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Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Buttermilk Ranch Recipe

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Buttermilk Ranch Recipe

5.1 from 11 reviews

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions are a delightful appetizer featuring tender cipollini onions double-coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy buttermilk ranch dipping sauce, this recipe offers a crunchy, flavorful snack perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a savory treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Coating

  • 16 cipollini onions
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 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
  • Peanut or vegetable oil for frying (about 2 ½ inches deep in pot)

Dipping Sauce

  • Buttermilk ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the oil: Fill a tall pot with about 2 ½ inches of peanut or vegetable oil and preheat it to 350°F to prepare for frying.
  2. Prepare the onions: Trim 1/8 inch from the pointed stem end of each cipollini onion, then peel carefully without disturbing the onion layers inside.
  3. Cut the onions: Place each onion cut-side up and make a cross-cut down to the bottom stem without cutting through it. Continue making cross-cuts until there are 12 evenly spaced slices on each onion.
  4. Separate the layers: Turn onions over and gently spread apart the outer layers with your fingers to create the ‘blooming’ effect.
  5. Make the buttermilk bath: Pour buttermilk into a small bowl and set aside for dipping.
  6. Mix the flour coating: In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, dry mustard, and black pepper thoroughly.
  7. Coat the onions: Dip each onion into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture. Repeat the dip in buttermilk and flour for a double coating to ensure maximum crunch.
  8. Fry the onions: Carefully lower a few onions at a time into the hot oil, cut-side down, frying for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 2 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
  9. Drain and season: Remove the onions and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle immediately with salt and pepper while still hot.
  10. Serve: Serve the crispy mini bloomin’ onions hot, accompanied by cold buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • Use cipollini onions for the perfect size and sweetness; other small onions like pearl onions may not work as well.
  • Maintaining oil temperature around 350°F is crucial for even frying and crispiness.
  • Double coating ensures a thick, crunchy crust that holds up well to dipping sauce.
  • Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove onions safely from hot oil.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in an oven but may lose some crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy bloomin onion, mini bloomin onion, appetizer, fried onions, buttermilk ranch, snack, party food