Save to Pinterest The smell of onions hitting a hot air fryer basket on a rainy Sunday afternoon stopped me in my tracks. I had been skeptical about low-carb substitutes until my sister pulled a tray of these golden cheese-covered rings from her kitchen counter. One bite changed everything.
Last summer I made these for a backyard gathering and watched three grown men hover around the serving bowl like they had never seen food before. My friend Sarah actually asked if she could take the leftovers home, which is basically the highest compliment anyone can pay a cook in my book.
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions, peeled: Yellow onions strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, holding their shape beautifully while becoming tender in the heat
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings that bold familiar flavor we all crave, plus it melts into those gorgeous crispy edges
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella acts as the texture magician here, creating those irresistible cheese strings and golden bubbles
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This rounds out the flavor profile without adding any moisture that might make your chips soggy
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: The smokiness transforms these from simple onion rings into something that feels restaurant-quality special
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A little heat cuts through the richness of all that melted cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley: That pop of green color and fresh onion flavor makes these look like you spent way more time than you actually did
Instructions
- Prep the onions like you mean it:
- Slice those onions into thin rings about 1/8-inch thick, then separate them and pat them completely dry with paper towels because moisture is the enemy of crispiness
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C) while you work on the cheese mixture
- Set up for success:
- Arrange your onion rings in a single layer on parchment paper in the air fryer basket, giving each one some breathing room
- Make the magic coating:
- Grab a bowl and toss together both cheeses with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt until everything is evenly distributed
- Generously coat each ring:
- Pile that cheese mixture onto every onion ring, pressing it down slightly so it sticks and covers the onion completely
- Let the air fryer work its magic:
- Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, watching closely like a hawk toward the end because the line between golden perfection and burned sadness is thin
- Practice patience:
- Let the chips hang out in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes because this is when they transform from slightly soft to properly crispy
- Transfer and serve:
- Carefully lift each chip and move them to a platter, then scatter those fresh herbs on top and get them to the table immediately
Save to Pinterest These became my go-to when I stopped eating regular chips but still wanted something to munch on during movie nights. There is something deeply satisfying about finger food that actually loves you back.
Making Them Your Own
Sweet onions or Vidalias will give you an even gentler flavor profile if you find regular yellow onions too pungent raw. The first time I tried this variation, my husband ate the entire batch without saying a single word, just reaching for chip after chip while staring at the television.
Level Up The Flavor
Grated Parmesan added to the cheese mixture creates this incredible savory depth that makes these feel fancy. A pinch of chili flakes in the spice blend wakes everything up if you like living on the edge.
Serving Ideas That Work
Serve these alongside a cool creamy dip like Greek yogurt ranch or a spicy aioli to cut through the richness. I have also crumbled them over salads in place of croutons for the best lunch upgrade.
- Double the batch because these disappear faster than you can imagine
- Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer for exactly 2 minutes before serving
- Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect blend
Save to Pinterest Hope these bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → What onions work best for these chips?
Sweet onions or Vidalia varieties add extra crunch and a mild, sweet flavor that complements the cheese well.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, try mixing Parmesan or spicy cheeses to add unique flavors. Cheddar and mozzarella provide a gooey, melty base.
- → How do I ensure the chips stay crispy?
Dry the onion rings thoroughly before air-frying and avoid overcrowding the basket for even crisping.
- → Is air frying necessary for crispiness?
Air frying creates a crunchy texture without excess oil, though baking may work if done at high heat and watched closely.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and re-crisped in the air fryer for a few minutes.