Crispy Cheesy Onion Chips (Printable Format)

Golden onion chips layered with melty cheese and seasonings, baked or air-fried for irresistible crunch.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Onion Rings

01 - 2 large sweet onions, such as Vidalia or yellow, sliced into 1/4-inch rings

→ Cheese Filling

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend

→ Seasonings

03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Crunch Topping

07 - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, optional

→ Optional Additions

08 - 2 tablespoons cooked bacon bits
09 - 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
10 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F or air fryer to 375°F. Line a baking sheet or air fryer basket with parchment paper.
02 - Cut sweet onions into 1/4-inch thick rounds and gently separate into individual rings.
03 - Place onion rings flat on the prepared tray, ensuring each ring is separated.
04 - Evenly distribute shredded cheese inside each onion ring, keeping the cheese within the perimeter.
05 - Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the rings. Top with panko breadcrumbs, bacon bits, sliced jalapeño, or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
06 - Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden and crisp, or air fry for 8–10 minutes, checking at 7 minutes to prevent burning.
07 - Let onion ring chips cool on the tray for 2–3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For best results, use sweet onions to balance the sharpness of the cheese. Allow chips to cool briefly to maintain their structure.