Classic Baby Bloomin Onions
These classic baby bloomin' onions are a delicious appetizer, featuring sweet onions cut to bloom, coated in a seasoned crispy batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Thermometer
- Tongs
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4-6 Small Onions preferably Vidalia or another sweet variety, about 2-3 inches in diameter
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 6-8 cups Vegetable Oil (or Peanut Oil) for deep frying
- Dipping Sauce Your favorite ranch, spicy mayo, or a homemade bloomin' onion sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel the small onions and make 8-10 vertical cuts from the top down, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root.
- Gently separate the onion "petals" to open the bloom.
- Submerge the cut onions in buttermilk in a medium bowl, ensuring they are fully covered, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Coating
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Remove an onion from buttermilk, let excess drip, then thoroughly dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour firmly onto the onion.
- For extra crispiness, dip the flour-coated onion back into buttermilk briefly, then back into the flour mixture for a second coating.
Frying & Serving
- Heat 3-4 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower one or two coated onions into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.
- Remove fried onions, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil, and sprinkle with extra salt if desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For best results, use sweet onions like Vidalia. Ensure the oil temperature is consistent for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pot when frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy onions. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less spice in the coating.