Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

Crisp, golden petals burst with sweet onion flavor in these bite-sized blooming onions, perfect for sharing at a party or as a crunchy snack.

Scale

3 large sweet onions (900 g / ~2 lb total)
160 g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
30 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
120 g (3 cups) panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs (about 100 g)
180 ml (3/4 cup) buttermilk
4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
10 g (2 tsp) kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
Neutral frying oil (canola, sunflower, or peanut) for frying (about 1.2–1.5 liters)

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Prep the onions by trimming root ends and cutting the tops off, then slice each onion into 8 vertical cuts.
Whisk together the dry mix in a shallow bowl.
In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk for the wet batter.
Dust each onion with the dry mix, then dip into the wet batter, and press into panko.
Pour oil to a depth of 5–7 cm (2–3 in) and heat to 180°C (350°F).
Fry 3–4 onions for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Remove to a wire rack to drain and serve hot with dipping sauce.

Best if served within 15 minutes of frying for optimal crispness. Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 180°C (350°F).