Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Buttermilk Ranch Recipe
These Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions are a delightful appetizer featuring tender cipollini onions double-coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to a golden, crispy perfection. Served with a cooling buttermilk ranch dipping sauce, they make for an irresistible snack or starter with a perfect balance of smoky, savory flavors and crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 16 cipollini onions
Buttermilk Coating
- 1 cup buttermilk
Flour Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Frying
- Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
Dipping Sauce
- Buttermilk ranch sauce (store-bought or homemade, to serve)
Instructions
- Prepare Oil and Onions: Fill a tall pot with 2 ½ inches of peanut or vegetable oil and heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, trim 1/8 inch from the pointed stem end of each cipollini onion and carefully peel them, making sure not to peel through an actual onion layer.
- Cut the Onions: Place each onion cut-side up and make a cross-cut from the top of the onion down toward the base, leaving the bottom stem intact. Continue making cuts evenly spaced around the onion, aiming for 12 cuts per onion to create a blooming effect.
- Separate Layers: Turn the onions over and gently spread the outer layers apart with your fingers to help the onion bloom during frying.
- Prepare Coatings: Pour the buttermilk into a small bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, dry mustard, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Double Coat the Onions: Dip each onion into the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat this dip and dredge process for a double coating, ensuring the flour mixture covers all layers well.
- Fry the Onions: Carefully place a few onions at a time, cut-side down, into the preheated oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, then carefully flip and fry for an additional 2 minutes, or until the onions are crispy and a deep golden brown.
- Drain and Season: Transfer the fried onions to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the crispy mini bloomin’ onions hot with a side of chilled buttermilk ranch dipping sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.
Notes
- Be careful while frying, and do not overcrowd the pot to maintain the oil temperature.
- You can substitute cipollini onions with small sweet onions, but the blooming effect may vary.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) to achieve crispiness without sogginess.
- Buttermilk ranch can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.
Keywords: bloomin onion, appetizer, fried onions, crispy onions, cipollini onions, buttermilk ranch, snack, party food
