When I need a last-minute party snack that feels a little special without adding one more complicated thing to my day, this recipe is exactly where I go. It has that magic combination of minimal prep, almost no cleanup, and a big crunchy payoff, which is probably why simple appetizer recipes like this keep showing up at office potlucks, game days, and holiday gatherings.
These are great on their own as a salty, crispy snack, but they also fit right in on a snack board with olives, pickles, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and a creamy dip like ranch or whipped cream cheese. If you're serving them for a gathering, pair them with other easy finger foods and a few fresh veggies to balance the richness.
Low Carb 2-Ingredient Pepperoni Chips
Servings: 4
Ingredients
6 oz sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup grated parmesan
Directions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if your model requires preheating, and line the basket or tray with foil for easier cleanup.
2. Arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer, leaving a little space between them so the hot air can crisp the edges.
3. Sprinkle a small pinch of grated parmesan onto the center of each slice.
4. Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the pepperoni curls up and the edges look crisp while the cheese turns golden.
5. Let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp up fully, then transfer to a plate or serving tray and serve.
Variations & Tips
Cheese swap: If you want a slightly different flavor, try finely shredded asiago or romano instead of parmesan. Just use a light amount so the centers stay crisp instead of getting too heavy.
Watch the timing: Air fryers cook a little differently, so start checking early around the 4-minute mark. The chips can go from perfectly crisp to overly dark pretty fast because of the fat in the pepperoni.
Make-ahead tip: These are best the day they are made, but you can let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container for a few hours before serving. If they soften, a quick minute back in the air fryer helps bring back the crunch.
Easy cleanup tip: Pepperoni releases quite a bit of oil as it cooks, so the foil liner really helps. Let the grease cool slightly before discarding the foil, and blot the chips on a paper towel if you want them a little less oily.
Batch-size tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cooking in a single layer gives you the best curled shape and crispy texture, and it is worth doing two batches if you're making them for a crowd.