In a medium bowl, mix paprika, salt, pepper in flour until combined. In another medium bowl, add buttermilk.

In large frying pan, heat oil. Dredge onion petals in buttermilk then in flour, gently shake off excess, and set on plate.

When oil is hot, gently add petals and fry until golden brown. Sprinkle with salt after removing from oil and set aside to cool and continue to crisp.