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Crispy Onion Bites with Zesty Dipping Sauce

Crispy Onion Bites with Zesty Dipping Sauce
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Crispy Onion Bites with Zesty Dipping Sauce are a crunchy, flavorful appetizer featuring perfectly fried onion pieces coated in a crispy batter, paired with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce. This easy-to-make snack uses simple pantry ingredients to deliver a gourmet experience that’s perfect for gatherings, snacking, and sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Onion Bites

  • 2 large sweet yellow or white onions
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk with 1 tsp vinegar for vegan)
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Zesty Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or favorite hot sauce
  • Pinch of salt, to taste
  • Optional: fresh chopped herbs or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into thick rings, then separate them into individual bite-sized pieces. Soak the pieces briefly in buttermilk to soften the onions and help the coating adhere well.
  2. Mix the Dry Coating: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This mixture will create the crispy outer layer.
  3. Coat the Onion Bites: Dip the buttermilk-soaked onion pieces into the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly and thickly coated. For extra crispiness, double dip by repeating the buttermilk soak and flour coating.
  4. Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or fryer. Fry the coated onion bites in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Prepare the Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sriracha, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust heat and acidity to taste.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the onion bites on a platter alongside the dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or chives if desired for added flavor and color.

Notes

  • Use firm, fresh onions for best crunch and sweetness.
  • Maintain oil temperature steadily between 350°F and 360°F to prevent sogginess.
  • Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent.
  • Double coating increases crispiness.
  • Drain the fried onion bites well on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  • Adjust dipping sauce spice and tanginess to personal preference.
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blends and cornstarch.
  • For a baked version, bake coated onion bites at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • For vegan sauce, substitute mayo and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy onion bites, zesty dipping sauce, crunchy onion appetizer, gluten free snacks, fried onion rings, party appetizers, spicy dipping sauce

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/crispy-onion-bites-with-zesty-dipping-sauce/