Crispy Parmesan Onion Ring Chips are a delicious twist on classic onion rings, featuring crunchy, golden chips coated with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These crispy bites have the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender onion inside, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer.
I love making these because they come together quickly and bring a little extra flavor with the Parmesan coating. The cheesy crunch makes each bite special, and I find myself reaching for them again and again. They’re also a great way to switch up the usual side dish, especially if you’re a fan of onions and cheese like I am.
My favorite way to enjoy these chips is with a simple dipping sauce like garlic mayo or a tangy ranch dressing. They’re perfect for sharing during movie nights or as a side for burgers and sandwiches. Whenever I make them, they disappear fast, and I always think, “Why don’t I make these more often?”
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Sweet onions work best because of their mild flavor and natural sweetness. If you can’t find sweet onions, yellow onions are a fine substitute but might be a bit sharper in taste.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps the coating stick and adds a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives extra crunch thanks to its flaky texture. Regular breadcrumbs can work but the chips won’t be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor and a golden crust. Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor and melting. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a sharper, saltier option you might like.
How Do You Get the Onion Rings Extra Crispy and Avoid Sogginess?
For a crispy onion ring chip, the key is a good coating and frying technique. Here’s how I do it:
- Slice onions thin and separate into individual rings or layers for even frying.
- Dust each ring lightly with seasoned flour to absorb moisture.
- Dip into buttermilk to help the crumbs stick.
- Coat with the panko-Parmesan mix and press gently to adhere well.
- Fry in hot oil (about 350°F/175°C), not too hot or too cool—this cooks quickly and crisps without soaking oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches so the oil temperature stays steady.
- Drain on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil and keep crisp edges.
Following these steps keeps the onion ring chips crunchy and delicious instead of oily or soggy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep fryer or heavy deep skillet – helps maintain oil temperature for crispy frying.
- Thermometer – to check the oil is around 350°F for perfect crispiness.
- Three shallow bowls – for the flour mix, buttermilk, and Parmesan-panko coating.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – makes flipping and removing onion rings easy and safe.
- Paper towels – essential to drain excess oil and keep chips crunchy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mix for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap Parmesan with asiago or pecorino for a sharper, tangier cheese flavor.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme with the breadcrumbs for extra aroma.
- For a cheesy zing, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar over the hot chips right after frying.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Onion Ring Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Onion Chips:
- 2 large onions (preferably sweet onions)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Ranch dip or garlic mayo (optional)
Time You’ll Need:
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Total time: about 25 minutes
This quick recipe involves slicing and coating the onion rings, then frying them in batches. You’ll have crispy chips ready in under half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice and Prepare Onions:
Peel the onions and slice them very thinly into rings. Carefully separate the rings into individual circles, and to make extra thin chips, gently separate the layers within each ring.
2. Mix the Coating Ingredients:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
3. Heat the Oil:
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to submerge the onion rings, then heat it to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady for perfect crispiness.
4. Coat the Onion Rings:
Working in batches, first dip the onion rings into the flour mixture to lightly coat, then into the buttermilk, and finally dredge them in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
5. Fry the Onion Ring Chips:
Carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip and to remove them from the oil.
6. Drain and Serve:
Drain the fried onion ring chips on paper towels to remove excess oil. Arrange them on a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch, and serve immediately with ranch dip, garlic mayo, or your favorite sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Onions for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh onions because frozen ones tend to release extra moisture, making the coating less crispy. If you only have frozen onions, thaw and pat them very dry before coating and frying.
How Can I Make These Onion Ring Chips Gluten-Free?
Swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture might vary slightly but they’ll still be delicious and crispy!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
You can bake these for a healthier alternative. Spray them lightly with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crispiness won’t be quite the same as frying but still tasty!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to help maintain crispiness.