Crispy Cottage Cheese Chips – High-Protein, Low-Carb & Addictively Crunchy

If you’re looking for a crunchy, cheesy snack that fits your low-carb lifestyle, these crispy cottage cheese chips are about to be your new favorite recipe. They’re simple, protein-packed, and made with just one main ingredient — cottage cheese!
These baked or air-fried chips come out golden, crunchy, and full of savory flavor. They’re perfect for dipping, snacking, or satisfying that afternoon craving without sabotaging your diet. Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just love a healthier snack, these cottage cheese chips deliver serious crunch and cheesy satisfaction.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love these crispy cottage cheese chips because they’re the easiest high-protein snack you’ll ever make. You only need cottage cheese — that’s it! With a few optional seasonings, you can turn this simple ingredient into a crispy, salty, and satisfying treat that rivals store-bought chips.
They’re naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and full of protein, making them the ideal guilt-free snack. Plus, you can customize them in countless ways: spicy, cheesy, herbed, or even ranch-flavored.
Whether you bake or air-fry them, they turn out crunchy, light, and full of flavor every time. It’s hard to believe something so simple can taste so good!
Key Ingredients
To make the best crispy cottage cheese chips, you’ll need:
- Cottage Cheese: Use small curd, full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and crunch.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and helps draw out moisture.
- Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, or Italian seasoning — customize your chips!
- Optional Cheese Topping: Sprinkle a little shredded Parmesan or cheddar for an extra cheesy bite.
That’s it — just a few ingredients and 15 minutes for a crispy, high-protein snack.
Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for perfect crispy cottage cheese chips every time.
1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
For oven: preheat to 375°F (190°C).
For air fryer: set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray or air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Prepare the Cottage Cheese:
Spoon small, thin dollops of cottage cheese onto the parchment, leaving space between each one (they will spread slightly). Flatten each mound gently with the back of a spoon for even cooking.
3. Season:
Sprinkle each portion lightly with salt and any desired seasonings.
4. Bake or Air Fry:
- Oven: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and crisp around the edges.
- Air Fryer: Cook for 10–12 minutes, checking after 8 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Cool:
Let the chips cool completely before removing from the parchment. They’ll crisp up as they cool.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy plain, or serve with your favorite dip — ranch, salsa, guacamole, or spicy aioli.
You Must Try These Variations
These crispy cottage cheese chips can be customized with your favorite flavors. Try these fun variations:
- Everything Bagel Chips: Sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning before baking.
- Garlic Parmesan Chips: Add garlic powder and top with grated Parmesan.
- Spicy Jalapeño Chips: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- Ranch Chips: Toss with a little ranch seasoning mix.
- Taco Cheese Chips: Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a Tex-Mex twist.
Pro Tips
- Use Small-Curd Cottage Cheese: It melts and crisps evenly.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Spoon cottage cheese from the tub gently to avoid extra moisture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between mounds so they crisp up properly.
- Cool Completely: Chips firm up as they cool — patience pays off.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crunch.
Nutritional Value
These crispy cottage cheese chips are a great source of protein and calcium, with minimal carbs and calories.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Net Carbs | 2g |
| Fiber | 0g |
How to Serve
These crispy cottage cheese chips are delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dips. Try them with:
- Guacamole or avocado dip
- Low-carb ranch or Greek yogurt dip
- Salsa or marinara sauce
- Spicy buffalo sauce or hot honey drizzle
- Creamy spinach dip
They also make a great topping for soups and salads — adding crunch and extra protein.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5 days. To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
For long-term storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer until crisp again.
Conclusion
These crispy cottage cheese chips are the ultimate healthy snack — crunchy, cheesy, and full of protein. They’re quick to make, naturally low-carb, and completely addictive in the best way.
With just one main ingredient and endless flavor options, you’ll want to keep a batch ready at all times. Whether you enjoy them as a standalone snack or paired with dips, these chips prove that eating healthy can still feel indulgent.
So next time you crave chips, skip the store-bought version — make your own crispy cottage cheese chips for a guilt-free crunch!