Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Print View)

Thin onion rings topped with cheddar and mozzarella, air-fried for a crispy, savory snack.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium yellow onions, peeled

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (approx. 3.5 oz)
03 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (approx. 1.75 oz)

→ Spices & Seasonings

04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Optional Garnish

08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley

# Method:

01 - Slice onions into thin rings about 1/8 inch thick; separate rings and pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
02 - Set air fryer to 375°F and allow to preheat.
03 - Lay onion rings in a single layer on parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray.
04 - Combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl.
05 - Evenly sprinkle the cheese and seasoning mixture over each onion ring, ensuring full coverage.
06 - Cook in the air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes until cheese is golden and crispy and onions are tender, watching closely to avoid burning.
07 - Allow chips to rest in the air fryer basket for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance crispness.
08 - Transfer chips carefully to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're genuinely crunchy in a way that feels like cheating on a low-carb diet.
  • Ready in under 25 minutes from peeling to plating, no babysitting required.
  • The cheese gets lacy and browned at the edges, creating textural contrast that snack foods rarely achieve.
02 -
  • Moisture is the difference between crispy and soggy—if your onions aren't completely dry before cooking, you'll end up with softened chips instead of crunchy ones.
  • Every air fryer runs hot differently, so watch that first batch closely because five minutes can be the difference between golden and burnt.
  • Don't use pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents if you can avoid it; it won't melt as smoothly and creates a slightly gritty texture.
03 -
  • Use sweet onions like Vidalia when they're in season for a subtle caramel sweetness that balances the savory cheese beautifully.
  • Let the chips cool completely before storing them—putting warm chips in a container traps steam and undoes all your crispiness work.
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