Ditch the deep fryer and enjoy a healthy-ish side of crispy, oven-baked Onion Petals.
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Fried foods aren’t great for our health — but they’re just so darn tasty! Even if you’re committed to living a healthy lifestyle, it can be a struggle to resist the urge to munch on some crunchy, deep-fried snacks from time to time.
Thankfully, there are a few kitchen hacks to help you simulate the golden deliciousness of a deep-fried recipe without boiling a pot of oil. For instance, you could easily use a handy air fryer to make many crisp copycat recipes. Check out Air Fryer Potato Chips and Air Fryer Egg Rolls for more details on how to use this incredible strategy.
However, you don’t need to run out and buy an air fryer to start cooking faux-fried foods. You can also use your oven to bake many recipes that mimic deep-fried classics — including awesome onion petals!
So, break out your favorite dips, because today we’re baking a batch of binge-worthy treats!
Are Onion Petals Healthy?
Onion petals won’t win any awards as a “superfood side,” but they aren’t terrible for occasional snacking. In fact, on their own, onions have a seriously impressive nutritional profile with plenty of antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, since we’re baking these onion petals, you won’t get all that extra icky grease and fat from the deep fryer.
That being said, there are a few creative ways to increase the health factor for your onion petals. For instance, instead of using all-purpose flour, consider substituting with gluten-free ingredients like almond or coconut flour for low-carb, keto-friendly options. You could also swap the high-fat, lactose-filled buttermilk for alternatives like almond milk, or coconut milk.
What onion works best for onion petals?
Sweet onions like Vidalia hit the “sweet spot” when making snacks like onion petals. Not only do these onions have a mellower flavor, they usually have a higher moisture content perfect for creating an insanely tender texture.
But don’t think you can’t cook onion petals if you don’t have any sweet onions. This recipe works fine with white or yellow onions, but you’ll notice these varieties have a sharper edge. I’d only steer clear of red onions, even if that’s the only option in your grocery store. Not only are red onions too acidic for the perfect onion petal experience, they just look gross. Definitely don’t put those pics on Instagram!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Non-stick cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Preheat the oven and prepare onion petals.
Coat
Dip and dredge petals in a buttermilk and flour mixture.
Bake
Bake until crispy and golden brown.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Onion petals are a delicacy meant to be DEVOURED immediately after you take them out of the oven. Although it’s safe to keep onion petals in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days (or the freezer for a few months), there’s just no way to recapture that magical crispness from the first day of cooking. Whenever you plan to make onion petals at home, I’d strongly recommend gobbling them all in one go.
As for prep work, you shouldn’t soak your onion petals in the wet and dry mixtures beforehand since this will make them soggy. However, you can cut your onions into petal slices and keep them in an airtight container 1 day in advance to save some time in the kitchen. You can also mix your dry ingredients 1 day before cooking, but it’s best to combine your wet ingredients just before you pop these petals in the oven.
Instead of buttermilk and eggs, vegans can use plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or soy and a DIY “flaxseed egg.” Just mix ground flaxseed with water to create an “eggy-like” texture that’ll cling to your onion petals for that iconic golden crust.
It’s common to soak onions before making deep-fried petals since it helps create a mellower bite, but this step isn’t necessary if you’re putting petals in the oven. In fact, soaking your onions before baking can leach out those rich, sweet flavors and result in an overly soft texture.
Serving Suggestions
What’s a crisp onion petal without a creamy dipping sauce? Is that even a question? OK, onion petals are pretty delicious as-is, but there’s something so satisfying about swooshing a petal in some DIY sauce for an extra flavor explosion. Definitely prepare this epic Onion Ring Sauce recipe beforehand to wow everyone at your table.
In terms of meals to serve with your onion petals, “pub grub” is always a popular choice. Whether you want a vegetarian-friendly Black Bean Burger, sticky Buffalo Chicken Wings, or flaky Air Fried Fish, there are so many classic sports bar recipes to choose from. No matter the team you’re rooting for — or your favorite game day flavors — onion petals will play a satisfying supporting role.
Onion Petals
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cut the top and root end off the onion, peel, and slice into 1/2-inch thick petals.
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In a bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
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In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until smooth.
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Dip onion petals into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture to coat.
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Arrange coated onion petals on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
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