Ingredients
For The 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
- Oil for frying (enough for deep frying, about 2 inches deep)
For The 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: Combine all dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Set aside, preferably refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the onion bites.
- Slice the onion: Cut the onion in half and slice each half into wedges to create bite-sized onion pieces. Separate the wedges carefully so they stay intact.
- Mix dry and wet coatings: In one bowl, combine the flour with cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and 1/2 cup water until well blended.
- Coat the onion wedges: Place the onion wedges in a large zippered bag with approximately 3/4 cup of the flour mixture. Shake well to evenly coat the onions with the seasoned flour. Using a fork, lift about six coated wedges and dip them into the egg mixture. Using the fork, transfer the wet wedges back into the bowl with the remaining flour mixture and toss to coat again, creating a double layer of breading.
- Drain excess coating: Place the coated onion wedges on a rack and gently tap to remove excess flour. This helps to prevent clumping during frying and ensures a crispy texture.
- Heat oil for frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 360-375°F (182-190°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the onion bites.
- Fry the onion bites: Fry the coated onion wedges in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 6 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the bloomin onion bites warm alongside the chilled dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer experience.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature stays between 360-375°F for best frying results and to avoid soggy onion bites.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the dipping sauce to reduce fat without sacrificing creaminess.
- Double coating (flour, egg, then flour) ensures a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer or pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly in the flour mix or dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American