Crispy Onion Cheese Chips

I discovered these by accident one Tuesday evening when I was cleaning out my cheese drawer and found three forgotten bags of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. My air fryer was already heating up for something else, and I had two medium onions sitting on the counter. What started as an experiment in not wasting good cheese turned into something I now make almost weekly. The moment that first batch came out golden and impossibly crispy, I knew I'd stumbled onto something special.

I made these for my sister's book club gathering last month, and honestly, they disappeared faster than the wine. Everyone assumed I'd bought them from somewhere fancy. The best part was watching people actually pause mid-conversation to eat another handful, then immediately asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled: Yellow onions have just the right balance of sweetness and bite; I always slice them thin enough that you can almost see through them.
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese: This is your backbone flavor, so don't cheap out here—good cheddar melts into those crispy spots.
• 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the glue that holds everything together and creates those golden, melty edges.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Just enough to whisper garlic flavor without overpowering the delicate onions.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is what gives them that restaurant-quality depth and a hint of color.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground makes all the difference in the finish.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Adjust this based on how salty your cheese already is.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): A bright green garnish wakes up the whole plate.

Instructions

Slice your onions paper-thin:

Use a sharp knife or mandoline to get them about 1/8-inch thick, separating the rings as you go. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this step matters more than you'd think because moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Heat your air fryer:

Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes while you prep your cheese mixture.

Arrange in a single layer:

Lay your onion rings on a parchment-lined air fryer basket, making sure they're not overlapping. They need room to breathe and crisp up evenly.

Mix your cheese seasoning:

Combine the cheddar and mozzarella with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Toss it around so the seasonings are distributed evenly.

Coat generously:

Sprinkle the cheese mixture over each onion ring with a light hand at first, then go back and make sure every visible part is covered. This is where the magic happens.

Air-fry until golden:

Set the timer for 8 to 12 minutes, watching carefully around the 7-minute mark because all air fryers behave a little differently. You're looking for cheese that's bubbling and starting to brown at the edges, with onions that have softened underneath.

Let them rest briefly:

Give them 2 to 3 minutes in the basket after turning off the heat so they firm up and become even crispier. This cooling period does something almost magical to the texture.

Transfer and serve:

Carefully lift them out (they'll be tender) and place on a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you have them and serve while they're still warm.

Save

My partner walked into the kitchen midway through one batch and the smell of caramelizing cheese and roasted onions stopped him in his tracks. He stood there for a moment just breathing it in, and that's when I realized these weren't just chips—they were a moment. We ended up sitting on the porch eating them while they were still warm, barely talking, just enjoying something we'd made together.

Flavor Variations That Work

I've experimented with this recipe more than I probably should, and certain additions genuinely elevate it. A pinch of cayenne pepper brings heat without harshness, while grated Parmesan adds a nuttiness that deepens the whole experience. One time I added a tiny bit of everything bagel seasoning and it was unexpectedly perfect, so don't be afraid to play around with what you have on hand.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers (if you manage to have any) keep in an airtight container for about two days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat them again, a quick 2-minute spin in the air fryer at 350°F brings back almost all of that original crispiness, though I'll be honest—they're best fresh. Cold chips aren't terrible, but they lose something special that the warmth brings out.

What to Serve Them With

These stand beautifully on their own, but I've found they pair wonderfully with cool, creamy dips. Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning is my go-to, or if I'm feeling a little braver, a spicy aioli with sriracha and lime. They also work surprisingly well as a crunchy topping for salads, or alongside a simple egg-based brunch. The versatility is part of what makes them so satisfying to have in your rotation.

• Try pairing with a cool dip like Greek yogurt ranch or spicy aioli for contrast.
• They make an excellent crunchy salad topper if you want to get creative.
• Serve alongside eggs and avocado for a low-carb brunch moment.

Save

These chips have become my answer to that 3 PM snack craving, and they've convinced more than a few people that eating low-carb doesn't have to feel like deprivation. I hope they bring you the same unexpected joy they bring me.

Kitchen Guide

→ What type of onions work best for these chips?

Use medium yellow onions or sweet Vidalia onions for a balanced sweetness and optimal crispness.

→ Can I use different cheeses in this preparation?

Yes, grated Parmesan or other melty cheeses can be substituted or combined for varied flavors and textures.

→ How can I ensure the chips stay crispy after air frying?

Let them cool in the air fryer basket for a few minutes to crisp up further and avoid stacking them while warm.

→ What seasonings enhance the flavor of these chips?

Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper create a savory and slightly smoky flavor profile.

→ Are these chips suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making them suitable for both diets.