1.     Prepare the Onions: Begin by carefully peeling the outer skins off the onions. Slice each onion into ½ inch thick rings. Use your hands to gently separate the rings from each other.

2.     Set Up Your Dredging Station: You’ll need three bowls:

2. • Bowl 1: Add ½ cup of flour for dusting the onion rings.
   • Bowl 2: Whisk together ½ cup flour, 1 cup of milk, and 1 egg until smooth. Add brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
   • Bowl 3: Fill with 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs.

3.     Coat the Onion Rings: Take each onion ring and dust it lightly with flour from Bowl 1. Next, dip it into the batter from Bowl 2, ensuring it is well coated. Finally, place the ring in Bowl 3 and coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Set the coated rings on a baking sheet.

4.     Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 1 cup of canola oil over medium-high heat. To determine whether the oil is ready you can drop a small portion of the batter inside. If it bubbles and fries immediately, you’re good to go.

5.     Fry the Onion Rings: Carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

6.     Drain and Season: Once cooked, remove the onion rings from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to soak up any excess oil. Season immediately with kosher salt for that extra flavor kick.

7.     Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade onion rings hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy every crunchy bite!