2-Ingredient Onion Ring Chips: Low-Carb, Crispy, and Easy to Make!

These low carb onion ring chips deliver that addictive savory crunch you crave without the carbohydrate consequences of traditional battered versions. The magic happens when thinly sliced onions meet parmesan cheese in the oven, creating crispy, golden rings with intense flavor concentration. This clever snack transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary through the caramelization process that enhances the natural sweetness of onions while developing irresistible crispy edges. Perfect for anyone following keto or low carb lifestyles, these chips satisfy munchies without derailing dietary goals.

Snack Benefits

• Incredibly simple preparation with just two main ingredients from your kitchen
• Satisfies crispy snack cravings without flour, breadcrumbs or excess carbohydrates
• Creates authentic onion ring flavor through natural caramelization process
• Customizable with various seasonings to match your flavor preferences
• Ready in under twenty minutes from start to finish

I stumbled upon this recipe during a late night kitchen experiment when desperately craving something crunchy while maintaining my low carb commitments. What began as skeptical tinkering resulted in such delicious outcomes that these onion chips now appear regularly at family gatherings. My brother who normally avoids anything remotely “diet” actually requested the recipe after demolishing an entire batch while watching football last weekend.

Simple Components

• Sweet onions provide the essential foundation with natural sugars that caramelize beautifully when baked
• Parmesan cheese creates the crispy structure while adding rich umami depth to each bite
• Olive oil helps conduct heat evenly while promoting proper browning across the surface
• Garlic powder introduces aromatic complexity that enhances the savory profile
• Paprika contributes subtle smoky notes and appetizing color to finished chips
• Salt balances and brightens the overall flavor composition of this simple snack

Creation Process

Prepare The Base Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper cheese melting and onion caramelization. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper which prevents sticking while facilitating easy removal after baking. The parchment also helps distribute heat evenly for consistent results across the entire batch. Position oven rack in middle position to avoid excessive bottom browning that might occur if placed too low.

Slice The Onions Select medium to large sweet onions with firm exteriors and minimal soft spots. Using a sharp mandoline slicer set to quarter inch thickness, carefully create uniform rings that will cook at the same rate. Uniform thickness remains crucial for consistent texture throughout your batch. Separate larger rings into individual circles and set aside smaller inner rings for another use or include them for variety in your finished snack. Maintain consistent thickness across all slices to ensure even cooking times.

Create Cheese Base Spread approximately two tablespoons finely shredded parmesan cheese into thin circles slightly larger than your onion rings on the parchment paper. Space these cheese circles at least one inch apart to allow proper air circulation during baking. For flavor variation, experiment with cheese combinations such as mixing parmesan with mozzarella which contributes additional stretchy texture. The cheese forms both the foundation and coating for your onion rings, creating the necessary structure for crispy results.

Assemble For Baking Place individual onion rings centered on each cheese circle, gently pressing to ensure good contact between onion and cheese. Lightly brush or spray the exposed onion surfaces with olive oil which promotes browning and prevents drying. Season each assembled ring with pinches of salt, garlic powder, and paprika according to taste preferences. This direct seasoning application ensures flavors adhere properly during the baking process rather than falling off finished chips.

Bake To Perfection Place the prepared baking sheet in preheated oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes, watching carefully as cooking time approaches completion. The chips should develop golden brown edges with slight caramelization visible on the onion surface. Perfect chips show light browning across the cheese with no burning while onions maintain some translucency rather than becoming completely dehydrated. Allow finished chips to cool on the baking sheet for approximately three minutes which completes the crisping process before serving.

You Must Know

• Mandoline slicers create the most consistent thickness for even cooking results
• Parchment paper prevents sticking and produces better browning than foil
• Sweet onion varieties like Vidalia develop superior flavor when caramelized
• Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre packaged varieties
• Allowing proper cooling time significantly improves final texture

My first attempt at these chips taught me the importance of proper cheese distribution. I initially piled the cheese too thickly in the center which prevented even melting while leaving edges prone to burning. Now I carefully spread cheese in thin even layers using the back of a measuring spoon, creating consistent thickness that produces perfectly crisp chips with every batch. This simple technique adjustment transformed inconsistent results into reliable snack perfection.

Flavor Variations

Transform these basic onion ring chips with creative seasoning combinations that complement the natural sweetness of caramelized onions. For Mediterranean inspiration, incorporate dried oregano and crumbled feta alongside the parmesan base. Spice enthusiasts might add cayenne pepper or chili powder to create gentle heat throughout each bite. Create ranch flavored versions using dried dill, onion powder, and garlic with a sprinkle of buttermilk powder incorporated into the cheese mixture. For unexpected sweet and savory combinations, try a light dusting of cinnamon and black pepper which enhances the natural sweetness of well caramelized onions.

Texture Perfection

Achieving ideal crispness depends on several key factors beyond the basic recipe instructions. First, thoroughly blot sliced onions with paper towels before assembly to remove excess moisture that might prevent proper crisping. Second, consider onion thickness carefully as thinner slices create more chip like results while slightly thicker cuts retain more onion flavor and juiciness. Finally, watch carefully during the final minutes of baking as the transition from perfectly crisp to overly browned happens quickly. The finished texture should provide satisfying crunch without becoming brittle or burnt, maintaining some onion chewiness at the center.

Pairing Possibilities

These versatile onion ring chips complement various dipping options beyond the standard suggestions. Create an elevated experience with creamy blue cheese dip featuring crumbled Gorgonzola and sour cream with fresh chives. For international flair, serve alongside muhammara, a Middle Eastern red pepper and walnut spread that provides sweet spicy contrast to the savory chips. Even simple accompaniments like lemon aioli made with fresh garlic and zest transform the snacking experience. Consider these onion chips as sophisticated appetizer options alongside charcuterie boards where their crisp texture complements cured meats and olives beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Present these crispy delights in ways that maximize their textural appeal and prevent sogginess. Arrange finished chips in single layers rather than piling which maintains their individual crispness while showcasing the attractive golden edges. For entertaining, consider serving them standing upright in small glasses or cups with dipping sauce in the bottom, creating interactive individual portions. When incorporating into meal planning, these onion chips make excellent low carb alternatives to croutons on salads or as garnish for creamy soups where they provide textural contrast while dissolving slightly into the broth for flavor enhancement.

Freshness Strategy

While these chips deliver peak texture immediately after cooling, proper storage techniques help maintain quality for limited periods. For best results, store completely cooled chips in paper towel lined containers rather than airtight plastic which traps moisture and accelerates softening. Refrigeration preserves flavor but compromises texture, making reheating essential before serving leftover chips. To revive refrigerated chips, place on baking sheet at 325 degrees for approximately five minutes which restores much of their original crispness without further browning. Consider preparing smaller batches more frequently rather than large quantities for storage, as fresh preparation requires minimal effort while delivering superior results.

Chef Helpful Tips

• Allow cheese to cool slightly before removing from parchment to prevent tearing
• Create consistent sizing by using round cookie cutters as templates for cheese circles
• For party preparations, slice onions and prepare cheese bases in advance, assembling just before baking
• Experiment with different onion varieties including red onions for color variation

These simple two ingredient onion ring chips have become my reliable solution for spontaneous entertaining and personal snacking moments alike. What amazes me most is watching skeptical first time tasters transform into enthusiastic converts with just one crispy bite. The way these chips concentrate onion flavor through caramelization while delivering satisfying crunch creates an experience that outshines many commercial snack options despite their incredibly simple ingredient list. Sometimes kitchen magic happens not through complexity but through finding perfect harmony in simplicity.