Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Printable)

Golden, crunchy onion and cheese bites, air-fried to a savory, low-carb snack or appetizer.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced

→ 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Slice the onions very thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife and separate into individual rings.
02 - Pat the onion slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a mixing bowl, toss the onion slices with garlic powder, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and salt.
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 - Top each cheese pile with a few seasoned onion slices, pressing gently to adhere.
07 - Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheese over the onions for added crunch.
08 - Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 12 minutes, until cheese is golden and crispy and onions are browned.
09 - Allow chips to cool in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp further, then carefully remove using a spatula.
10 - Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 25 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected cravings or when guests pop over.
  • Low-carb and gluten-free without tasting like health food—just pure, cheesy, crispy indulgence.
  • The air fryer does the heavy lifting so you're not standing over a hot stove.
  • One batch easily satisfies four people or becomes your personal snack stash for the week.
02 -
  • Moisture is everything—I once skipped the paper towel step thinking it was overkill, and ended up with chewy, soft chips instead of the crispy treasure I was expecting.
  • Spacing matters tremendously because crowded chips steam instead of crisp; give them room to breathe and they'll reward you with perfect golden edges.
  • Don't walk away during cooking; air fryers can brown things faster than you'd expect, and the difference between crispy and burnt is often just 30 seconds.
03 -
  • Invest in good parchment paper or reusable silicone liners for your air fryer—they're worth every penny and make cleanup effortless.
  • Keep your cheese shredded fresh from the block when possible; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect browning and texture.
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