Save My neighbor stopped by one afternoon with a problem: she'd bought an air fryer but felt stuck making the same old frozen foods everyone else was. We stood in her kitchen talking about low-carb snacking when she grabbed two kinds of cheese from her fridge and wondered aloud if we could make them crispy. Within minutes, we were slicing onions paper-thin and experimenting with layering them over melted cheese. Those first golden, crackling chips that came out of that basket changed how we both thought about snacking—turns out the simplest combinations sometimes taste the best.
I brought a batch to a game night last month, expecting them to disappear between the usual snacks. Instead, everyone kept reaching for more, asking what was different about them. The way the onion's natural sweetness plays against salty, melted cheese feels like you've accidentally created something fancier than it actually is—which might be the best compliment a simple snack can get.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions (2 medium): Their mild sweetness balances the salty cheese without overpowering it; slice them as thin as you can manage, and don't skip the paper towel step or moisture will make them steam instead of crisp.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): The sharp, familiar flavor that holds everything together and gets gorgeously golden in the air fryer.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Adds stretch and creates pockets of melted texture; the combination with cheddar is what makes these actually crunchy.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Deepens the savory notes without any raw bite.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle warmth and color that makes these look intentional and delicious.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon) and salt (¼ teaspoon): Season everything you taste; adjust to your preference since different cheeses vary in saltiness.
- Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, optional): A quick brightness at the end if you want it, though honestly these are perfect without any garnish at all.
Instructions
- Slice your onions paper-thin:
- A mandoline makes this almost effortless, but a sharp knife works if you go slowly and carefully. Aim for thin enough that light passes through each slice—that's your target for maximum crispness.
- Dry them completely:
- Pat each handful with paper towels until they feel almost papery to the touch; any moisture left on them will turn into steam instead of crispy edges.
- Season the onions:
- Toss them in a bowl with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt, making sure the spices coat everything evenly so you don't get bland patches in your finished chips.
- Set up your air fryer:
- Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, then preheat to 375°F.
- Build your chip piles:
- Create small mounds of mixed cheddar and mozzarella, spacing them about two inches apart so heat can circulate around each one. Top each pile with a few onion slices, pressing gently so they nestle into the cheese.
- Add the final layer:
- Sprinkle any remaining cheese over the onions—this creates extra crispy edges and helps bind everything together as it melts.
- Air-fry until golden:
- Set the timer for 8 to 12 minutes at 375°F, checking around the 8-minute mark; you're looking for cheese that's bubbly and golden and onions that have turned brown at the edges.
- Cool briefly before serving:
- Let everything sit in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes—this resting time is when they firm up and become truly crispy. Use a thin spatula to lift them gently; they'll feel delicate at first but harden as they cool.
Save The first time I made these, I was skeptical that something so simple could actually work. Then I heard them crackling in the air fryer and tasted one fresh from the basket, still warm with melted cheese clinging to crispy onions, and realized I'd discovered something that would keep showing up in my kitchen for months to come.
Cheese Variations That Work
While cheddar and mozzarella are your foundation, experimenting with other cheeses opens up a whole world of flavors. Parmesan creates an extra-crunchy texture and sharper bite, aged gouda brings a subtle nuttiness, and even a handful of asiago mixed in adds sophistication. The trick is keeping the ratio roughly the same—too much soft cheese and they become oily, too much hard cheese and they won't bind to the onions. Trust your instinct and taste a sample chip before committing to a full batch.
Flavor Combinations Worth Trying
Once you've mastered the basic version, the seasoning possibilities grow endless. A pinch of cayenne pepper wakes everything up, Italian seasoning brings a garden freshness, and curry powder transforms them into something unexpected and crave-worthy. Some mornings I add everything-bagel seasoning for a salty-herby depth, and other times I skip the paprika and lean into truffle oil drizzled just before serving. Each version tastes intentional because you're building on a solid foundation.
Serving and Storage Ideas
These chips shine alongside tangy dips like sour cream, Greek yogurt mixed with fresh dill, or even a simple guacamole. They're best eaten within a few hours of making them while the contrast between crunchy and melted is at its peak. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refresh them in a hot skillet for just a minute or two to re-crisp the edges, though honestly they rarely make it that far in most households.
- Serve them warm and straight from the air fryer for the ultimate texture contrast.
- Pair with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and fresh herbs for a light, creamy dip.
- Make a double batch if you're feeding more than four people—they disappear faster than you'd expect.
Save There's something satisfying about turning two humble ingredients into something that tastes indulgent and special. Once you've made these once, you'll find yourself reaching for the air fryer again and again.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I get the onions thin enough for crispiness?
Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniformly thin onion rings, which crisp up evenly during cooking.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, experimenting with cheeses like Parmesan can add extra crunch and flavor complexity.
- → What is the best air fryer temperature for cooking?
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes to achieve golden, crispy results.
- → How should I prepare the onions before air frying?
After slicing, pat the onions dry with paper towels to remove moisture for better crisping.
- → Are there seasoning alternatives to add a spicy twist?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a nice spicy kick to the flavor profile.