Save to Pinterest I discovered these by accident one Tuesday evening when my air fryer was begging for something to do and I had half an onion sitting on the counter. Melted cheese came to mind, and twenty minutes later I was holding something impossibly crispy that tasted nothing like the sad onion chips I expected. It became the kind of snack that disappears before anyone admits to eating three handfuls, and now it's my go-to when I need something satisfying that won't derail my low-carb goals.
I made these for a game night last month, and my friend Sarah grabbed a handful while I was still arranging the other snacks on the table. She didn't say anything for a full minute, just kept eating, then looked up and asked how I made something taste like a potato chip without using a potato. That moment felt like winning something.
Ingredients
- Medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch rings): The thinner you slice them, the crispier they become—a mandoline makes this effortless, and it's worth having one just for moments like this.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The sharper the cheddar, the more flavor it brings, and sharp cheddar crisps up faster than mild varieties.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): This helps the mixture melt evenly and contributes to that golden-brown finish.
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt: These seasonings live in the cheese mixture and create depth—don't skip the smoked paprika, as it adds a subtle smokiness that makes people ask what your secret is.
- Fresh chives or parsley (optional): A sprinkle right before serving brightens everything and adds a visual pop.
Instructions
- Slice and dry your onions:
- Cut your onions into rings about 1/8-inch thick, then separate them gently and pat them completely dry with paper towels—this moisture removal is what separates crispy chips from soggy failures.
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes so your onions start crisping the moment they hit the basket.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay your onion rings in a single layer on parchment paper inside the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overlapping.
- Mix your cheese coating:
- Combine both cheeses with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt in a bowl, breaking up any clumps so the mixture distributes evenly.
- Coat generously:
- Coat generously:
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture over each onion ring until they're all well covered—don't be shy here, as the cheese is what creates the crispy texture you're after.
- Air-fry and watch:
- Cook for 8-12 minutes, checking around the 8-minute mark to see how your batch is progressing; air fryer temperatures vary, and the difference between perfectly golden and slightly burnt is just a couple of minutes.
- Cool to crisp up:
- Let the chips rest in the basket for 2-3 minutes after cooking—this cools them slightly and allows any remaining moisture to evaporate, making them even crispier.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Transfer carefully to a serving platter, add fresh herbs if you'd like, and eat them immediately while they're still warm and crunchy.
Save to Pinterest My roommate used to make fun of my air fryer until I handed her one of these still-warm chips. She went quiet, ate another one, and the next week she was asking how to make them herself. That's when I knew these weren't just a snack—they were a conversation starter.
Onion Selection Matters
Yellow onions are reliable, but if you can find sweet onions like Vidalia, they caramelize even more beautifully and the sweetness plays against the salty cheese in a way that feels luxurious. Some people swear by red onions for their subtle sweetness, though they won't get quite as crispy. I've experimented with Walla Wallas too, and they produce chips with an almost buttery undertone.
The Cheese Formula
The combination of cheddar and mozzarella is intentional—cheddar brings flavor and character while mozzarella helps everything melt together smoothly and brown evenly. If you want to get creative, try adding a bit of grated Parmesan for a sharper bite, or a small pinch of chili flakes if you like heat with your crispy. I once tried all Parmesan and the chips became almost too intense, so there's a reason the original balance works.
Serving and Storage
These taste best eaten within minutes of cooking, but life isn't always that organized. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and pop them back in the air fryer for 2 minutes to restore their crispiness—it's almost like magic how quickly they recover. You can serve them with Greek yogurt ranch, a spicy aioli, or honestly, they need nothing at all.
- Make sure your onions are truly dry before they hit the air fryer basket.
- Check the chips starting at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Cool them briefly in the basket so they crisp up completely.
Save to Pinterest These crispy onion cheese chips have a way of becoming the snack people remember long after they've forgotten what else was served. Every time I make them, someone asks for the recipe, and I love that something so simple can bring that much joy.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the crispiest onion chips?
Ensure the onion rings are thinly sliced and patted dry before air frying. Even layering and proper air fryer temperature help achieve a golden crisp texture.
- → Can I use other types of cheese for this snack?
Yes, cheeses like Parmesan or pepper jack add different flavors and melting qualities to the crispy onion chips.
- → What seasoning enhances the flavor best?
Garlic powder and smoked paprika bring a smoky, savory note complementing the cheese and onions beautifully.
- → Is air frying necessary or can I bake them?
While air frying yields crispier chips in less time, baking on a parchment-lined sheet at high heat can also work, though cooking times may vary.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes to restore crispiness before serving.