Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Print Version)

Golden, crunchy bites combining thin onion rings and melted cheese, air-fried to crispy perfection.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium yellow onions, peeled

→ Cheese

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 g)

→ 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

# Steps:

01 - Slice the onions very thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife, separating into rings.
02 - Pat the onion rings dry with paper towels to remove 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 to prevent sticking.
05 - Place small piles of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese onto the liner, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
06 - Place a few onion slices over each cheese pile, pressing gently to ensure they adhere.
07 - Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheese over the onion-topped piles for added crunch.
08 - Cook at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes until the cheese is golden and crispy and the onions are browned.
09 - Allow the chips to cool in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp further before removing with a spatula.
10 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives if desired and serve immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 25 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
  • You get that satisfying crunch and gooey cheese moment in every single bite without feeling guilty.
  • They taste fancy enough to serve at a party but easy enough that you'll make them on a random weeknight.
02 -
  • Don't skip the drying step—I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out limp. Wet onions steam instead of crisp, and nobody wants steamed chips.
  • Every air fryer runs hot differently, so watch that first batch like a hawk. Some machines need only 8 minutes while others need the full 12, and the difference between perfect and burnt happens in about 60 seconds.
03 -
  • Invest in a good mandoline slicer—uniform thin slices are what separate crispy chips from uneven disasters, and it's the difference between a 5-minute prep and a 15-minute one.
  • Don't open the air fryer door too often while cooking. Every peek lets heat escape and extends your cooking time by minutes, so trust the process and check only once or twice.
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