Q1: Can I make bite-sized blooming onions in an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Yes, you can! After coating the onions, spray them generously with oil and air fry at 350°F for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried, but still delicious.

Q2: What onions are best for this recipe if I can't find cipollini onions?

If cipollini onions aren’t available, the next best option is small white onions or blanched fresh pearl onions. Avoid frozen onions, as they won’t hold their shape or texture well.

Q3: Can these be made ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely. You can prep the onions and keep them soaked in the buttermilk mixture overnight. After frying, reheat them in a 300°F oven until warmed and crispy before serving.

Bite Sized Blooming Onions

Description

Crispy and flavorful bite-sized blooming onions that are easy to make and perfect for parties or snacks. Ideal for beginner cooks with simple steps.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds cipollini onions, peeled and sectioned
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/4 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
1/4 cup sour cream (for dipping sauce)
1 tablespoon ketchup (for dipping sauce)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (for dipping sauce)
Pinch of salt and pepper (for dipping sauce)

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Instructions

Slice off the root end of each cipollini onion, keeping the tip end intact. Peel the onions carefully.
Cut each onion vertically into eighths without slicing all the way through, then gently press to separate the layers.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. Soak the prepared onions in the mixture for 10–15 minutes or overnight.
In another bowl, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Remove onions from the buttermilk mixture and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, working the flour into all the cracks.
Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer. Fry onions in batches for about 4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Mix dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl and serve alongside the hot blooming onions.

Notes

Use chopsticks on either side of the onion while cutting to avoid slicing through.
If cipollini onions aren’t available, use small white onions or fresh pearl onions.
Air fryer alternative: Spray coated onions with oil and cook at 350°F for 7–10 minutes.
To prep ahead, marinate onions in the buttermilk mixture overnight.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 onions
Calories: 528
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 1978mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Carbohydrates: 77g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 103mg