Description
Crispy Bloomin Onion Bites perfect for sharing, coated in a spicy seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection, served with a zesty horseradish dipping sauce. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers a burst of bold flavors and delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Onion Bites
- 1 large sweet onion or 2 medium onions
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- Oil for frying (enough for deep frying, about 2 inches deep)
Dipping Sauce
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dipping sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate to chill while you prepare the onion bites.
- Slice the onions: Cut the large sweet onion in half (or use two medium onions) and slice downward into wedges, creating individual onion segments.
- Mix the flour and seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and 1/2 cup water until fully blended.
- Coat the onion wedges: Separate the onion slices and place them inside a large ziplock bag with about 3/4 cup of the flour mixture. Shake well to coat evenly. Using a fork, remove about 6 wedges, dip them into the egg wash, then transfer back into the flour mixture bowl and toss to coat thoroughly, creating a flour-egg-flour coating.
- Drain excess flour: Place the coated onion wedges on a rack and gently tap to remove any excess flour. Repeat the coating process until all onion wedges are prepared.
- Heat the oil: Heat a deep fryer or a deep pan with about 2 inches of oil to 360-375°F (182-190°C).
- Fry the onion bites: In small batches, carefully place the coated onion wedges into the hot oil. Fry for about 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, being careful not to overcrowd the pan which can cause uneven cooking.
- Drain the fried onion bites: Remove the onion bites using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the bloomin onion bites warm alongside the chilled dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained between 360-375°F for optimal frying and crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer or pan to prevent soggy onion bites.
- For a lower-fat option, the onion bites can be baked at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier and healthier dipping sauce.
- These bites are best served immediately for the crispiest experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
