Stir 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of the kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of the black pepper together in a wide, shallow bowl with a fork until combined.

Whisk 4 large eggs and ¼ cup water together in a second shallow bowl until combined.

Place 4 cups panko breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Using your hands, crush up the breadcrumbs slightly to create a slightly finer crumb, which will adhere to the onion rings more easily. Stir in the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle with ⅓ cup olive oil. Using your hands and not a fork, rub the oil into the breadcrumbs, breaking up any lumps with your fingers and making sure all breadcrumbs are coated evenly.

Peel and slice 2 pounds large Vidalia onions crosswise into ½-inch-thick rounds. Carefully separate the rings, setting aside only the large and medium rings. Reserve the small inner pieces for another use, such as caramelized onions.

Heat an air fryer to 375ºF. Working in batches, dredge and fry enough onion rings to form two layers in the air fryer basket: Coat 1 ring in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into egg mixture, thoroughly moistening the insides and outsides of the rings with your fingers. Repeat dredging in the flour mixture and egg mixture. Transfer to the panko mixture, and dredge, pressing the crumbs to the rings to properly adhere, until evenly coated.

Place the dredged rings in two layers in the air fryer basket, making sure the rings are not sitting within one another. Air fry until browned and crisp, ignoring any potential prompts from your air fryer to shake its contents (which would only knock off the breadcrumbs), 16 to 25 minutes. Check about 13 minutes in and flip the rings if they are not browning evenly.

Meanwhile, fit a wire rack onto a baking sheet. Dredge the next batch of rings, stacking them on a plate so that they don’t stick together.

Transfer the cooked onion rings to the wire rack, lightly sprinkle with more kosher salt, and keep warm in a 250ºF oven if desired. In between batches, brush any loose crumbs out of the air fryer basket so they don’t burn. Air fry the remaining rings, being careful when placing the rings in the basket — the basket will be hot! Serve warm with the dip if using.

Stir 1 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon ranch powder, 1 tablespoon water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pinch kosher salt, and a few grinds black pepper together in a small bowl.