Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Printable Version)

Thin onion slices with melted cheese, air-fried to crispy perfection for a savory, crunchy low-carb snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Slice onions into thin rings approximately 1/8 inch thick. Separate rings and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Set air fryer to 375°F and allow to preheat fully.
03 - Place onion rings in a single layer on parchment paper within the air fryer basket or tray.
04 - Combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
05 - Evenly coat each onion ring with the cheese and seasoning mixture to ensure thorough coverage.
06 - Cook in the air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes until cheese is golden and crispy and onions are tender, checking frequently to prevent burning.
07 - Allow chips to rest in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes, enabling them to crisp further.
08 - Transfer chips carefully to a serving plate. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped herbs and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 25 minutes from peeling to plate, making them perfect for unexpected cravings.
  • The cheese gets impossibly crispy while the onions stay tender underneath, creating a texture that feels almost indulgent.
  • One batch disappears quickly, which means you'll be making them constantly.
02 -
  • Moisture on the onions is your biggest enemy—pat them dry thoroughly, or your chips will steam instead of crisping.
  • Cheese can go from golden to burnt in seconds once it starts darkening, so start checking at the 8-minute mark even if the recipe says 12.
03 -
  • Use a mandoline for your onion slicing—it takes 2 minutes instead of 10 and your slices will be more uniform, which means more even cooking.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, make these in two batches rather than overcrowding, because air circulation is what creates that satisfying crispiness.
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