Save to Pinterest I discovered these by accident one Tuesday evening when I was cleaning out my cheese drawer and found myself staring at two nearly empty bags of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. My air fryer sat on the counter, already heating up for something else entirely, and I thought: what if I just melted these together with some onions? Twenty minutes later, I was pulling out the crunchiest, most addictive little discs I'd ever made—so much better than any store-bought chip.
I made these for my sister's book club last month, and they were gone before anyone even sat down to discuss the actual book. She kept asking what bakery I'd bought them from—when I told her I'd made them in the air fryer, everyone wanted the recipe immediately. That's when I realized these weren't just a random kitchen experiment anymore; they'd become something I needed to refine and share.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions (2 medium, peeled): The sweetness balances the salty cheese perfectly, and thin slicing is everything—a mandoline makes this effortless, but a sharp knife works if you take your time.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, 100 g): Use freshly shredded if possible; pre-packaged sometimes contains anti-caking agents that prevent a truly crispy texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup, 100 g): This cheese gets stretchy and lacy, creating those crispy, golden edges that make these chips irresistible.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds depth without the moisture of fresh garlic, which would make the chips soggy.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): This gives a subtle smokiness that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Ground fresh tastes sharper and more alive than pre-ground.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Start here—you can always add more, but you can't take it back.
- Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): A bright finish that makes the plate look intentional and tastes like springtime.
Instructions
- Slice your onions paper-thin:
- A mandoline is your best friend here—aim for slices so thin you can almost see through them. If you're using a knife, take your time and angle it slightly to get consistent, delicate slices that cook evenly.
- Dry them completely:
- This step seems small but it's the difference between crispy chips and chewy ones. Pat each pile of onion slices with paper towels until they're genuinely dry to the touch.
- Season the onions:
- Toss them gently in a bowl with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt, making sure every slice gets coated.
- Prepare your air fryer basket:
- Line it with parchment paper or a silicone liner—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
- Make cheese piles:
- Scatter small mounds of mixed cheddar and mozzarella onto the liner, spacing them about two inches apart so the heat can circulate and crisp them up properly.
- Add the onion layer:
- Top each cheese pile with a few onion slices, pressing gently so they nestle in and stay put during cooking. Don't overthink it—they'll hold together.
- Top with more cheese:
- Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the onions for extra crunchiness and that beautiful golden color.
- Air-fry to golden perfection:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, checking around the 8-minute mark. You're looking for the cheese to be golden and bubbly with darkened edges, and the onions to have some brown spots.
- Let them rest and set:
- Turn off the air fryer and let the chips sit in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes—this helps them firm up and become even crispier.
- Remove with care:
- Use a thin spatula to gently slide under each chip, supporting it as you lift. They'll be delicate at first but will harden as they cool.
- Finish and serve:
- Scatter chives over the top if you're using them, and serve while they're still warm and crispy.
Save to Pinterest I served these at a dinner party once, and my friend who's always counting macros actually said they tasted so good she forgot to track them. That moment—when food stops being about rules and becomes about joy—is exactly why I keep making them.
Cheese Choices That Work
Cheddar and mozzarella are my go-to combination because they complement each other—cheddar adds flavor, mozzarella adds the stretch and lacy texture. But honestly, you can experiment. Parmesan will give you extra crunch and a sharper taste. Gruyère makes them more sophisticated. Even a blend with some sharp white cheddar keeps things interesting.
Making Them Your Own
The base recipe is versatile enough that you can build on it without losing what makes these special. Red onions are sweeter and add a gentle color variation. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or even a few red pepper flakes scattered over the cheese before cooking adds a gentle kick. Some people swear by a tiny sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
Serving and Storage
These are best eaten right away while they're still warm and at their crispiest, but they'll keep in an airtight container for about two days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 325°F for just a few minutes to restore the crunch. Serve them plain, or pair them with a cool, creamy dip like sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a simple ranch for dipping.
- A dollop of sour cream mixed with fresh herbs turns these into something that feels almost restaurant-worthy.
- If you're serving them at a gathering, make them just before guests arrive so they're at peak crispiness.
- Store any leftovers in a paper-lined container rather than plastic, which traps steam and makes them soggy.
Save to Pinterest These chips remind me that sometimes the best recipes come from happy accidents and an open mind in the kitchen. I hope they become a favorite of yours too.
Your Questions Answered
- → What type of onions work best?
Yellow onions provide a balanced flavor, but red onions add a sweeter note to the crunchy bites.
- → Can other cheeses be used?
Yes,Parmigiano-Reggiano or other firm cheeses can enhance crunch and flavor.
- → How do I get the chips crispy?
Ensure onion slices are thin and dry before layering with cheese, and air-fry until golden brown for maximum crispness.
- → Are these snacks gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check cheese packaging if sensitive.
- → Can I add extra spice?
A pinch of cayenne pepper mixed with the spices will add a pleasant heat to the crunchy chips.