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Bite-Sized Blooming Onions


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4–6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onions:

  • 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), peeled
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili garlic sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the onions

  • Cut each onion in half lengthwise, then into quarters
  • Separate each layer into individual petals or segments
  • Trim any overly large petals to ensure uniform bite-sized pieces

2. Set up your dredging station

  • In one bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper
  • In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to form a smooth egg wash

3. Dredge the onion petals

  • Dip each onion petal into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture again
  • Press gently to coat each petal evenly and ensure the coating sticks well
  • Set coated petals on a parchment-lined tray or rack while prepping the rest

4. Bake or air-fry

  • For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and lightly grease it
  • Arrange the coated onion petals in a single layer, spacing them out
  • Spray the tops lightly with oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning
  • For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
  • Place petals in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)
  • Spray lightly with oil and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through

5. Make the dipping sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, and salt
  • Mix until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate until ready to serve

6. Serve and enjoy

  • Transfer golden, crispy onion petals to a serving platter
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with dipping sauce on the side
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6–8 onion petals
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g