Crispy Onion Cheese Chips

I discovered these chips by accident one late night when I was craving something crunchy but wanted to avoid regular potato chips. The air fryer had been sitting on my counter neglected for weeks, and I happened to have a bag of shredded cheese leftover from taco Tuesday. The first batch came out so incredibly crispy and savory that I ate the entire tray standing by the kitchen counter.

Last Super Bowl Sunday, I made these as an appetizer expecting them to be a small side dish. Within ten minutes of setting them out, my friends had crowded around the coffee table, actually debating who got the last crispy chip. Now theyre the first thing anyone asks about when I mention Im hosting anything.

Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled: Yellow onions give you the perfect balance of sweetness and bite once they caramelize, and they hold their shape better than red onions during the air frying process
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese: The sharpness of cheddar cuts through the natural sweetness of the onions, while its meltability helps create those lacy crispy edges that make these chips so addictive
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides that gooey, stretchy base that holds everything together and creates the most satisfying crunch when it cools down
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder distributes evenly and gives you that savory depth without the risk of burnt fresh garlic pieces
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness that makes these taste like theyve been cooked over a campfire, plus it gives the chips this gorgeous golden color
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A little heat balances the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the onions
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overwhelming your palate
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: These add a fresh, mild onion finish and a pop of color that makes the chips look like they came from a restaurant kitchen

Instructions

Slice onions paper thin:

A mandoline slicer is your best friend here for getting those consistently thin slices, but if youre using a knife, take your time and aim for about 1/8 inch thickness then separate them into rings

Remove excess moisture:

Pat those onion slices dry with paper towels, pressing gently but thoroughly because the drier they start, the crispier theyll end up

Season the onion slices:

In a mixing bowl, toss the dried onion slices with garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt until every piece is lightly coated

Prepare the air fryer:

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner, making sure it fits properly and wont block the air circulation

Create the cheese piles:

Arrange small piles of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on the liner, leaving about 2 inches between each pile because they will spread as they melt

Top with seasoned onions:

Place a few onion slices on each cheese pile, pressing down gently so they stick and dont fly around when the air fryer starts circulating

Add extra cheese:

Sprinkle any remaining seasoning mix and leftover cheese over the onions for those extra crispy, cheesy bits that everyone fights over

Air fry to perfection:

Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 12 minutes, checking at the 8 minute mark because the line between perfectly golden and burnt is surprisingly thin

Let them cool and crisp:

Wait 2 to 3 minutes before touching them because they need this time to transform from slightly floppy to shatteringly crispy

Finish and serve:

Use a thin spatula to carefully lift each chip from the liner, garnish with fresh chives, and get them to the table immediately while theyre still warm

Save

My mom has started requesting these for every family gathering instead of her usual onion dip. Watching her take tentative first bite, then immediately reach for three more chips, convinced me that these arent just a low carb substitute but genuinely delicious on their own merits.

Making Them Your Own

Red onions will give you a milder, sweeter chip that pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar. If you want to experiment with cheeses, try adding some Parmesan to the mix for an extra salty crunch, or swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick thatll wake up your taste buds.

Serving Ideas

These chips work as a standalone snack but theyre also fantastic alongside a creamy dip. I love serving them with a cool sour cream and herb dip, or even just plain Greek yogurt with some dill mixed in to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Storage and Reheating

If you somehow have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To bring back their original crunch, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Make a double batch because they disappear faster than you expect
• Try different spice blends like taco seasoning or everything bagel seasoning
• Use them as a crunchy topping for salads or baked potatoes

Save

Theres something so satisfying about making something so delicious from such humble ingredients. These crispy onion cheese chips have become my go to for everything from late night snacks to impressing dinner guests.

Cooking Questions

→ What type of onions work best for these chips?

Yellow onions provide a balanced flavor, but red onions can be used for a sweeter, milder taste.

→ Can I use different cheeses for these chips?

Yes, cheeses like Parmesan or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella can add different textures and flavors.

→ How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Slice onions thinly, pat dry to remove moisture, and air-fry until golden brown for the best crunch.

→ Is an air fryer necessary for this snack?

An air fryer is ideal for even crisping without excess oil, but a well-ventilated oven could be used as an alternative.

→ What seasonings complement the onion and cheese flavor?

Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper enhance the savory profile perfectly.