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If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen them: golden, crispy, cheese-covered onion rings that look almost too good to be true. The viral Crispy Onion Chips have taken the internet by storm, racking up millions of views and inspiring countless home cooks to try their hand at this ridiculously simple recipe. And here’s the best part: they actually live up to the hype.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen them: golden, crispy, cheese-covered onion rings that look almost too good to be true. The viral crispy onion chips have taken the internet by storm, racking up millions of views and inspiring countless home cooks to try their hand at this ridiculously simple recipe. And here’s the best part: they actually live up to the hype.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With just two main ingredients—onions and cheese—you can create a snack that rivals anything you’d find at a restaurant or gourmet food shop. The sweet, caramelized onion pairs beautifully with the salty, crispy cheese to create an addictive treat that’s perfect for game day, movie night, or whenever you need a quick snack fix. These crispy onion chips are a great option to satisfy your cravings.
But the appeal goes beyond just taste. These crispy onion chips are naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making them a guilt-free alternative to traditional potato chips or deep-fried onion rings. They’re made in an air fryer or oven, so there’s no messy deep-frying involved. And because they’re so easy to make, you can whip up a batch of crispy onion chips in less than 20 minutes whenever the craving strikes.
Whether you’re following a specific diet, looking for a healthier snack option, or simply want to try the latest viral food trend, this recipe for crispy onion chips is an absolute must-try. Let me show you exactly how to make these irresistible crispy onion chips at home.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With just two main ingredients—onions and cheese—you can create a snack that rivals anything you’d find at a restaurant or gourmet food shop. The sweet, caramelized onion pairs beautifully with the salty, crispy cheese to create an addictive treat that’s perfect for game day, movie night, or whenever you need a quick snack fix.
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional onion rings that require a complicated batter, multiple steps, and a vat of hot oil, these crispy onion chips use just cheese and onions. When baked or air-fried, the cheese melts around the onion ring, creating a crispy, lacy edge that’s reminiscent of a cheese crisp or frico. The onion softens and caramelizes slightly, becoming sweet and tender while the cheese provides a satisfying crunch.
The texture is what really sets these crispy onion chips apart. The cheese forms an ultra-thin, crispy shell that shatters when you bite into it, giving way to the soft, sweet onion inside. It’s a textural contrast that keeps you reaching for more. And because the cheese gets so crispy, these chips can actually hold their shape and be picked up like traditional chips—perfect for dipping or snacking straight from the plate.
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Viral TikTok Crispy Onion Chips: The 2-Ingredient, Low-Carb Snack Everyone’s Obsessed With
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This viral TikTok recipe is more than just a passing trend—it’s a genuinely delicious, easy-to-make snack that deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation. The combination of sweet, tender onion and crispy, salty cheese is irresistible. Best of all, it’s low-carb, gluten-free, and takes less than 20 minutes to make. Whether you need a healthy alternative to potato chips, a quick appetizer, or just want to try the latest viral snack, these Crispy Onion Chips will win you over in one bite!
Ingredients
1 large yellow onion, sliced into thin rings
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for stronger flavor)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispiness)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer or Oven
Air fryer: set to 375°F (190°C).
Oven: preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Onion Rings
Peel and slice your onion into thin rings.
Separate the layers into individual rings.
Assemble the Chips
On a parchment-lined tray or air fryer basket, place small piles of shredded cheese (about 1 tbsp each).
Top each cheese pile with an onion ring and sprinkle a bit more cheese on top.
Add seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook Until Golden and Crispy
Air fry for 8–10 minutes or bake for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown.
Cool & Serve
Let the chips cool for 2–3 minutes—they’ll crisp up as they rest.
Enjoy warm or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
For extra crunch, mix mozzarella with Parmesan.
Avoid overlapping chips—they need space to crisp evenly.
These are amazing dipped in ranch or spicy mayo!
Works with red or white onions, but yellow gives the best flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 chips
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: crispy onion chips, air fryer onion chips, keto snack
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Onion Chips
Incredibly Easy: If you can slice an onion and sprinkle cheese, you can make these crispy onion chips. There’s no complicated technique, no special equipment (beyond an air fryer or oven), and no long list of ingredients to track down.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 20 minutes of active time. That makes these crispy onion chips perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you need a snack in a hurry.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With only onions and cheese as the main ingredients, these crispy onion chips are naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat—ideal for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Amazingly Delicious: The combination of sweet, caramelized onion and salty, crispy cheese is genuinely addictive. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making batch after batch of crispy onion chips.
Versatile: These crispy onion chips work as an appetizer, a snack, a salad topper, or even a garnish for soups and casseroles.
But the appeal goes beyond just taste. These Crispy Onion Chips are naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making them a guilt-free alternative to traditional potato chips or deep-fried onion rings. They’re made in an air fryer or oven, so there’s no messy deep-frying involved. And because they’re so easy to make, you can whip up a batch in less than 20 minutes whenever the craving strikes.
While this recipe only has two main ingredients, choosing the right ones makes all the difference for making crispy onion chips.
Onions: You can use yellow, white, or sweet onions for this recipe. Sweet onions (like Vidalia or Walla Walla) will give you the mildest, sweetest flavor and are my personal favorite for crispy onion chips. Yellow onions offer a nice balance of sweet and sharp, while white onions have a bit more bite. Red onions can also work, though they tend to be a bit stronger in flavor. The key is to slice them evenly—about ¼ inch thick—so they cook uniformly, ensuring the best crispy onion chips.
Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the gold standard for these crispy onion chips. The key word here is “freshly grated.” Pre-shredded Parmesan from a bag often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch, which prevent the cheese from melting and crisping up properly. When you grate your own Parmesan, you get pure cheese that melts beautifully and forms those crispy, lacy edges we’re after. That said, you can experiment with other hard, aged cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend of Parmesan and sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile in your crispy onion chips.
Whether you’re following a specific diet, looking for a healthier snack option, or simply want to try the latest viral food trend, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Let me show you exactly how to make these irresistible Crispy Onion Chips at home.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional onion rings that require a complicated batter, multiple steps, and a vat of hot oil, these onion chips use just cheese and onions. When baked or air-fried, the cheese melts around the onion ring, creating a crispy, lacy edge that’s reminiscent of a cheese crisp or frico. The onion softens and caramelizes slightly, becoming sweet and tender while the cheese provides a satisfying crunch.
The texture is what really sets these apart. The cheese forms an ultra-thin, crispy shell that shatters when you bite into it, giving way to the soft, sweet onion inside. It’s a textural contrast that keeps you reaching for more. And because the cheese gets so crispy, these chips can actually hold their shape and be picked up like traditional chips—perfect for dipping or snacking straight from the plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly Easy: If you can slice an onion and sprinkle cheese, you can make this recipe. There’s no complicated technique, no special equipment (beyond an air fryer or oven), and no long list of ingredients to track down.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 20 minutes of active time. That makes these perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you need a snack in a hurry.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With only onions and cheese as the main ingredients, these chips are naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat—ideal for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Amazingly Delicious: The combination of sweet, caramelized onion and salty, crispy cheese is genuinely addictive. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making batch after batch.
Versatile: These onion chips work as an appetizer, a snack, a salad topper, or even a garnish for soups and casseroles.
Choosing Your Ingredients
While this recipe only has two main ingredients, choosing the right ones makes all the difference.
Onions: You can use yellow, white, or sweet onions for this recipe. Sweet onions (like Vidalia or Walla Walla) will give you the mildest, sweetest flavor and are my personal favorite. Yellow onions offer a nice balance of sweet and sharp, while white onions have a bit more bite. Red onions can also work, though they tend to be a bit stronger in flavor. The key is to slice them evenly—about ¼ inch thick—so they cook uniformly.
Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the gold standard for this recipe. The key word here is “freshly grated.” Pre-shredded Parmesan from a bag often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch, which prevent the cheese from melting and crisping up properly. When you grate your own Parmesan, you get pure cheese that melts beautifully and forms those crispy, lacy edges we’re after. That said, you can experiment with other hard, aged cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend of Parmesan and sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Crispy Onion Chips
While these crispy onion chips are fantastic on their own, here are some creative ways to serve them:
As a Dip Companion: Serve crispy onion chips with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a creamy blue cheese dip.
Salad Topper: Break crispy onion chips into pieces and use them as a crunchy, flavorful salad topping. They’re especially good on Caesar salads or wedge salads.
Soup Garnish: Float a few crispy onion chips on top of French onion soup, tomato soup, or creamy potato soup for added texture and flavor.
Burger Topping: Use crispy onion chips in place of traditional onion rings on burgers for a low-carb alternative.
Charcuterie Board Addition: Add crispy onion chips to a cheese and charcuterie board for a unique, homemade touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Crispy Onion Chips
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: As mentioned, the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese prevent proper melting and crisping in crispy onion chips.
Slicing Onions Too Thick: If your onion slices are too thick, they won’t cook through before the cheese burns. Aim for ¼ inch thickness for perfect crispy onion chips.
Removing Them Too Soon: The crispy onion chips need time to cool and crisp up. Be patient!
Not Using Parchment Paper: Without parchment, the cheese will stick to your pan or air fryer basket, making cleanup a nightmare and potentially ruining your crispy onion chips.
Storage and Reheating for Crispy Onion Chips
Storage: Store leftover crispy onion chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will lose some crispness over time, but they’re still delicious.
Reheating: To restore crispness, place the crispy onion chips back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes, or in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Freezing: These crispy onion chips don’t freeze particularly well, as the texture changes significantly when thawed. It’s best to make them fresh.
Ingredients
The Verdict on Crispy Onion Chips
This viral TikTok recipe for crispy onion chips is more than just a passing trend—it’s a genuinely delicious, easy-to-make snack that deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation. The combination of sweet, tender onion and crispy, salty cheese is irresistible, and the fact that it’s low-carb and takes less than 20 minutes to make is just the icing on the cake (or should I say, the cheese on the onion?).
Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to potato chips, need a quick appetizer for unexpected guests, or simply want to try the latest food trend, these crispy onion chips are sure to impress. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite snack. Be sure to share your creations on social media and tag us—we love seeing your culinary adventures with crispy onion chips!
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, about 3-4 crispy onion chips):
•Calories: 120
•Protein: 8g
•Fat: 7g
•Carbohydrates: 6g
•1 large Yellow or Sweet Onion
•Fiber: 1g
Happy snacking with your crispy onion chips!
•1 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (about 3-4 ounces)
•Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, Italian seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning
Equipment You’ll Need
•Air fryer or conventional oven
•Parchment paper
•Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
•Box grater or food processor (for grating cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Air Fryer Method
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the cheese crisp up properly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Onion Peel the onion and slice it into rings about ¼ inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is a great time to use it—it will give you perfectly uniform slices. Separate the rings and set aside. You can save the smaller inner rings for another use, as they tend to be too small to work well for this recipe.
Step 3: Line Your Air Fryer Basket Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If your parchment paper is the perforated kind designed for air fryers, even better!
Delicious Serving Suggestions
While these Crispy Onion Chips are fantastic on their own, here are some creative ways to serve them:
As a Dip Companion: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a creamy blue cheese dip.
Salad Topper: Break them into pieces and use them as a crunchy, flavorful salad topping. They’re especially good on Caesar salads or wedge salads.
Soup Garnish: Float a few on top of French onion soup, tomato soup, or creamy potato soup for added texture and flavor.
Burger Topping: Use them in place of traditional onion rings on burgers for a low-carb alternative.
Charcuterie Board Addition: Add them to a cheese and charcuterie board for a unique, homemade touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: As mentioned, the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese prevent proper melting and crisping.
Slicing Onions Too Thick: If your onion slices are too thick, they won’t cook through before the cheese burns. Aim for ¼ inch thickness.
Removing Them Too Soon: The chips need time to cool and crisp up. Be patient!
Not Using Parchment Paper: Without parchment, the cheese will stick to your pan or air fryer basket, making cleanup a nightmare and potentially ruining your chips.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftover onion chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will lose some crispness over time, but they’re still delicious.
Reheating: To restore crispness, place the chips back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes, or in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Freezing: These don’t freeze particularly well, as the texture changes significantly when thawed. It’s best to make them fresh.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes! Yellow, white, sweet, or even red onions will all work. Sweet onions tend to have the mildest, most pleasant flavor, but it’s really a matter of personal preference.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! The oven method works just as well. The chips may take a few minutes longer to cook, but the results are equally delicious.
Are these really keto-friendly?
Yes! One medium onion has about 10 grams of net carbs, and Parmesan cheese has less than 1 gram per ounce. Depending on how many chips you make, each chip will have approximately 1-2 grams of net carbs.
Can I make these ahead of time?
While they’re best fresh, you can make them a few hours ahead and store them at room temperature. Reheat briefly in the air fryer before serving to restore crispness.
Why did my cheese burn?
This usually happens if the temperature is too high or if you left them in too long. Every air fryer and oven is different, so you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time. Start checking early and watch them closely.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Try sprinkling on some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives after they come out of the air fryer. You could also add a drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to slice onions uniformly?
A mandoline slicer is your best bet for perfectly uniform slices. If you don’t have one, use a sharp chef’s knife and take your time. Uniform slices ensure even cooking.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these crispy onion chips, you’ll love these other easy recipes:
- Easy Air Fryer Chicken and Gravy – Another amazing air fryer recipe that’s perfect for dinner!
- Homemade Cheese Crackers – If you love crispy snacks, these cheese crackers are a must-try!
- Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts – Sweet air fryer treats for fall!
Additional Resources and Nutritional Information
Additional Resources and Nutritional Information
For more information about the nutritional benefits of the ingredients in this recipe, the USDA FoodData Central provides comprehensive data on onions, showing they’re an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Similarly, Parmesan cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and essential amino acids. If you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers evidence-based guidance on healthy eating patterns. For general dietary recommendations and portion guidance, visit Dietary Guidelines for Americans. When preparing food at home, always follow FDA food safety guidelines to ensure proper handling and storage.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, about 3-4 chips ):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Happy snacking!