Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Printable)

Thin onion slices topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella, air-fried until golden and crispy.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium yellow onions, peeled

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Slice onions into thin rings, about 1/8-inch thick. Separate and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Set air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat fully.
03 - Place onion rings in a single layer on parchment paper inside the air fryer basket or tray.
04 - Combine shredded cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
05 - Generously sprinkle the cheese mixture over each onion ring, ensuring full coverage.
06 - Cook in the air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes until cheese turns golden and crispy and onions are tender; watch closely to avoid burning.
07 - Allow chips to cool in the air fryer basket for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve desired crispness.
08 - Carefully transfer chips to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're legitimately crispy, not just soggy onion rings dressed up as chips.
  • Takes less than 25 minutes from peeling to serving, which means you can satisfy a craving without planning ahead.
  • The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates this addictive flavor that's both sharp and creamy at once.
  • Low-carb and gluten-free without tasting like you're missing out on anything.
02 -
  • Don't skip the drying step—any moisture on those onions will make them steam instead of crisp, and steamed onions under cheese is just a disappointment.
  • Monitor the cheese carefully; it goes from golden to burnt in about 90 seconds, so don't wander off and forget about them.
  • Sweet onions like Vidalia will give you a different flavor profile—less sharp, more caramelized and mellow.
03 -
  • A mandoline slicer saves time and gives you perfectly uniform thickness, which means even cooking across the batch.
  • Mix your cheeses in a small bowl instead of shaking them directly from the bag—you get better distribution and fewer bare spots.
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