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Nashville Hot Mini Bloomers

Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly bite-sized, this blooming onion twist is a fun, shareable dish with a
satisfying crunch. These bloomers are perfect for sharing, tailgating, or simply baking in some fun.
Here's how you can make these delectable Lil' Bo's Nashville Hot Mini Bloomers at home. Enjoy!
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Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

Season Flour Mix

  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1.5 tsp Salt & Pepper (combined)
  • .5 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Egg Bath

  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Cup Buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp Tabasco Sauce

Crispy Coating

  • 1-2 Cups Breadcrumbs
  • Cooking Spray

Instructions
 

Preparing the Lil Bo’s

  • Remove the outer layer onion skin and trim off the tops (save these tops).
    Cut each onion at even intervals to create 8 "petals," leaving the root intact to hold the shape.
    Dice the saved onion tops (up to the green leaves) into 1 inch pieces.

Make Seasoned Flour

  • Combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well to mix evenly.

Prepare the Egg Wash

  • Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and Tabasco sauce in a separate bowl until smooth.

Double Breading Process

  • Dip each onion (and diced tops) into the seasoned flour, coating thoroughly. Submerge in the egg mixture until fully covered. If you want thicker coating, repeat this process (flour, then egg dip) for a second round. Finally, coat the onions evenly in breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess after each step for a clean, consistent crust.

Crisp It Up

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the breaded onions lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Place onions and diced tops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not crowded or stacked. Cook for 15–20 minutes until golden brown, working in batches if necessary.

Eat Up, Dip and Devour

  • Serve your Lil' Bo's Nashville Hot Mini Bloomers immediately with your choice of dipping sauces — Greek Yogurt Dressing, Spicy mayo, Classic ranch, Honey Drizzle.