You know those nights when you’re craving something crispy, salty, and utterly snackable but don’t want to fuss with a ton of ingredients? That’s exactly how I stumbled upon these magical air fryer 2-ingredient onion ring chips with Parmesan. One lazy Sunday, staring at a lonely onion and half a block of Parmesan, I threw caution to the wind – and oh wow, did that gamble pay off! Fifteen minutes later, I was crunching on the crispiest, cheesiest onion rings without the greasy mess of deep frying. Now they’re my go-to when friends pop by unexpectedly (or when I just need a little something to nibble while binge-watching my favorite shows).

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Onion Ring Chips (Parmesan)
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these onion rings will become your new obsession. Here’s why:
- Two ingredients – that’s it! Just onion and Parmesan. No fancy breading stations or egg washes needed.
- Ready in 15 minutes flat – from chopping to crunching faster than you can say “snack time!”
- Low-carb magic – all the crispy satisfaction without the flour or breadcrumbs weighing you down.
- That perfect crunch – the Parmesan forms this golden, shatteringly crisp shell around each sweet onion ring.
Seriously, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them in your snack rotation!
Ingredients for Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Onion Ring Chips (Parmesan)
Grab just two things from your kitchen (yes, really!):
- 1 large yellow onion – thinly sliced into ¼-inch rings (trust me, this thickness gives the perfect crisp-to-bite ratio)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan – the block kind, not the pre-shredded stuff (those anti-caking agents prevent that golden crunch we crave)
That’s it! Though I sometimes sneak in a pinch of garlic powder when no one’s looking – our little secret.
How to Make Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Onion Ring Chips (Parmesan)
Okay, let’s get down to business! Here’s how I make these crispy wonders:
- Preheat that air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this step is so important for that perfect golden crunch. While it heats, toss your onion rings with the Parmesan until every single one is coated like it’s wearing a little cheese jacket.
- Lay them out like sunbathers – single layer only in the basket! No overlapping, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. I learned this the hard way after one sad, soggy batch.
- Set the timer for 8-10 minutes, but here’s my trick – at the 4-minute mark, give them a quick flip with tongs. You’ll see them turning golden and smelling like heaven.
- Keep an eye out – when they look like little crispy halos (usually around 8-10 minutes), pull them out! They crisp up even more as they cool slightly.
Pro Tip for Crispy Results
Pat those onion rings bone dry before coating – any extra moisture is the enemy of crispiness! And peek at 8 minutes – air fryers can vary, and nobody wants burned Parmesan. (Trust me, it smells tragic.)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
I get it – we all want to tweak recipes. But listen, pre-shredded Parmesan just won’t cut it here. Those anti-caking agents make it clump instead of forming that perfect crispy shell. As for spices? Hold off until after cooking – garlic powder or paprika sprinkled on top adds flavor without burning. And while sweet onions work great, red onions turn bitter when air-fried. Stick with yellow for that perfect savory-sweet crunch!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Onion Ring Chips
These crispy little wonders disappear fast at my house! Here’s how we love them:
- Dunk ’em – marinara sauce for an Italian vibe, cool ranch for that classic onion ring experience, or (my personal favorite) spicy sriracha mayo.
- Salad game-changer – crumble them over greens instead of croutons for the ultimate crunch factor.
- Burger bling – stack them high on your favorite burger for that extra crispy-cheesy bite.
Honestly? Half never make it off the baking sheet – we just hover by the air fryer eating them straight from the basket!
Storing and Reheating
Okay, let’s be real – these rarely last long enough to store! But if you miraculously have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container for up to a day. When snack time strikes again, just toss them back in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right back up like magic. (Microwaving? Don’t even think about it – you’ll end up with sad, soggy rings!)
Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Onion Ring Chips (Parmesan) Nutritional Info
Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates since Parmesan brands vary in saltiness and onions in size! Per serving (about half the batch):
- 120 calories – light enough for guilt-free snacking!
- 7g fat (4g saturated) – all that golden, crispy Parmesan goodness
- 8g carbs (1g fiber) – way lower than traditional breaded rings
- 6g protein – who knew onion rings could pack a protein punch?
Not bad for something that tastes like pure indulgence, right?
FAQ About Air Fryer Onion Ring Chips
I get questions about these crispy wonders all the time! Here are the big ones:
Can I bake these instead? Sure – spread them on parchment at 400°F, but they won’t get quite as crisp. The air fryer’s magic circulation makes all the difference!
Are they gluten-free? Naturally! With just onion and Parmesan, they’re perfect for gluten-free friends (who will worship you for introducing them).
Best onion to use? Yellow onions give that perfect balance of sweet and savory, though sweet onions work great too. Skip red onions – they turn bitter when cooked this way.
Share Your Results!
Did you make these cheesy crispy wonders? I’d love to see! Tag me @YourKitchenBestie or leave a rating – your snack victories make my day. Now go forth and crunch!
Print
Crispy 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Onion Rings (Parmesan Perfection)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Crispy onion ring chips made with just two ingredients and cooked in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the onion rings with Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
- Place the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, pat the onion rings dry before coating.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American