Viral Onion Ring Chips
Viral onion ring chips took off for a simple reason. They deliver everything people love about onion rings, but in a thinner, crispier, more snackable form. Instead of thick battered rings, these are shaved thin, coated lightly, and baked or air fried until deeply golden and crunchy. The result is a chip-like bite with big onion flavor, crackly edges, and none of the heaviness of traditional frying. They are easy to make at home, surprisingly addictive, and perfect for sharing. Serve them as a snack, a party appetizer, or a crunchy side with burgers and sandwiches. Once you try them, it is easy to see why they went viral.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 large yellow onions
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Nonstick spray or parchment paper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
Peel the onions and slice them into very thin rings using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Separate the onion rings and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add olive oil to the dry mixture and toss until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Place onion rings into the coating mixture and toss gently until lightly coated.
Arrange the onion rings in a single layer on a lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
Spray lightly with nonstick spray for extra crispness.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow them to crisp fully.
Tips
Slice onions as thin as possible for true chip texture.
Pat onions dry to avoid steaming.
Do not overcrowd the pan or basket.
Parmesan adds flavor and helps crisping.
Use parchment to prevent sticking.
Flip halfway for even browning.
Let chips cool briefly for maximum crunch.
Adjust seasoning to taste before cooking.
Air fry in batches for best results.
Serve immediately for peak crispness.
Variations
Use red onions for a sweeter flavor.
Add cayenne pepper for heat.
Swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes.
Make them gluten-free with almond flour.
Add smoked paprika for depth.
Skip Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Toss with ranch seasoning after baking.
Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Add chili powder for a bold kick.
Serve with garlic yogurt or spicy mayo.
Q and A
Are these fried?
No, they are baked or air fried for a lighter result.
Why are mine not crispy?
They may be sliced too thick or overcrowded.
Can I make them ahead?
They are best fresh, but can be reheated briefly.
Do they taste like onion rings?
Yes, but lighter and crispier.
Can I use sweet onions?
Yes, they work very well.
Do I need breadcrumbs?
They help crunch but can be replaced.
Are they kid-friendly?
Yes, especially with mild seasoning.
Can I use an air fryer only?
Yes, it works perfectly for this recipe.
What dips go well?
Ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo.
Why did mine burn?
The oven may run hot or slices were too thin.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 210
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Conclusion
Viral onion ring chips are a perfect example of how a simple idea can turn into a standout snack. They are crunchy, flavorful, and far easier to make than traditional onion rings. Whether you bake them in the oven or crisp them up in the air fryer, they deliver big payoff with minimal effort. Serve them fresh, season them boldly, and enjoy a snack that lives up to the hype without feeling heavy or complicated.