Are you craving a crispy, cheesy snack that’s both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than these Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer! This viral recipe is perfect for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or high-protein diet, and these homemade chips deliver the ultimate crunch and flavor without the guilt.
Packed with protein from cottage cheese and Parmesan, these air fryer chips are a game-changer for snack lovers who want to enjoy a crunchy treat without the extra carbs. This viral recipe is taking over social media – and for good reason! They’re quick, easy, and versatile—perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or enjoying solo as a guilt-free snack.
In this easy-to-follow recipe, I’ll show you how to achieve the perfect crispy texture using simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer. Whether you’re preparing for a game day party, looking for a light afternoon snack, or craving something cheesy and crunchy, these chips have you covered. Get ready to learn the best way to make cottage cheese chips in an air fryer—a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer
- Quick & Easy: Revolutionary 20-minute prep with minimal effort.
- Viral Recipe Alert: Join millions who’ve made this TikTok-famous snack!
- Healthy & Protein-Rich: Powerful cottage cheese and Parmesan add a protein boost.
- 1-Ingredient Option: Make with just cottage cheese for ultimate simplicity!
- Versatile Snack: Spectacular plain or paired with dips like Greek yogurt or salsa.
- Air Fryer Magic: Shocking results with less oil, fewer calories, and perfect crispiness!
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: An exclusive snack option for those watching their carb intake.
- No Sugar, No Grains: Perfect for clean eating and special diets!
Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer – Crispy Snack Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, cheesy cottage cheese chips made in the air fryer. A quick, healthy, low-carb snack perfect for dipping or eating solo.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray, as needed
- Fresh thyme (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Spoon small dollops of the mixture onto the parchment and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chips with olive oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy.
- Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the chips cool completely on a wire rack.
- If the mixture is too wet, drain the cottage cheese before mixing.
- To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or Italian seasoning.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 chips
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- Substitute: Ricotta (for a milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Substitute: Cheddar or Asiago
- Note: Skip for the viral 1-ingredient version!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Substitute: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Substitute: Dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Substitute: Regular paprika or chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Substitute: Sea salt or kosher salt
- Pepper, to taste
- Substitute: Cracked black pepper
- Olive oil spray, as needed
- Substitute: Avocado oil spray
- Fresh thyme (optional), for garnish
- Substitute: Chives or parsley
Pro Tip:
For a gluten-free version, ensure that the Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free. Want the viral TikTok version? Replace all seasonings with 2 tablespoons of Everything Bagel Seasoning!

How to Make Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Let it preheat while you prepare the mixture.
Special Instructions for Ninja Air Fryer Users
If you’re using a Ninja Air Fryer, set it to “Air Crisp” mode at 390°F for 7-8 minutes. The Ninja’s powerful fan circulation makes chips extra crispy faster than traditional air fryers. Check at 6 minutes to prevent over-browning!
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Stir well until the mixture forms a thick, cheesy paste.
Step 3: Shape the Chips
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Drop small dollops of the mixture (about a tablespoon each) onto the parchment.
- Flatten slightly using the back of a spoon to create thin, even circles.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
- Lightly spray the tops of the chips with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. (For Ninja air fryers: 7-8 minutes at 390°F)
- Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
- Carefully remove the chips and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve with a side of Greek yogurt dip or your favorite salsa.
🔥 Chef’s Secret Section
The 1-Ingredient Viral Secret: Want to know why the internet is obsessed with the 1-ingredient version? When you use ONLY cottage cheese (no Parmesan), the chips develop a unique, almost cheese-cracker texture that’s incredibly addictive. The trick is using full-fat cottage cheese and baking at a lower temperature (350°F) for longer (15-20 minutes) to achieve that perfect golden crisp.
The Ultimate Crispy Texture Secret: Here’s what separates restaurant-quality cottage cheese chips from homemade ones that fall flat – literally! The secret lies in the double-drain method. Place your cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels for 15 minutes before mixing. This removes excess moisture that’s the #1 enemy of crispiness.
Professional Flavor Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to your mixture. This chef’s secret ingredient adds an incredible umami depth and extra cheesy flavor that will have people asking “what’s your secret ingredient?”
The Perfect Shape Technique: Use a small ice cream scoop or melon baller to portion your chips. This ensures uniform size and cooking time. Then, use the bottom of a measuring cup (lightly oiled) to press them into perfect circles – much more effective than a spoon!
Temperature Control Secret: Start at 350°F for the first 5 minutes, then increase to 375°F for the final 3-5 minutes. This gentle start prevents the edges from burning while the center catches up, giving you evenly golden chips every time.
The Crunch Test: A perfectly done cottage cheese chip should make an audible “snap” when broken in half. If it bends, it needs 1-2 more minutes in the air fryer.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer
- Extra Crispiness: Add a little cornstarch to the mixture if your chips tend to be soggy.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space between chips for even air circulation.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding chili flakes for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for a herbal touch.
- Texture Tip: If your mixture is too runny, drain the cottage cheese beforehand.
Can You Put Cottage Cheese in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is actually the perfect appliance for making cottage cheese chips. The circulating hot air creates an ideal environment for moisture evaporation, resulting in crispy, golden chips every time. Just ensure you use parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain proper spacing between chips.
Why Are My Cottage Cheese Chips Not Crispy?
The most common culprit is excess moisture. If your cottage cheese chips aren’t getting crispy, try these solutions: (1) Drain your cottage cheese for at least 15 minutes before use, (2) Make thinner chips – thick ones stay soft in the center, (3) Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes, or (4) Let them cool completely on a wire rack – they crisp up as they cool!
What Seasoning for Cottage Cheese Chips?
The beauty of cottage cheese chips is their versatility! Popular seasonings include: Everything Bagel Seasoning (the viral favorite!), Ranch seasoning, Cajun spice, Italian herbs, Taco seasoning, or simple salt and pepper. For best results, mix seasonings directly into the cottage cheese mixture rather than sprinkling on top.
Best Ways to Serve Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer
- Snack Time: Pair with hummus, salsa, or guacamole.
- Appetizer: Serve alongside a platter of cured meats and olives.
- Healthy Lunch: Add as a crunchy topping to salads.
- Dipping Delight: Perfect with a creamy ranch dip or tzatziki.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Serving Size: About 5-6 chips
- Servings: 4
Storage & Leftovers for Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture may become soggy.
- Reheating: Use the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness.
FAQs : Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer
1. Can I make Cottage Cheese Chips ahead of time?
Yes, but they taste best fresh. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer. For meal prep, make the mixture ahead and air fry when ready to eat for maximum crispiness.
2. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but it may produce a slightly softer texture. Full-fat cottage cheese (4% milk fat) gives better crispiness due to lower moisture content. If using low-fat, drain extra well.
3. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Cheddar or Asiago are great substitutes, adding a sharper or nuttier flavor. For dairy-free, try nutritional yeast. Some people even make 1-ingredient versions with just cottage cheese!
4. What air fryer time and temperature works best?
375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes works for most air fryers. Ninja air fryers may need 7-8 minutes. Always check at the 7-minute mark as times vary by model and chip thickness.
5. How do I make crispy chunky chips in an air fryer?
For chunkier chips, use heaping tablespoons of mixture but still flatten to about 1/4 inch thick. Cook 2-3 minutes longer than thin chips. The key is ensuring the center is completely dry and crispy.
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Variations : Popular Cottage Cheese Chips Flavors
1-Ingredient Version (Viral TikTok Recipe)
Use only cottage cheese! Drain well, portion into small mounds, and air fry at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Perfect for the ultimate simplicity.
Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Chips
Mix 2 tablespoons of Everything Bagel Seasoning into the cottage cheese mixture. This viral flavor combination is the internet’s favorite!
Ninja Air Fryer Method
For Ninja air fryers, use the “Air Crisp” function at 390°F for 7-8 minutes. The higher heat and powerful fan create extra crispy results faster.
Ranch Flavor Blast
Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning powder to the mixture. Serve with extra ranch for dipping – irresistible!
Conclusion
Now you know how to make the best Cottage Cheese Chips Air Fryer! Whether you’re trying the viral 1-ingredient version or our seasoned recipe, these cheesy, crunchy bites are sure to impress. Join millions who’ve made this TikTok-famous snack – don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how your chips turned out!
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