Crispy Viral Onion Ring Chips: The Best Keto Snack Ever
Discover the irresistible crunch of these Viral Onion Ring Chips, a brilliant low-carb twist on a beloved classic. Crafted from thinly sliced onions baked until golden and crispy with a savory Parmesan crust, these chips offer an explosion of flavor and texture. They're incredibly easy to make, delivering a satisfyingly crunchy snack that perfectly fits a ketogenic lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes
Servings
4 servings (approximately 24-30 chips)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves an incredibly satisfying crunch without any deep frying.
- Perfectly fits a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, being naturally gluten-free.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal last-minute snack.
- Packed with savory, umami-rich flavors from Parmesan and aromatic seasonings.
- A versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or with a keto-friendly dip.
Ingredients
- 240 grams (1 cup) Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, for best results
- 2 medium Yellow Onions, about 300-400 grams, sliced thinly
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) Avocado Oil, can substitute with olive oil
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) Paprika, adjust to taste
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) Coarse Sea Salt, reduce if mindful of sodium
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) Garlic Powder, or substitute with onion powder
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) Seasoning Salt, homemade or store-bought
- 2.5 milliliters (½ teaspoon) Ground Black Pepper, adjust based on palate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking pan with parchment paper. This parchment is crucial to prevent the cheese and onions from sticking and ensures an even, golden crisp.
- Spread the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on the parchment paper, creating a uniform layer. This Parmesan layer will transform into the deliciously savory, crispy base for your chips.
- Slice the yellow onions thinly, aiming for a thickness of approximately 4 millimeters (⅙ inch). Carefully arrange these thin onion slices in a single layer over the prepared Parmesan bed, making sure to avoid any overlap so each piece crisps uniformly.
- Brush the onion slices generously with avocado oil. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated; this step is key for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and infusing deep flavor as they bake.
- Evenly sprinkle the paprika, coarse sea salt, garlic powder, seasoning salt, and ground black pepper over the oil-coated onions. Distribute the seasonings thoroughly to ensure every chip delivers a burst of savory flavor.
- Bake the onion chips for approximately 25-30 minutes. Keep a close watch during the final minutes; they are done when they turn a vibrant golden brown and are visibly crispy. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the chips to cool directly on the baking pan for 10 minutes. This cooling period is vital as it allows the chips to fully crisp up and firm before you gently break them into individual, chip-sized pieces. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Pastry brush
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Oven
Essential Success Tips
- For the crispiest results, ensure your onions are sliced as uniformly thin as possible. A mandoline slicer can achieve perfect consistency effortlessly.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each onion slice space to breathe and crisp up, otherwise, they may steam instead of roast.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts and crisps better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Keep a close eye on the chips during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Ovens vary, and they can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.
- Allow the chips to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for them to firm up and develop their signature crisp texture.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To intensify the savory depth, lightly toast the Parmesan cheese on the parchment paper for 5 minutes before adding the onions. This pre-toasting brings out its nutty notes and creates an even richer base.
- Experiment with different hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for varied flavor profiles, keeping in mind their saltiness and fat content may alter baking time slightly.
- For an extra layer of flavor complexity, try a very light dusting of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper with your seasonings for a subtle warmth and kick.
Notes
- Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be re-crisped in a low oven (150°C/300°F) for 5-7 minutes.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
- These chips also make an excellent crunchy topping for keto salads or soups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
While freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended for its superior melting and crisping properties, pre-shredded can be used. Be aware that it may contain anti-caking agents which can affect how uniformly crispy the chips become.
My onion chips aren't getting crispy, what went wrong?
Several factors could prevent crispiness. Ensure your onions are sliced very thinly and not overlapping on the pan. Your oven temperature might be slightly off, or the chips might need a few extra minutes to achieve a deep golden brown. Also, remember that cooling completely is key for firmness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
These chips are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness. However, you can make them up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. If they lose some crispness, a quick re-bake in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 5-7 minutes will revive them.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Per serving (estimated): Calories: 180-220, Protein: 10-12g, Fat: 15-18g, Carbs: 5-7g (Net Carbs: 3-5g)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese). This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For those with allium sensitivities, this dish contains yellow onions.
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