Crispy Parmesan Onion Ring Chips are a fun and crunchy snack that brings together the sharp flavor of Parmesan cheese with the sweet, tender bite of onions. These chips have a golden crunch on the outside and a soft, savory inside that makes them super satisfying. They’re a great twist on the classic onion ring, turned into easy-to-eat chips that you can share or keep all to yourself.
I love making these because they come together quickly and don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. I usually bake them right in the oven, which feels much lighter than frying, and gives them that perfect crispiness. The Parmesan adds such a nice cheesy touch that you can’t get enough of—I find myself reaching back in the bowl way too often when they’re fresh out of the oven!
These onion ring chips are so versatile; I like serving them with ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a spicy mayo dip. They’re great for game nights, movie snacks, or just a crunchy side to a burger. I’ve even brought them to potlucks, and they disappear in no time. If you want a snack that’s easy and tasty, these chips definitely hit the spot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Sweet onions are best here because they have a milder, less sharp flavor that caramelizes nicely when baked. If you can’t find sweet onions, use yellow onions as a solid backup.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko makes these chips extra crispy because of its light, airy texture. If you want a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor and helps the coating stick. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or a good aged hard cheese can work well.
Flour and Eggs: These help the coating stick to the onion rings. For a vegan or dairy-free version, try a chickpea flour batter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
How Do You Get Onion Rings Crispy Without Frying?
Baking crispy onion rings can be tricky because onions release water when cooked. To get them crunchy and golden:
- Slice onions evenly (about 1/4 inch thick) so they cook uniformly.
- Use a three-step coating: flour, egg, then Parmesan-panko mix. This makes the coating stick and crisp nicely.
- Brush or drizzle a bit of olive oil or melted butter on top before baking to promote browning.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) and flip halfway through to crisp both sides.
- Let them cool a bit after baking to firm up the crunch.
Following these steps helps you enjoy crunchy, golden onion chips without needing a deep fryer!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to spread out the onion rings so they bake evenly and get crispy.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, beaten eggs, and the Parmesan-panko mix to keep coating steps organized.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice onions into even rings for consistent cooking.
- Pastry brush or spoon – to lightly coat the onion rings with oil for better browning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino cheese for a slightly different sharp cheese flavor.
- Mix in dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the coating for extra aroma.
- Try dipping the onion rings in a chipotle mayo or garlic aioli instead of ranch for a different dip flavor.
Crispy Parmesan Onion Ring Chips Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Onion Rings:
- 2 large onions (preferably sweet onions)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For The Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
For Garnish and Serving (optional):
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Ranch dressing or dip of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake, so you can have your crispy Parmesan onion ring chips ready in about 30-35 minutes total. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Onions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Peel the onions and slice them into rings about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully separate the rings and set them aside.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In two other bowls, place the flour in one and the beaten eggs in the other.
3. Coat the Onion Rings:
Take each onion ring and dip it first into the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge it thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
4. Bake the Onion Rings:
Place the coated onion rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or drizzle the olive oil (or melted butter) over the top of the coated rings to help them brown and become crispy. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through baking, until they are golden and crispy.
5. Serve:
Remove the onion ring chips from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to become extra crispy. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dip on the side.
Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy Parmesan onion ring chips as a delicious snack or side!
Can I Use Frozen Onions for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh onions for crispy results. Frozen onions tend to release extra moisture, which can make the coating soggy. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before coating.
Can I Bake These Without Eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to gel before dipping.
How Do I Store Leftover Onion Ring Chips?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes instead of microwaving.
What Dips Go Well with These Parmesan Onion Ring Chips?
Ranch dressing is classic, but you can also try spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or a smoky chipotle dip for a flavor twist!
