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Blooming Onions Recipe: Easy Bite-Sized Crispy Party Appetizer

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These bite-sized blooming onions are a crispy, golden party appetizer with seasoned onion petals coated in a crunchy breadcrumb shell. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, game days, or movie nights, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 small yellow onions (about 2 inches across, peeled and trimmed)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 2 quarts)
  • Ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or your favorite dip (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Peel and trim the small onions. Stand upright and make 4-6 evenly spaced vertical cuts from the top down toward the root, stopping 1/2 inch before the bottom. Rotate and make additional cuts for 12-16 petals per onion. Gently separate layers to ‘bloom.’ If petals stick, soak onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
  2. In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and milk until smooth. In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and dried parsley.
  3. Dip each onion into the flour mixture, coating between all petals. Shake off excess. Dip into egg wash, coating all surfaces. Roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so crumbs stick to every petal. Place coated onions on a tray. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb steps (double-coat).
  4. Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer and heat to 350°F. Use a thermometer or test with a breadcrumb (should sizzle and brown in 30 seconds).
  5. Working in batches of 2-3 onions, carefully lower each into hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a spider strainer and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Repeat with remaining onions.
  6. Arrange blooming onions on a platter and serve hot with ranch, spicy aioli, or your favorite dip. To keep warm for a crowd, place in a 250°F oven for up to 30 minutes, uncovered.

Notes

Dry onions thoroughly before coating to prevent crumbs from sliding off. Double-coat for extra crunch. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For dairy-free, skip Parmesan and use plant-based milk. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter version. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Make ahead and reheat in oven for best crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: blooming onions, party appetizer, crispy onions, finger food, fried onions, game day snacks, easy appetizer, vegetarian option, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/blooming-onions-recipe-easy-bite-sized-crispy-party-appetizer/