Description
Delight in these crispy bite-sized blooming onions, perfectly golden and crunchy, paired with a creamy ranch dip for a flavorful appetizer. This recipe uses small, sweet Cipollini onions dredged in a seasoned flour coating and fried to perfection, making for an irresistible snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Wet Ingredients
- 12 pieces Cipollini onions (small and sweet, perfect for blooming and frying)
- 1 cup buttermilk (creates a rich, tangy flavor; substitute with whole milk mixed with vinegar if desired)
Coating and Seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (essential for that golden, crispy coating)
- 1 tbsp spice mix (such as paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper)
Frying
- 4 cups oil (for frying; use vegetable or canola oil for a neutral flavor)
Dip
- Prepared creamy ranch dip (store-bought or homemade, quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel the Cipollini onions carefully and trim the tops to create a blooming effect when fried. Soak the onions in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and spice mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning for a flavorful crispy crust.
- Coat the Onions: Remove the soaked onions from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each onion completely in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a thick and even coating for maximum crunch.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 4 cups of vegetable or canola oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain this temperature for optimal frying results.
- Fry the Onions: Carefully lower the coated onions into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes or until they achieve a deep golden brown and crisp texture.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried onions with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm alongside creamy ranch dip for dipping pleasure.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady at 350°F for perfect frying results.
- Use small Cipollini onions for the best blooming effect and texture.
- The spice mix can be customized to your preference, adding heat or herbs as desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness.
- Leftover fried onions can be reheated in an air fryer to retain crispness.
