Crispy Air Fryer Onion Bhaji (Printable Version)

Golden, crispy onion fritters seasoned with Indian spices and made lighter using air frying method.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dry Ingredients

04 - 1 cup gram flour (besan/chickpea flour)
05 - 2 tablespoons rice flour
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
09 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
11 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Wet Ingredients

13 - 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed)
14 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ To Finish

15 - Spray oil (such as canola or sunflower)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place the sliced onions, green chilies, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Add gram flour, rice flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
03 - Toss everything together so the onions are well coated in the flour and spices.
04 - 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.
05 - Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 3 minutes.
06 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
07 - Scoop heaped tablespoons of the mixture and shape gently into rough patties or clumps. Arrange in the basket in a single layer, without overcrowding.
08 - Lightly spray the tops with oil. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning once and spraying again, until golden and crisp.
09 - Serve hot with chutney or yogurt dip.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Significantly lower in fat than deep-fried pakoras.
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
  • Quick to prepare and cook in just 30 minutes.
  • Delivers a perfect balance of aromatic Indian spices and crispy texture.
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation for maximum crispiness.
  • Turning the bhajis halfway through and giving them a second light spray of oil is key to getting that deep-fried look and feel.
  • Use certified gluten-free flours and check spice labels to ensure the dish remains completely gluten-free.
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