Step 1
Cut 1/2 inch off the pointed part of the onion and peel. Place onion on a work surface cut-side down. Make a downward cut into the onion starting 1/2 inch from the root all the way to the work surface. Repeat 3 more times making a total of 4 evenly spaced cuts around the onion to create 4 sections
Step 2
Cut each of the 4 sections of the onion into 3 even slices to reach a total of 16 evenly spaced cuts. Turn the onion over and gently separate the outer pieces using your fingers.
Step 3
Whisk milk water eggs and 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl.
Step 4
Whisk flour ranch dressing mix cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon salt together in a separate bowl.
Step 5
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Step 6
Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or deep heavy pot to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Step 7
Dip onion in the egg mixture using a slotted spoon or your hand. Remove and let excess egg drip back into the egg mixture. Place onion in a bowl cut-side up. Pour all of the flour mixture on top. Shake the bowl and distribute the flour mixture evenly using a spoon or your fingers making sure the flour mixture reaches inside the onion's \petals\.
Step 8
Lift onion out of bowl by the core turning over and patting to release excess flour. Fully submerge the onion in egg mixture again; remove and let excess egg mixture drip back into bowl. Place onion back in bowl with flour mixture and spoon to coat onion again with flour mixture.
Step 9
Turn the onion cut-side down and place in a wire skimmer. Shake gently over the flour bowl and pat to release any excess flour.
Step 9
Carefully lower onion in the hot oil cut-side down. Adjust the heat so the oil temperature stays at 350 degrees (175 degrees C). Fry for 3 minutes; carefully turn onion over and cook until golden brown about 4 minutes more. Remove and drain on paper towels and season with salt.