Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Printable)

Golden crispy snacks with thin onion slices and melted cheese, air-fried to crunchy perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - Use a mandoline or sharp knife to thinly slice the onions into rings.
02 - Pat the onion rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Combine the onion slices with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl and toss evenly.
04 - Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.
05 - Place small piles of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on the liner, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
06 - Place a few seasoned onion slices atop each cheese pile, pressing gently to adhere.
07 - Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the onion layers to enhance crispness.
08 - Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 12 minutes until cheese is golden and crispy, and onions are browned.
09 - Allow the chips to cool in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes to firm up further.
10 - Carefully remove the chips using a spatula, garnish with chopped chives if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the edges, cheesy in the middle, and somehow feel indulgent while keeping carbs low.
  • Takes less than half an hour from fridge to plate, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a last-minute snack craving.
  • The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates a golden, lacy texture that's almost impossible to stop eating.
02 -
  • Moisture is your enemy—wet onions steam instead of crisp, so don't skip the paper towel step, and make sure your parchment paper is completely dry too.
  • Every air fryer runs differently, so check these at the 8-minute mark the first time you make them; some will need the full 12 minutes, others finish sooner.
03 -
  • Use freshly shredded cheese from a block if you can—it melts more evenly and gets crispier than the pre-shredded bags with anti-caking powder.
  • Don't crowd the basket; if your air fryer is small, cook in batches so each chip gets surrounded by circulating hot air.
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