Prep the onions: slice into rings or chunks, whichever makes you happy. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes. If you skip preheating, no judgment, just don’t skip the next step.
Spread the onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A little overlap is okay, but avoid a crowded pile—air needs to move, not meditate.
Cook 6 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the onions. Add a splash of water or broth to help them steam and soften a touch.
Cook another 4–6 minutes until the edges are caramelized and the centers are tender. If you like them extra crisp, go a couple more minutes, but keep an eye on them—burnt onions are sad.
Remove, taste, and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot, warm, or at room temp—they’re versatile like that.