Blooming Onion

From POPSUGAR Food

Refrigerate the onion before frying; the breading will adhere more easily.

For blooming onion:
1 large sweet yellow onion, such as Vidalia
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 gallon corn oil
Salt, to taste

For dipping sauce:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons ketchup
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon drained horseradish
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Cut the top of the onion; place it cut-side down, and, using a sharp knife, make 1/2-inch cuts in a circular motion to create "petals." Flip the onion over and, using your hands, begin coaxing apart its layers.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cayenne, paprika, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Place the onion cut-side down in the bowl, cover with a plate, and shake to coat onion and each "petal."
Meanwhile, in a separate medium bowl, mix eggs with milk. Dip onion in egg wash cut-side down; shake off excess egg wash and return onion to flour mixture to coat a second time. Shake off any excess flour.
In a deep-fryer or a heavy Dutch oven, heat oil to 375ºF, adding enough oil so that the entire onion will be able to float.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine dip ingredients until well-mixed. Set aside.
In the deep-fryer or Dutch oven, add the onion cut-side down in the oil for 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip the onion and allow it to fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the batter is golden brown.
Move it to a plate covered in paper towels to drain off excess oil and season with a little salt.
Serve immediately with sauce.