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Easy Bloomin’ Onion Bites with Zesty Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 61 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Easy Bloomin’ Onion Bites are a fun twist on the classic appetizer. Tender sweet onion petals are coated in a zesty spiced batter, then deep-fried to a golden brown perfection. Served with your favorite tangy dipping sauce, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or casual snacking.

Ingredients

Onion and Coating

  • 1 large sweet onion
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Frying

  • Vegetable oil for frying

Dipping Sauce

  • Dipping sauce of your choice

Instructions

  1. Slice the Onion: Carefully cut the large sweet onion into petal-like sections, slicing almost to the root but not all the way through, to create a blooming effect when fried.
  2. Prepare the Seasoned Flour: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Dip the Onion: Submerge the sliced onion in the buttermilk, ensuring it is well coated, then allow excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging it in the seasoned flour mixture to cover all the petals thoroughly.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy pot and heat to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for frying.
  5. Fry the Onion: Gently lower the battered onion into the hot oil, frying it for 5-7 minutes until it achieves a crispy golden brown texture, turning if necessary for even cooking.
  6. Drain and Serve: Carefully remove the onion from the oil, place it on paper towels to drain excess oil, then serve immediately with your favorite zesty dipping sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Make sure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for crispy and evenly cooked bites.
  • Use a blender or food processor to slice the onion evenly if you prefer uniform petals.
  • Choose a dipping sauce such as ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy barbecue sauce for complementary flavors.
  • Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for a milder, sweeter taste.
  • Consume fresh for the best crispiness; they tend to lose texture if left out too long.