These baked Parmesan onion rings are my go-to when I want something crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying—without the guilt. There’s no deep-frying or breadcrumbs involved, but the result is a batch of beautifully golden, crispy rings with a savory punch, thanks to the shredded Parmesan. Perfect for low-carb snacking or a fun appetizer, these are a total crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to throw together Baked Parmesan Onion Rings (Keto-Friendly & Ultra-Crispy) .

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so simple but incredibly tasty. There’s no messing around with batter or oil splatters, and I get all the crunch I crave from just cheese and onions. It’s low-carb, naturally gluten-free, and oven-baked, making it a great fit for keto or anyone looking to lighten things up. Whether I’m making a quick snack or a fun side for burgers, these always hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium white onions, sliced into ¼‑inch thick rings
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Paprika, to taste
Optional: Italian seasoning, to taste
Optional: Olive oil, for brushing

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Then I peel and slice the onions into ¼‑inch thick rounds.
For each ring, I place about 1 tablespoon of shredded Parmesan onto the parchment and press it into a flat circle just a bit wider than the onion ring.
I place one onion ring on top of each cheese circle.
Next, I top each ring with another tablespoon of Parmesan and press gently with a spoon so the cheese sticks.
I season them with salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Sometimes I add a dash of Italian seasoning too.
For extra browning, I like to brush the tops with a little olive oil.
I bake them for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese turns deep golden brown and crispy.
Once out of the oven, I let them cool on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes—this step really maximizes the crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings, with each serving being around 4–5 onion rings depending on the size of the onions and how much cheese I use.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

I like switching things up by using different seasonings—smoked paprika adds a BBQ touch, or I’ll toss in some cayenne if I’m in the mood for a little heat. Using red onions instead of white also gives a slightly sweeter flavor. For even more texture, I sometimes add a pinch of almond flour between the cheese layers, though it’s not necessary. And if I want to dip, a keto-friendly ranch or spicy aioli pairs perfectly.

storage/reheating

To keep leftovers crunchy, I let the onion rings cool completely before storing them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.
When it’s time to reheat, I prefer the air fryer at 375 °F for 3–4 minutes—it really brings the crisp back. The oven or toaster oven also works well (375 °F for 5–7 minutes). I’ve tried freezing them too: I flash-freeze the rings, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’re best fresh, but the texture holds up decently when reheated properly.

FAQs

How do I make sure the onion rings stay crispy?

I always let them cool fully on the baking sheet before serving. That final cool-down step is what makes the cheese harden into a crispy shell.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

I’ve found that freshly shredded Parmesan melts and crisps much better than pre-shredded. Pre-packaged varieties sometimes have anti-caking agents that stop them from crisping up properly.

Are these onion rings spicy?

Not by default, but I can easily turn up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning blend.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! I make a batch, store them in the fridge, and reheat in the air fryer or oven just before serving. They stay pretty crispy and still taste great.

What kind of onions work best?

I prefer white onions because they’re mild and crisp, but yellow onions or even sweet onions work too—just expect a bit more natural sweetness in the final result.

Conclusion

These baked Parmesan onion rings are one of my favorite low-carb treats. They’re easy, versatile, and ridiculously crunchy without any frying or complicated ingredients. Whether I’m snacking solo or serving up a plate for friends, they disappear fast—every single time.