Crispy Sweet Onion Rings

3 cups buttermilk

2 sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), thinly sliced into rounds, then separated into rings

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

2 teaspoons paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper

canola oil (for frying)

Pour buttermilk into large bowl. Add onion rings; toss to coat. Let stand 1 hour, tossing occasionally. Mix flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in another large bowl.

Pour enough oil into heavy large skillet to reach depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F. Working with a few onion rings at a time, shake off excess buttermilk, then turn onion rings in flour mixture to coat. Fry onion rings until deep golden brown, adjusting heat as necessary for each batch to maintain temperature at 350°F, about 2 minutes. Transfer onion rings to paper towels to drain.