Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Print)

Thin onion slices topped with melted cheese, air-fried until crisp and flavorful.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium yellow onions, peeled

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 3.5 oz)
03 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (approximately 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

# Directions:

01 - Slice the onions into thin rings about 1/8-inch thick. Separate the rings and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Set the air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat fully before use.
03 - Place the onion rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they do not overlap.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt, mixing thoroughly.
05 - Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of the cheese and seasoning mixture over each onion ring, ensuring full coverage.
06 - Air-fry the onion rings for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and crispy and the onions are tender, watching closely to avoid burning.
07 - Allow the chips to cool in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes, which will help them crisp further.
08 - Carefully remove the chips from the basket and transfer to a serving platter. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste indulgent but they're actually packed with protein and practically carb-free, so you can eat more without the guilt.
  • The whole thing comes together in under 25 minutes—perfect for when you need something impressive that doesn't feel like cooking.
  • Once you make them once, you'll start slicing onions thinner, experimenting with cheese blends, and wondering what else you can crisp up in that air fryer.
02 -
  • Moisture is your enemy—pat those onion rings dry or they'll steam rather than crisp, and you'll be sad. I learned this the hard way after my first batch came out limp.
  • Your air fryer cooks differently than mine, so the first time you make these, stay in the kitchen and watch them at the 8-minute mark instead of assuming 12 minutes is right. They go from golden to burnt faster than you'd think.
  • The cooling time isn't filler—it's when the magic happens and the cheese hardens into that satisfying crunch that makes these so addictive.
03 -
  • Use a mandoline for your onion slices if you have one—uniform thickness means they'll all finish at the same time, and you'll get that satisfying consistency throughout.
  • If the edges of your cheese are darkening too fast but the onions aren't done, lower the temperature by 25 degrees and add a few extra minutes—every air fryer has its quirks.
  • Serve these warm with a cool dip like Greek yogurt ranch or garlic aioli for a textural contrast that makes people reach for more.
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