Making Crispy Onion Rings

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons dry potato flakes

⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

1 cup chilled club soda

2 cups panko bread crumbs, or as needed

2 cups vegetable oil for frying

2 large onions, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and separated into rings

fine salt to taste

Whisk together flour, cornstarch, dry potato flakes, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in club soda to make a smooth batter.

Place panko bread crumbs in a shallow bowl.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Place a few onion rings at a time into the bowl of batter and turn to coat all sides with batter.

Remove onion rings from batter and place into pan of panko bread crumbs; turn to coat completely with crumbs.

Cook a few rings at a time in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack set over paper towels to drain. Season with salt to taste and serve.