Name: Onion Ring Chips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large onions (yellow or white), thinly sliced into rings; 1/2 cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour); 1/4 cup cornmeal; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup plant-based milk (or regular milk); 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness); Cooking spray (for baking or air frying)

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These ultra crispy homemade onion ring chips are a lighter, healthier twist on the classic deep-fried version. Baked or air-fried to golden perfection, they deliver that irresistible crunch I love in a savory snack—with none of the greasy aftermath. Made with simple pantry staples like chickpea flour and cornmeal, these chips come together fast and satisfy every crunchy craving.

Onion Ring Chips

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large onions (yellow or white), thinly sliced into rings

½ cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)

¼ cup cornmeal

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ cup plant-based milk (or regular milk)

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

Cooking spray (for baking or air frying)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), or set my air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

I separate the onion slices into individual rings and pat them dry with paper towels.

In a large bowl, I whisk together the chickpea flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and baking powder.

I pour in the milk and olive oil (if using), stirring to form a smooth batter.

I dip each onion ring into the batter, letting the excess drip off.

Then, I place the rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, and lightly spray them with cooking spray.

I bake them for 18–20 minutes (flipping halfway) or air fry for 12–15 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy.

I let them cool slightly for the best crunch before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories per serving: 150 kcal

Variations

I swap in gluten-free flour blends for a completely gluten-free version.

I add cayenne or chili powder for extra heat.

Sometimes I use red onions for a slightly sweeter flavor.

For an herby twist, I mix in dried oregano or thyme to the batter.

I’ve even added a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami-rich bite.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover onion ring chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp them, I pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. I avoid microwaving—they lose their crunch that way.

FAQs

What type of onion works best for onion ring chips?

I prefer yellow or white onions for their balance of sweetness and sharpness. They hold their shape well when sliced and cooked.

Can I make these completely oil-free?

Yes, I’ve made them without the olive oil and just used a light spray of cooking oil—they still come out crispy in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use regular flour instead of chickpea flour?

Absolutely. I sometimes swap chickpea flour for all-purpose flour, though chickpea flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and is naturally gluten-free.

Why are my onion ring chips not crispy?

If they’re not crispy, I check that the onions are thoroughly dried before battering and that they’re cooked in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding can make them steam instead of crisp.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

I prefer making the batter fresh, but I’ve pre-mixed the dry ingredients and stored them in a jar. Then, I just add the wet ingredients when I’m ready to cook.

Conclusion

These oven-baked or air-fried onion ring chips have become one of my favorite ways to snack smart. They're crunchy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make with ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I’m making them for myself or serving a crowd, they never last long—and I’m totally fine with that.

Recipe:

Onion Ring Chips

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

These ultra crispy homemade onion ring chips are a lighter, healthier twist on the classic deep-fried version. Baked or air-fried using simple pantry staples like chickpea flour and cornmeal, they’re irresistibly crunchy, vegan, and perfect for guilt-free snacking.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Separate the onion slices into individual rings and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and baking powder.
Pour in the milk and olive oil (if using), stirring to form a smooth batter.
Dip each onion ring into the batter, letting the excess drip off.
Place the rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
Bake for 18–20 minutes (flipping halfway) or air fry for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Let cool slightly before serving for the best crunch.