Mediterranean Onion Rings Chips
These Mediterranean onion rings chips are a lighter, crispier take on the classic snack. Instead of a heavy batter, the onions get coated in a simple mixture of olive oil, herbs, spices and a light crumb that bakes into a thin, crunchy shell. The flavor is a mix of oregano, paprika, garlic and salt, with just enough olive oil to help everything stick and crisp. The result tastes like a cross between onion rings and chips — airy, savory and easy to eat. They work as a quick appetizer, a snack for movie night or a topping for salads and sandwiches. They cook fast, use pantry ingredients and feel much lighter than deep-fried versions. You can bake them, air fry them or pan-toast them depending on what you prefer. Once you start making them, you’ll probably end up doing it often because they hit that perfect balance of crunchy, salty and herby.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15–18 minutes
Total: 25–28 minutes
Ingredients
2 large onions, sliced into rings
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Peel the onions and slice them into rings about ¼ inch thick. Separate the rings.
Add the olive oil to a bowl and toss the onion rings lightly.
In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper and chili flakes.
Coat each onion ring in the crumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
Place the coated rings on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
If air frying, cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Let the chips cool slightly to firm up.
Serve warm with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
Slice the onions evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Use sweet onions for a milder flavor or red onions for deeper color.
Dry the onion rings with a paper towel before coating to help the crumbs stick.
If the crumb mixture isn’t sticking well, toss the rings in a teaspoon of flour before coating.
Spread the rings out on the tray. Overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp.
If baking, place the tray on the top rack for the crispiest result.
To keep the crumbs from burning, check near the end of cook time.
For extra crunch, spray the rings lightly with cooking oil before baking.
Let them cool for a few minutes; they crisp as they rest.
Add lemon only at serving time so they don’t soften.
Variations
Herb-Heavy: Add thyme, rosemary or basil for a more Mediterranean profile.
Cheesy Crust: Add extra Parmesan or use Pecorino for sharper flavor.
Spicy Version: Use spicy paprika, chili flakes or a bit of cayenne.
Lemon Zest Mix: Add lemon zest to the crumbs for a bright twist.
Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes.
Vegan: Skip Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a savory flavor.
Tahini Dip: Serve with a simple tahini-lemon sauce to make it more Mediterranean.
Yogurt Herb Dip: Mix Greek yogurt with garlic, dill and parsley as a light dipping sauce.
Smoky Rings: Add smoked paprika for a deeper, barbecue-like flavor.
Crunchier Coating: Double-coat the rings by dipping them back into oil and crumbs.
Q&A
Can I use panko instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes. Panko makes them even lighter and crispier.
Do these taste like fried onion rings?
They’re lighter but still crunchy with good flavor.
Can I make them in advance?
They’re best fresh, but you can re-crisp them in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze raw coated rings and bake straight from frozen.
Can I use an egg wash?
You can, but olive oil keeps them lighter and fits the Mediterranean style.
Can I skip the cheese?
Yes. They still crisp well without Parmesan.
Can I use shallots?
Yes, they create smaller, more delicate chips.
Why are mine not crisping?
They may be too thick or crowded. Increase heat slightly or air fry.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Stick to dried in the coating. Add fresh herbs only after baking.
Can I make them thicker like full onion rings?
Yes. Increase thickness and add 3–4 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
(Approx per serving, 4 servings)
Calories: ~170
Fat: ~8 g
Carbs: ~21 g
Protein: ~3 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sodium: ~220 mg
Conclusion
These Mediterranean onion rings chips are simple, crunchy and full of flavor. They take basic onions and turn them into a quick snack with a nice balance of oregano, paprika, garlic and olive oil. Baking or air frying keeps them light while the crumb coating gives that addictive crisp you want from onion rings. They’re easy to customize, pair well with all kinds of dips and work as both a standalone snack and a topping for bowls, wraps or salads. Because they’re easy to prepare and rely on ingredients most people have at home, they make a great last-minute appetizer or side. Once you try them, you’ll find plenty of reasons to make them again.