Save to Pinterest I was trying to satisfy a serious crunch craving without reaching for potato chips, and honestly, these happened by accident. I had onions sitting out and an air fryer already hot from dinner, so I just went for it. Now they are the first thing to disappear whenever friends come over, even the people who swear they hate onion snacks.
Last game night, my friend Sarah took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe. She could not believe these were just onions and cheese with some spices thrown in. By the end of the night, the entire batch was gone and people were actually disappointed there were no more.
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions, peeled: Yellow onions caramelize beautifully and hold their shape better than sweet varieties when air fried
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives you that bold tangy punch that makes these addictive
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates the gooey melted texture that holds everything together
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic and onions are best friends, do not skip this combo
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds this incredible depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground makes a huge difference here
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance without overpowering
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley: Totally optional but makes them look fancy and adds fresh color
Instructions
- Slice and prep your onions:
- Cut those onions into thin rings about 1/8 inch thick, separate them, and pat them completely dry with paper towels so they actually get crispy instead of steaming
- Heat things up:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line the basket with parchment paper so nothing sticks
- Arrange the rings:
- Lay out your onion rings in a single layer with plenty of space between them, crowding the basket is the fastest way to ruin the crunch factor
- Mix the magic coating:
- Combine both cheeses with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt in a bowl until everything is evenly distributed
- Top generously:
- Pile that cheese mixture onto each onion ring, do not be shy here, thin spots lead to burnt onion edges
- Air fry to perfection:
- Cook for 8 to 12 minutes until the cheese turns golden and crispy, check frequently after 8 minutes because every air fryer runs differently
- Let them set:
- Leave the chips in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking, this resting period is crucial for maximum crunch
- Serve immediately:
- Carefully transfer them to a platter, add fresh herbs if you want, and get them to the table fast because they are best right now
Save to Pinterest My partner actually asked me to make these for our wedding reception appetizers because they were such a hit at our engagement party. Nothing beats seeing a room full of people happily munching away on something I threw together on a random Tuesday afternoon.
Choosing the Right Onion
Yellow onions are your best bet here because they have the perfect balance of sweetness and bite. I tried red onions once and they turned out beautiful but way too pungent for most people. Sweet onions work well if you want something milder, but they cook faster so keep an eye on them.
Cheese Blend Secrets
The cheddar and mozzarella combo is magic because sharp cheddar brings bold flavor while mozzarella provides that satisfying stretch. Sometimes I throw in a little gruyere when I want to feel fancy, but honestly the classic blend never lets me down.
Serving Suggestions
These stand perfectly on their own but pair beautifully with a cool dipping sauce to balance the richness. I love serving them alongside whatever else is coming off the grill, or just setting them out as a surprise snack when people least expect it.
- Try them with Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning for a protein rich dip
- A spicy aioli cuts through the cheese richness beautifully
- Keep extra napkins nearby because fingers will get messy
Save to Pinterest These have become my go to when I need something impressive but ridiculously easy. Hope they become a staple in your kitchen too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of onions work best for these chips?
Sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions provide the best balance of mild sweetness and crisp texture when air-fried.
- → Can I use different cheeses in this dish?
Yes, Parmesan or a mix of your favorite shredded cheeses can enhance flavor and texture.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from sticking during air frying?
Using parchment paper in the air fryer and arranging the pieces in a single layer helps reduce sticking.
- → Are these chips suitable for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely, as the main ingredients are onions and cheeses, keeping carb content low.
- → What seasonings complement the cheese and onions?
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt bring out savory and smoky notes.