Begin by peeling two large sweet onions, cutting off the tops, and slicing downward in a star shape, making about 12 cuts per onion without cutting through to the bottom.

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.

Brush each prepared onion liberally with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Coat with the flour mixture, ensuring it seeps into the cuts for thorough coverage.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the coated onions cut side up, spaced apart on the sheet.

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and sprinkle this crunchy topping over the coated onions.

Bake for about 30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and tender on the inside.