Save Discover a healthier way to enjoy a classic Indian street food favorite with these Air Fryer Onion Bhajis. Perfectly spiced and wonderfully crunchy, they offer all the flavor of the traditional snack without the deep frying, making them a delightful and guilt-free treat for any occasion.
Save These fritters, also known as pakoras, rely on a simple batter of chickpea flour and rice flour to create a light, crunchy coating for thinly sliced onions. By using the air fryer, you achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish while keeping the onions tender and flavorful on the inside.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 large onions (thinly sliced), 2 green chilies (finely chopped, optional), 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Dry Ingredients: 1 cup gram flour (besan/chickpea flour), 2 tablespoons rice flour, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wet Ingredients: 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed), 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- To Finish: Spray oil (such as canola or sunflower)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Place the sliced onions, green chilies, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2
- Add gram flour, rice flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Step 3
- Toss everything together so the onions are well coated in the flour and spices.
- Step 4
- Add lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix with your hands to form a thick batter that just holds together. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, only if needed.
- Step 5
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes.
- Step 6
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Step 7
- Scoop heaped tablespoons of the mixture and shape gently into rough patties or clumps. Arrange in the basket in a single layer, without overcrowding.
- Step 8
- Lightly spray the tops with oil. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning once and spraying again, until golden and crisp.
- Step 9
- Serve hot with chutney or yogurt dip.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, slice the onions as thinly and evenly as possible. This increases the surface area for the flour coating, resulting in more crispy edges. Be careful not to add too much water; the mixture should be thick enough that the onions just barely cling together.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra boost of nutrients and crunch, try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped spinach or shredded carrot to the mix. You can also easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and green chilies based on your preference.
Serviervorschläge
Bhajis are best enjoyed piping hot. For an authentic touch, serve them with a side of refreshing mint chutney or a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce. They also pair perfectly with a simple yogurt dip or as part of a larger Indian-style appetizer platter.
Save Whether you're looking for a healthy snack or a flavorful appetizer for your next dinner party, these Air Fryer Onion Bhajis are a fantastic choice. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they bring the bold flavors of Indian street food right into your home kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → What flour types are used in this dish?
Gram flour (chickpea flour) and rice flour are combined to create a light, crispy coating with a balanced texture.
- → How does the air fryer affect cooking?
The air fryer uses hot circulating air to crisp the fritters with minimal oil, resulting in a healthier, golden finish.
- → Can the spice level be adjusted?
Yes, green chilies and chili powder amounts can be modified to suit your preferred heat tolerance.
- → What are recommended accompaniments?
Serve with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or yogurt dips to complement the crisp, spiced flavors.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
This preparation is vegan and gluten-free when using certified gluten-free flours.
- → How to achieve extra crunch?
Adding finely chopped spinach or shredded carrot enhances texture and provides additional crunch.