Crispy Cheesy Onion Ring Chips Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Cheesy Onion Ring Chips are a delightful snack that combines the sweetness of onions with gooey melted cheese and a hint of spice. Perfect as an appetizer or a fun side, these chips bring a satisfying crunch and bold flavor to any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet onions (e.g., Vidalia or yellow), sliced into ¼-inch rings
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons cooked bacon bits
• 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or air fryer tray with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Slice the onions into ¼-inch thick rounds and carefully separate the layers into individual rings.
3. Step 3: Lay the onion rings flat on the prepared tray. Fill the center of each ring with shredded cheese, keeping the cheese within the ring to avoid overflow.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the rings. Add panko breadcrumbs, bacon bits, or jalapeño slices if using.
5. Step 5: Bake for 12–15 minutes or air fry for 8–10 minutes, checking around 7 minutes to prevent burning, until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are crispy.
6. Step 6: Let the chips rest for 2–3 minutes before removing from the tray. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon bits and add extra jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for more flavor.
• Try different cheese blends like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch but skip them if you prefer a softer texture.
• Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or salsa for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover onion ring chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chips soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular onions instead of sweet onions?

Yes, you can use regular yellow or white onions, but sweet onions provide a milder, sweeter flavor that balances well with the cheese and spices.

Can I make these chips gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether, and ensure any added bacon bits or seasonings are gluten-free.

Crispy Cheesy Onion Ring Chips Recipe

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This Crispy Cheesy Onion Ring Chips recipe features sweet onion rings topped with melted cheddar cheese, seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper, and optionally enhanced with panko breadcrumbs, bacon bits, and jalapeños. Baked or air fried to golden crispiness, these savory snacks are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a flavorful appetizer.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onion Rings

• 2 large sweet onions (e.g., Vidalia or yellow), sliced into ¼-inch rings

Toppings & Seasonings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons cooked bacon bits
• 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or air fryer tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
2. Slice Onions: Cut the sweet onions into ¼-inch thick rounds. Carefully separate the layers into individual rings, making sure not to break them for easy assembly.
3. Assemble Chips: Lay the onion rings flat on the prepared tray. Fill the center of each ring with shredded cheese, keeping the cheese contained within the ring to prevent overflow during cooking.
4. Season: Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the rings. If desired, add panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, cooked bacon bits for savory flavor, and thin slices of jalapeño for heat.
5. Bake or Air Fry: For baking, place the tray in the oven and cook for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the onion rings are crispy. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking around the 7-minute mark to prevent burning.
6. Cool & Serve: Let the onion ring chips rest for 2–3 minutes to allow them to firm up slightly. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Notes

• Using sweet onions like Vidalia enhances the natural sweetness and balances the spices.
• The panko breadcrumbs are optional but add a nice extra crunch.
• Adjust jalapeño slices and hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
• Keep an eye on the air fryer cooking time to avoid burning, as different models vary in intensity.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: cheesy onion rings, crispy onion chips, baked onion rings, appetizer, snack, comfort food