Go Back
Blooming Onion Recipe

blooming onion recipe

This blooming onion recipe creates a golden, crispy, deep-fried appetizer made from a large sweet onion cut into petals, breaded, and fried until crunchy perfection — just like your favorite steakhouse version.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 610 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Onion
  • 1 large sweet onion Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Texas Sweet, root end intact
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • For Frying
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough to submerge the onion)
  • For the Sauce optional dip
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp prepared horseradish
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the onion:
  • Place onion on a cutting board, root end up. Trim ½ inch off the top (not the root). Peel outer skin, leaving root end intact.
  • Cut into petals:
  • With root end down, make 12–16 cuts from top toward root, stopping ½ inch above root. Gently separate layers into “petals.”
  • Mix the dry coating:
  • In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
  • Make egg wash:
  • In another bowl, whisk eggs with milk until smooth.
  • Dredge the onion:
  • Dust onion in flour mixture, coat with egg wash, then dredge again in flour mixture for extra crispness. Shake off excess.
  • Heat oil:
  • In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat oil to 375°F.
  • Fry the onion:
  • Lower onion cut side down into oil using a slotted spoon or fry basket. Fry 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  • Drain and serve:
  • Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Keep the root end intact so the onion holds together.
  • A double dredge (flour → egg → flour) ensures a crispy coating.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain oil between 350–375°F for even frying.
  • For baking/air-frying: bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes or air-fry at 370–380°F for 14–18 minutes.
  • Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave.
Keyword blooming onion recipe, blooming onion, onion rings, onion recipe, onion petals, deep fried onion, sweet onion, crispy appetizer