🧅 Mini Blooming Onions
(Crispy, golden, and full of flavor)
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 10–15 min
🧂 Ingredients
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6–8 small onions (like pearl onions or small yellow onions, 2–3 inches wide)
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Oil, for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayo
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tsp horseradish (or more for heat)
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1/4 tsp paprika
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Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice
🔪 Instructions
1. Prepare the Onions
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Peel onions and cut off the pointy end, leaving the root intact.
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Place flat side down. Make 4–6 cuts down the onion, stopping ~½ inch from the root. Then rotate and make more cuts to create “petals.”
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Gently spread the layers apart with your fingers to open it like a flower.
2. Soak in Buttermilk
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Place onions in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for 30 minutes (or at least 10 min for a quick version).
3. Make the Breading
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In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and all seasonings.
4. Coat the Onions
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Remove onions from buttermilk (let excess drip off).
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Dredge in flour mixture, making sure to get flour between the petals.
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For extra crispiness: Dip again in buttermilk, then flour (double dredge).
5. Fry Until Golden
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Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully lower onions into the oil, one or two at a time.
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Fry for 2–4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
6. Serve Hot
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Mix the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
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Serve onions hot with dipping sauce on the side.
🍽️ Tips
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For air fryer version: Spray generously with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
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You can also use shallots or large pearl onions for extra small bite-size versions.
Would you like a baked version, or should I help you create a spicy version or dipping trio to go with it?