- 3 large Vidalia onions, cut into 1/4-inch slices, and separated into rings
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
- 1 quart oil for deep frying
- Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper; set aside. Line 2 additional baking sheets or 1 tray with paper towels; set aside.
- Place 1 1/2 cups of flour in a shallow bowl. Pour the milk into a second shallow bowl. In a third bowl, stir together the cornmeal, 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and black pepper.
- Dip the onion rings first into the plain flour, then into the milk, and last into the cornmeal mixture. Place the breaded rings on the wax paper-lined baking sheets.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, or deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
- Fry the onion rings a few at a time in the hot oil so they are not crowded, until golden brown. Drain on paper towel-lined baking sheets, and serve immediately.