01 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure optimal crispness.
02 - Carefully separate the sliced yellow onions into individual rings, setting them aside.
03 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
04 - In a separate shallow bowl, beat the large eggs with whole milk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
05 - Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl, ready for the final coating step.
06 - Working in small batches, dredge each onion ring thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating, then gently shake off any excess flour.
07 - Next, dip the floured onion rings into the prepared egg mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip back into the bowl.
08 - Finally, coat the onion rings completely with panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing the crumbs onto the surface to ensure they adhere well.
09 - Carefully arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer within the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation; cook in batches if necessary.
10 - Lightly spray the arranged onion rings with cooking spray or olive oil spray to promote a golden-brown and crispy finish.
11 - Air fry the onion rings for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process and reapplying cooking spray if desired, until they are golden brown and perfectly crisp.
12 - Serve the crispy air-fried onion rings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for the best taste and texture.