Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Printable version)

Golden, crunchy snacks combining sliced onions with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium yellow onions, peeled

→ Cheese

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

→ Spices

04 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Optional Garnish

08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

# How to make it:

01 - Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the onions very thinly and separate them into rings.
02 - Pat the onion slices dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
03 - In a mixing bowl, toss the onion slices with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
04 - Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner for easy cleanup.
05 - Place small piles of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on the lined basket, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
06 - Top each cheese pile with several onion rings, pressing gently to adhere the layers.
07 - Sprinkle any leftover shredded cheese over the onion layers to enhance crispiness.
08 - Cook at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes until the cheese is golden and crisp and the onions are browned.
09 - Allow the chips to cool in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes to firm up, then carefully lift them out using a spatula.
10 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and slightly tender where the cheese and onion meet—that textural contrast is addictive.
  • Takes barely 10 minutes of actual prep time, and the cooking happens while you do something else.
  • Works perfectly as a low-carb snack that doesn't feel like you're sacrificing flavor for health.
  • Somehow elegant enough to serve at a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight craving.
02 -
  • Onions release water as they cook, so truly thin slicing and thorough drying are what separate crispy chips from soggy disappointment.
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket traps steam, so those 2 inches of spacing between piles actually matters more than it sounds.
  • The cooling step in the basket isn't just about temperature—it's about the cheese setting so it holds its shape when you lift it.
03 -
  • If you're making a big batch, cook in multiple rounds rather than overcrowding one basket; two perfect batches beat one mediocre one every time.
  • Experiment with onion varieties—red onions are sweeter and create a different flavor profile, while white onions stay more savory and sharp.
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