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Crunchy Onion Ring Chips Recipe

4.5 from 150 reviews

Deliciously crispy and crunchy homemade onion ring chips coated with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These chips can be baked or air fried for a healthier twist on classic fried onion rings, perfect as a snack or appetizer served with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 8 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Onions

  • 3 medium yellow onions

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dredging Stations

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (for flour mix)
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (for flour mix)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for flour mix)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (for panko mix)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (for panko mix)
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (for panko mix)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Onions: Peel and slice 3 medium-sized yellow onions into rings about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Separate the rings carefully. For a milder onion flavor, soak the rings in ice water for 15-30 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  2. Set Up Dredging Stations: Prepare three shallow dishes: first, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) in one bowl. In the second bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 0.5 cup milk for the egg wash. In the third bowl, combine 3 cups panko breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper for the seasoned crumb coating.
  3. Coat Onion Rings: Working in batches, dredge the onion rings first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip them in the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the rings firmly into the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture to form a thick and even coating. Place the coated rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly into an air fryer basket without overcrowding to ensure crispiness.
  4. Bake for Chip Crunch (Method 1): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly mist the coated onion rings with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to promote browning. Bake the onion chips for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Monitor closely as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
  5. Air Fry for Super Quick Crispy Chips (Method 2): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Arrange the coated onion rings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush with cooking oil. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the rings halfway through, until the chips are beautifully golden and crispy. Cooking times and crispness depend on the air fryer model and ring thickness.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the onion ring chips to a wire rack to cool slightly, which helps maintain maximum crispness. While still warm, sprinkle them with extra sea salt to taste. Serve immediately alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, spicy mayo, ranch dressing, or homemade aioli for an irresistible snack experience.

Notes

  • Soaking onion rings in ice water helps reduce their sharpness and results in a milder flavor.
  • Ensure onion rings are thoroughly dried before coating to help the breading stick better and achieve maximum crispness.
  • Do not overcrowd baking sheet or air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping of onion rings.
  • Cooking times may vary based on oven or air fryer models; adjust accordingly to prevent burning or undercooking.
  • Using avocado or olive oil provides a healthier fat option and enhances crispiness.
  • Cayenne pepper in the flour mix is optional and adds a spicy kick if desired.
  • Serving with dipping sauces enhances flavor and adds variety.

Keywords: Onion rings, crispy onion chips, air fryer onion rings, baked onion rings, crunchy snack, Parmesan onion chips