Crispy Parmesan Onion Ring Chips are a crunchy, cheesy snack that combines the savory flavor of Parmesan with the natural sweetness of onions. These chips have a satisfying crispness that makes them perfect for munching anytime you want something tasty and a little different from your usual snacks.
I love making these chips because they’re super simple and come together quickly. Coating the onion rings with a mix of Parmesan and a bit of seasoning gives them a great flavor boost that surprises everyone. I usually make a big batch and find myself reaching for more than I should—they’re just that good!
My favorite way to enjoy these is right out of the oven when they’re still warm and crunchy. They go well on their own or make a delicious side for burgers or sandwiches. If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic onion rings, these Parmesan chips are a great way to shake things up and treat yourself to something crispy and cheesy at the same time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Sweet or yellow onions work best here because they have a mild flavor and become nicely crispy when fried. If you want a bit more bite, try white onions.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty flavor that sticks well to the panko crumbs. If you don’t have Parmesan, Romano or Asiago cheese are good alternatives.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These crumbs give a light, crunchy texture. You can substitute regular bread crumbs, but the chips may be a little less crispy.
Flour and Eggs: The flour helps the egg stick to the onion, and the egg helps the crumbs stick. For an egg-free option, use a plant-based milk or yogurt to dip the onions.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil works well for frying because they have a neutral flavor and high smoke point. Avoid olive oil as it burns too quickly.
How do I Get the Onion Rings Extra Crispy and Not Soggy?
Achieving crispy onion rings means attention to coating and oil temperature. Here’s how I do it:
- Slice onions evenly about 1/4 inch thick so they cook consistently.
- Pat rings dry with paper towels to remove moisture before coating.
- Coat each ring thoroughly with flour, then egg, then the Parmesan-panko mix. This triple layer helps create a strong crust.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if possible for accuracy.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer or pan; frying in small batches keeps the oil hot.
- Fry rings until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels immediately to catch excess oil.
- Serve right away, as the chips crisp up best fresh and can lose crunch if left out too long.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – for slicing the onions into even, thin rings easily and safely.
- Three shallow bowls – perfect for organizing the flour mix, beaten eggs, and Parmesan-panko coating.
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer – helps maintain steady oil temperature for crisp, golden chips.
- Thermometer – makes it easy to keep the oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) for frying.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – lets you lift fried onion rings out of the oil without bringing extra grease.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil and keeping your chips crispy.
- Cooling rack (optional) – helps air circulate around the chips so they stay crunchy longer.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the flour for a smoky or spicy twist, perfect if you like heat.
- Swap Parmesan for cheddar or Asiago cheese to change up the cheesy flavor and add richness.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mix for a fresh, fragrant touch.
- Try dusting the fried chips with a bit of garlic powder or onion powder post-fry to boost savory flavor.
Crispy Parmesan Onion Ring Chips Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Onions and Coating:
- 2 large onions (preferably sweet or yellow)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Egg and Crumbs Mix:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other:
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Dipping sauce of choice (optional, e.g., ranch or aioli)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10-15 minutes for frying the onion rings, depending on batch size. You’ll spend time slicing, coating, frying, and draining. Overall, plan for about 30 minutes to have your crispy Parmesan onion ring chips ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Onions:
Peel your onions and carefully slice them into ¼-inch thick rings. Gently separate the rings so you have full circles ready for coating.
2. Set up Your Coating Stations:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat the Onion Rings:
Take each onion ring and first coat it in the seasoned flour, tapping off any extra. Then dip the floured ring into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Next, press the ring into the Parmesan-panko mixture so the crumbs stick well, creating that crispy crust.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection:
Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add coated onion rings in small batches to avoid overcrowding, and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all onion rings are cooked and drained, serve them warm. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and add your favorite dipping sauce to complete this crunchy, cheesy treat!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Onion Rings?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated onion rings on a greased baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
How Should I Store Leftover Onion Ring Chips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep them as crispy as possible. Reheating in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes helps restore crunch.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Ingredients?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko crumbs with gluten-free versions. Make sure your seasoning and cheese are gluten-free too for safe allergy-friendly chips.
What’s the Best Onion for Crispy Onion Rings?
Sweet or yellow onions work best because they have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp up nicely. White onions are also fine but have a sharper taste.
