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Crispy Cheesy Onion Ring Chips Recipe

4.6 from 600 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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