Ingredients:
- 2 large Sweet Onions (Approx. 500g)
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk (120ml)
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (60g)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 large Eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 1/2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs (Approx. 90g)
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Cooking Spray (High-heat neutral oil spray)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Peel and slice onions into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Separate the rings and place them in a bowl.
- Pour the buttermilk over the rings, ensuring they are coated. Let them sit and soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Set up three shallow dishes: Dish 1: Flour mixture (salt/pepper). Dish 2: Beaten Eggs. Dish 3: Panko mixture (Panko, Parmesan, Paprika, Garlic Powder).
- Working in small batches, take the onion rings from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in Dish 1 (Flour), then dip in Dish 2 (Egg), and finally coat completely in Dish 3 (Panko), pressing gently.
- Place the coated rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring space between each ring.
- Generously spray the tops of the rings with cooking spray until they look visibly damp.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes.
- Carefully flip the rings, spray the second side lightly, and return to the oven for another 9-11 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately.