Microwave the pearl onions for half the time given on the package.

While they partially cook, add the egg to a medium bowl and beat.

Add the flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to another bowl and stir to mix.

Drain the partially cooked onions in a colander and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Take 6 onions, dip them into the flour mixture and stir to coat.

Use a fork to lift them out of the flour, shaking off any excess. Place them in the egg mixture and stir to coat.

Use a different fork to take them out of the egg, letting any excess drip off. Put them into the flour mixture a second time and coat them with flour.

Continue until all of the onions are coated.

Place the prepared onions on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F for 3 minutes.

Take the coated onions out of the fridge and put them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Spray them with some oil. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 3 minutes.

Then shake the basket, spray some more oil, and air fry for another 3 minutes.