Begin by peeling your sweet onions and trimming off the top 1/4 inch. Carefully make 8-12 vertical cuts downwards, ensuring you don't slice all the way through the base. Set the prepared onions aside.

Place the cut onions into a large bowl and immerse them completely in buttermilk. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper.

Carefully remove each onion from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each onion in the flour mixture.

In a deep skillet or fryer, pour enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the onions. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

Once the oil is ready, lower each coated onion into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic powder, dried dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Arrange the fried onions on a platter and serve with the ranch dip in the center.