Name: Crispy 2-Ingredient Onion Ring Chips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 large yellow onions; 1 cup cornstarch; Oil for frying; Salt (optional)

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This Snack Was an Accident (A Really Tasty One)

I wasn’t trying to reinvent onion rings. Honestly, I was just hungry, a little bored, and had exactly two things on hand. onions and cornstarch. It was one of those lazy weekends when grocery shopping felt like too much effort and snacking became my only priority.

What started as a quick experiment turned into something I’ve made at least a dozen times since. These onion ring chips are light, wildly crisp, and take almost no effort. No eggs, no flour, no long list of ingredients. Just two pantry staples and a skillet.

If you’ve got a knife, a stove, and ten minutes, you can make these too. Let me show you how.

Why These Work: It’s All About the Chemistry

There’s something almost scientific about this combo.

Onions are naturally high in water and sugar. When you slice them thin and heat them up, the water steams out and the sugar concentrates. That’s what gives these chips their light sweetness and golden edge.
Cornstarch isn’t like flour. It doesn’t clump or absorb much oil. Instead, it forms a light coating that crisps into something almost translucent. Think of it like a potato chip shell hugging an onion.

No batter, no fuss, and no weird aftertaste. Just crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Nothing More)

Main Ingredients:

2 large yellow onions (or sweet Vidalia onions for a milder flavor)
1 cup cornstarch

Optional but Recommended:

Salt, to finish
Oil for frying (canola, peanut, or vegetable oil)

Tools:

Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
Large bowl
Deep pan or skillet
Slotted spoon or tongs
Paper towels or wire rack
Fry thermometer (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Slice the Onions
Peel your onions and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. If you’re using a mandoline, even better, uniform thickness = uniform crisp.

Step 2: Separate the Rings
Gently pull the rings apart. Don’t toss the smaller inner ones, they crisp beautifully too.

Step 3: Optional Soak
If you want to tone down that onion sharpness, soak the rings in ice water for 10 minutes. Make sure to dry them completely with a clean towel before moving on. Water and hot oil are not friends.

Step 4: Coat with Cornstarch
Toss the rings in a bowl with the cornstarch. You want a light, even coating. Shake off excess.

Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a heavy skillet or pot, pour in 2 inches of oil. Bring it to about 350–375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping in a single ring, if it sizzles and floats within a second or two, you’re good.

Step 6: Fry in Batches
Fry a few rings at a time, don’t overcrowd. Flip them once for even coloring. They’re done in 1 to 2 minutes, tops.

Step 7: Drain and Season
Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels. Salt them while hot if you like. They crisp up even more as they cool.

Step 8: Serve Immediately
They’re best fresh but still decent after 20–30 minutes. I wouldn’t count on leftovers though.

Tips & Variations (From Someone Who’s Made These Way Too Many Times)

Want Less Oil? Air Fry ‘Em.
Lightly coat the rings in oil spray and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Shake halfway through.
Make It Spicy:
Add cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or smoked paprika to the cornstarch mix for a flavor boost.
Skip the Frying:
Bake at 425°F on a parchment-lined tray. Spray lightly with oil. Flip halfway through at 10 minutes.
Gluten-Free?
Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but check the label if you’re strict.
Use Them as Toppers:
Sprinkle over burgers, salads, or baked mac & cheese. Adds a crispy pop without extra prep.

Onion ring chips recipe, 2 ingredient onion ring chips, Crispy onion ring chips

Crispy 2-Ingredient Onion Ring Chips

An easy, addictively crunchy snack made with just onions and cornstarch. Fry, bake, or air-fry for a fast treat that’s gluten-free, low-ingredient, and big on flavor.

5 Star from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 2 ingredient onion ring chips, Crispy onion ring chips, Onion ring chips recipe

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 150kcal

Cost: 4

Equipment

Mandoline slicer
deep skillet or air fryer
wire rack
mixing bowl

Ingredients

2 large yellow onions
1 cup cornstarch
Oil for frying
Salt optional

Instructions

Slice onions thinly
Separate into rings
Optional: Soak in ice water & dry
Toss with cornstarch
Heat oil to 350–375°F
Fry for 1–2 minutes per batch
Drain and season
Serve hot

Notes

Air fryer and oven methods included

Add seasoning to cornstarch for flavor twists

Best eaten fresh

Works as a snack or a topping

Naturally gluten-free

Nutrition