

•Easy to Dip: Perfect for parties, game day, or movie night

•Bursting with Flavor: Seasoned with savory spices and served with tangy sauce

Ingredients Notes For Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

•Small Sweet Onions or Pearl Onions: Ideal size for bite-sized servings

•Flour: For the classic crispy coating

•Cornstarch: Helps make the coating extra light and crunchy

•Buttermilk: Tenderizes and helps the coating stick

•Eggs: Binds everything together

•Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper

•Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil for deep frying

•Dipping Sauce: Mayo, ketchup, horseradish, and a dash of hot sauce for a zesty bloom sauce

Recipe Steps

1. Prep the Onions: Peel onions and cut a small “X” on the top (not too deep) to help them open slightly when frying.

2. Make the Coating: In one bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. In another bowl, beat eggs and mix with buttermilk.

3. Dredge the Onions: Dip each onion in the buttermilk mixture, then into the seasoned flour. Repeat for extra crunch (double-dip).

4. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon horseradish, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Stir until smooth.

6. Serve & Enjoy: Plate the blooming bites and serve warm with dipping sauce.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days

•Reheat: Best crisped back up in an air fryer or hot oven—microwave will soften the coating

•Freezer: Freeze before frying for quick appetizers later

Variations & Substitutions

•Spicy Kick: Add chipotle powder or cayenne to the flour mix

•Gluten-Free: Use GF flour and cornstarch combo

•Air Fry Option: Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway

Frequently Asked Questions

What onions work best? Small sweet onions or even shallots work great. You want bite-sized pieces that hold their shape.

Can I make these ahead? Prep and dredge the onions ahead, then fry right before serving.

What dipping sauces go well? Try ranch, spicy mayo, or classic bloom sauce.

These Bite-Sized Blooming Onions are crispy, flavorful, and dangerously addictive. Whether you serve them at a party or just for yourself (no shame!), they’re guaranteed to be a hit! 🧅🔥🥣

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

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Course: Appetizer, Snack

Kitchen: American, Southern-Inspired

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ For the Onions:
• ▢ 3 –4 small yellow onions
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs all-purpose flour
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs cornstarch
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ Vegetable oil for frying
• ▢ For the Dipping Sauce:
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs mayonnaise
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ketchup
• ▢ 1 tablespoon horseradish
• ▢ ½ teaspoon paprika
• ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Prep the Onions:
• Peel and trim the ends off each onion.
• Cut each onion into quarters or sixths—keeping the root end just barely intact if possible.
• Soak in ice water for 30 minutes to help them bloom slightly and soften. Drain and pat dry.
• Mix the Coating:
• In one bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and all spices.
• In a second bowl, mix buttermilk and egg.
• Bread the Onion Bites:
• Dip each onion piece in the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mixture, then back into the flour mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks.
• Fry or Air-Fry:
• Frying:
• Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry onions in small batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
• Air-Frying:
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Spray breaded onions with oil and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Make the Sauce:
• In a small bowl, stir together mayo, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
• Serve & Enjoy:
• Serve the crispy blooming onion bites with the dipping sauce on the side. Best eaten warm!