Save I stumbled on these during a desperate late night snack craving when I had nothing but onions and cheese in the fridge. The first batch stuck to the parchment paper and fell apart, but that charred cheesy mess I scraped off tasted like heaven.
My sister was skeptical when I described them as onion chips but she ate half the batch standing at the counter while we waited for dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions: Yellow onions sweeten as they caramelize unlike red onions which stay sharp
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the boldest flavor but mild works if thats what you have
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates those gorgeous crispy cheese lace edges
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkle evenly so no chip gets overwhelmed
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Regular paprika works but smoked adds that bacon adjacent flavor
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground makes a real difference here
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Go light on salt since the cheese is already salty
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: These add a fresh bite that cuts through all the rich cheese
Instructions
- Prep the onions:
- Slice them as thin as you possibly can then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels so they crisp instead of steam
- Season the slices:
- Toss the onion rings gently in a bowl with the garlic powder smoked paprika pepper and salt until evenly coated
- Set up your air fryer:
- Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner making sure it fits flat without blocking air circulation
- Form the cheese piles:
- Drop small mounds of the shredded cheeses onto the liner leaving about 2 inches between each since they will spread
- Add the onions:
- Press a few seasoned onion slices onto each cheese pile then sprinkle any leftover cheese over the top
- Air fry to golden:
- Cook at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes checking at the 8 minute mark since some air fryers run hotter than others
- Let them set:
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes before touching them because this is when they transform from floppy to shatteringly crisp
- Finish and serve:
- Slide a spatula under each chip transfer to a plate and sprinkle with fresh chives if you want something green on the table
Save These became my go to contribution to game day spread after my friend kept stealing them off the serving platter before guests arrived.
Making Ahead
You can slice and season the onions a few hours ahead and keep them between paper towels but cook them right before serving because they lose their crunch fast.
Cheese Variations
Swap in grated Parmesan for extra umami or try pepper jack if you want some gentle heat through every bite.
Serving Ideas
These disappear fastest alongside something cool and creamy to balance all that savory crunch. I serve them with a bowl of sour cream mixed with lemon juice and fresh dill.
- Make them smaller for bite size appetizers
- Stack them on burgers instead of onion rings
- Keep them warm in a 200°F oven if making multiple batches
Save These are impossible to stop eating so you might want to double the recipe from the start.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of onions work best for this snack?
Yellow onions are ideal for their balance of sweetness and sharpness, but red onions can be used for a sweeter taste.
- → Can I use different cheeses in this dish?
Yes, Parmesan or other hard cheeses can add extra crunch and flavor variations.
- → How do I get the chips crispy without sogginess?
Make sure to dry the onion slices thoroughly before assembling and air-fry at the recommended temperature until golden brown.
- → What air fryer settings should I use?
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–12 minutes, adjusting time based on your appliance for optimal crispiness.
- → Are there seasoning options to spice up the flavor?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper enhances heat, while smoked paprika contributes a smoky depth.