If you love crispy, crunchy, golden onion rings but dread deep frying, these Potato Chip Crusted Baked Onion Rings are about to become your new obsession. Imagine sweet, tender onions wrapped in a flavorful, crunchy coating made from crushed potato chips—baked to perfection in the oven. Every bite gives you that satisfying crunch and just the right amount of seasoning, without the guilt of frying.
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This recipe is fun, approachable, and downright addictive. Whether you’re making them as a side for burgers, a snack for movie night, or a party appetizer, these onion rings are guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you try them, there’s no going back to plain baked onions again!
Recipe Origin
Onion rings are a classic snack and side dish with American roots, often associated with diners, burgers, and fairgrounds. By using crushed potato chips as the coating and baking them, this version puts a fun, modern twist on the classic, delivering all the flavor and crunch with less oil and mess.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients
- Food processor or rolling pin to crush the potato chips
- Whisk for mixing eggs and yogurt
- Tongs or fork for dipping onion slices
- Oven mitts and spatula for serving
Potato Chip Crusted Baked Onion Rings
Description
These Potato Chip Crusted Baked Onion Rings are a crunchy, flavorful twist on classic onion rings. Coated in crushed potato chips and baked, they’re a healthier alternative to frying while still delivering irresistible crispiness.
Ingredients
For the Onion Rings:
- 3–4 Tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 6 oz plain 2% Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1–2 Tbsp buttermilk
- 1 (8 oz) bag Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips, crushed
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, place half of the flour. In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, eggs, and buttermilk until smooth. In a third bowl, combine the crushed potato chips with the remaining flour.
- Dredge onion slices first in flour, then dip into the yogurt-egg mixture, and finally coat with the potato chip mixture.
- Arrange coated onion rings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for milder flavor.
- Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of the onion rings.
- Crush chips finely or leave some larger pieces for extra crunch.
- Can be served as a side, snack, or appetizer with sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Why You’ll Love These Potato Chip Crusted Baked Onion Rings
Crispy and Crunchy
The crushed potato chips create an irresistible, extra-crispy coating that rivals traditional fried onion rings.
Sweet and Tender Onions
Baking preserves the natural sweetness of the onions while keeping them soft inside.
Simple Ingredients
You probably already have everything in your pantry—no fancy or exotic ingredients needed.
Healthier Alternative
Baked instead of fried, but with all the crunch you crave, making them a lighter treat.
Crowd-Pleaser
Perfect for kids and adults alike, these onion rings disappear fast at parties and family dinners.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Onion Rings
- Slice Evenly: Uniform thickness ensures even baking and consistent crunch.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Spread onion rings in a single layer for the crispiest results.
- Press the Coating: Gently press the potato chips onto the onions to ensure they stick during baking.
- Use Kettle Chips: They have a thicker, crunchier texture than regular chips, giving better coating results.
- Serve Immediately: These are at their crispiest right out of the oven.
Ingredients in Potato Chip Crusted Baked Onion Rings
Here’s what makes these onion rings irresistible:
Sweet Onions
Sliced into thick rounds, these provide a naturally sweet and tender bite.
Potato Chips
Crushed Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips form the ultimate crispy, salty coating.
Flour
Helps the wet ingredients stick to the onion and gives the coating structure.
Greek Yogurt
Creates a creamy binding layer for the potato chip coating while adding subtle tang.
Eggs and Buttermilk
Work together to ensure the coating adheres perfectly and bakes up crisp.
Olive Oil
Drizzled over the onion rings to help them brown evenly and achieve that golden finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make these crunchy, baked onion rings:
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F / 220°C. This high heat helps the onion rings crisp up beautifully.
Crush Potato Chips
Place potato chips in a food processor or a sealed plastic bag and crush them into coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Prepare Wet Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, eggs, and buttermilk until smooth.
Coat Onions with Flour
Place 1/2 cup of flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each onion slice in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip in Wet Mixture
Next, dip the floured onion rings into the yogurt and egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Coat with Potato Chips
Press the crushed potato chips onto both sides of each onion ring. Place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil over the coated onion rings for even browning.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings are crispy and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm and crunchy. Pair with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~250–300 (depending on portion size and oil used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Potato Chip Crusted Baked Onion Rings
- With Burgers: The ultimate sidekick for any burger or sandwich.
- As a Snack: Serve with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.
- Party Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with multiple dipping sauces for guests.
- Side Dish: Complements roasted vegetables or grilled meats perfectly.
Presentation tip: Stack the onion rings in a pyramid and drizzle a little extra olive oil or sprinkle fresh parsley for a colorful touch.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Slice onions and crush chips in advance; assemble just before baking.
- Storage: Best served fresh, but leftover baked onion rings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour or chip coating.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix grated Parmesan into the crushed chips for extra flavor.
- Different Chips: Use flavored kettle chips like BBQ or sour cream and onion for a twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free chips.
Additional Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
- Press coating gently but firmly so chips stick to the onions.
- Serve right away for best texture—these lose crunch if left too long.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular potato chips instead of kettle cooked?
A1: Yes, but kettle chips provide a crunchier texture.
Q2: Can I make these without Greek yogurt?
A2: You can use mayonnaise or buttermilk alone, but Greek yogurt adds tang and creaminess.
Q3: Can I slice the onions thinner?
A3: Yes, but thicker slices hold up better and stay tender inside.
Q4: Can I bake them longer for extra crunch?
A4: Yes, watch closely to avoid burning; flip halfway through.
Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Freezing is not recommended, as the coating may become soggy.
Q6: Can I use other oils instead of olive oil?
A6: Yes, avocado or vegetable oil works well.
Q7: Can I make them vegan?
A7: Substitute yogurt and eggs with plant-based alternatives and check chips for vegan-friendly options.
Q8: Can I serve them with dips?
A8: Absolutely—ranch, ketchup, spicy mayo, or honey mustard all work wonderfully.
Q9: Can I use red onions?
A9: Yes, red onions add a slightly different sweetness and color.
Q10: How can I make the coating stick better?
A10: Pat onion rings dry, dredge in flour, dip in wet mixture, then press chips firmly.
Conclusion
These Potato Chip Crusted Baked Onion Rings are the perfect combination of crunchy, salty, and slightly sweet. Baking them makes them healthier without sacrificing flavor, and the crushed potato chips give an irresistible texture that everyone will love.
Serve them with burgers, dips, or just enjoy them straight from the oven—either way, they disappear fast. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these baked onion rings are destined to become a go-to snack or side dish for your family and friends.