These mini crispy blooming onions with buttermilk ranch are the perfect bite-sized appetizer or snack! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are paired with a creamy, tangy buttermilk ranch dipping sauce that complements the flavor perfectly. These bite-sized beauties pack all the crispy goodness of a traditional blooming onion but in a fun, easy-to-eat form. Whether served at a gathering or as a delicious treat for yourself, these mini blooming onions are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things: crispy fried food and a creamy dipping sauce. The small size of these mini blooming onions makes them more manageable than their larger counterpart, but they still deliver that signature crispy crunch and onion flavor. The buttermilk ranch dipping sauce is a perfect match, adding a tangy creaminess that balances out the savory fried onions. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or a side dish to almost any meal!

Ingredients

8 small onions (preferably sweet onions)
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Buttermilk Ranch Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Begin by peeling the onions and cutting off the tops. Carefully cut a small “X” shape in the bottom of each onion to help them bloom as they fry. Set the onions aside.
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each onion into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Dip again into the buttermilk, followed by the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the onions in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
For the dipping sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until smooth.
Serve the mini blooming onions warm with the buttermilk ranch dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Mini Blooming Onions: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Version: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for a cheesy flavor boost.
Air-Fried Mini Blooming Onions: For a lighter option, you can air fry the mini onions instead of deep frying. Just spray them lightly with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the mini blooming onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend placing them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving them, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

How do I make sure the onions stay crispy?

I find that using panko breadcrumbs gives the mini onions a great crunch. Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C) before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the crispiness.

Can I use a different dipping sauce?

Yes! While the buttermilk ranch is my favorite, you can easily swap it out for ketchup, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a different flavor.

Can I make the onions ahead of time?

You can prep the onions and refrigerate them before frying, but it’s best to fry them fresh for maximum crispiness. If you want to prep ahead, you can also make the dipping sauce a day or two in advance.

How do I cut the onions for this recipe?

Carefully peel off the onion skins and slice the bottom just enough to create a flat surface so the onion stands upright. When you slice an “X” into the bottom, it helps the onion bloom as it fries.

Can I make these mini blooming onions without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk or even a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a tangy effect.

Conclusion

Mini crispy blooming onions with buttermilk ranch are a delicious and fun treat to make, whether for a party or just a special snack. I love how they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them irresistible to everyone. Paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser! Try making them next time you’re craving something crispy and flavorful— I promise you won’t be disappointed.