Air Fryer Onion Bhajis Recipe

Learn how to make homemade crispy air fryer onion bhajis with this easy recipe that uses 80% less oil than deep frying! These best-ever Indian snacks feature a perfectly spiced gram flour batter that delivers authentic flavor and crunch without the guilt. The ultimate foolproof appetizer that's ready in minutes!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

12 bhajis

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large red onions, thinly sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g gram flour (besan)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp cumin seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp coriander powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garam masala</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp turmeric powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80-100ml cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp vegetable oil, for brushing</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Silicone pastry brush</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes. This ensures the cooking chamber reaches the optimal temperature for achieving crispy bhajis from the moment they go in.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Slice the red onions thinly and place them in a large mixing bowl. The thinner you slice them, the more delicate your bhajis will be, though some texture variance adds character to the final result.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the gram flour, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt to the onions. Gram flour (also known as besan or chickpea flour) is crucial for authentic bhajis as it creates the distinctive nutty flavor and crisp texture when cooked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Sprinkle in the chopped green chili and fresh coriander, then add the lemon juice. The acidity in the lemon juice helps tenderize the onions and brightens the flavor profile of the spices.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gradually add cold water, starting with 80ml, mixing gently with your hands until the ingredients come together as a thick batter that clings to the onion slices. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the onions but not so runny that it pools in the bottom of the bowl - similar to a thick pancake batter. Add the remaining water only if needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. This allows the gram flour to fully absorb the water and spices, resulting in a better binding batter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Lightly brush the air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent sticking. Take golf ball-sized portions of the onion mixture and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each bhaji for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding as this will lead to steaming rather than crisping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Brush or spray the tops of the bhajis lightly with oil. This helps to achieve that golden-brown color and crispness that traditionally comes from deep-frying.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes, then carefully flip the bhajis using tongs or a spatula. Brush the other side lightly with oil and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy on both sides.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>The bhajis should look deeply golden with crisp edges when ready. If your bhajis are larger, they may need an extra minute or two. You'll know they're done when they're firm to the touch and no longer soft in the center.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot and crispy. These bhajis are delicious served with mint yogurt raita, tamarind chutney, or simply with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy your guilt-free, crispy onion bhajis!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Onion Bhajis Recipe?

Air Fryer Onion Bhajis require red onions, gram flour (besan), spices (cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, chilli powder), salt, lemon juice, green chilli, fresh coriander, water, and a small amount of oil for brushing.

How to cook Air Fryer Onion Bhajis Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Onion Bhajis by mixing thinly sliced red onions with gram flour and spices, adding just enough water to form a thick batter. Form into small portions, place in a preheated air fryer at 180°C, brush with oil, and cook for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

How do air-fried bhajis compare to traditionally deep-fried ones?

Air-fried bhajis contain approximately 80% less oil than their deep-fried counterparts while still achieving a deliciously crispy exterior. The texture is remarkably similar, though slightly less greasy, and the flavour remains authentic with the same aromatic spices shining through.

Can I make onion bhajis gluten-free?

Yes, these onion bhajis are naturally gluten-free as they're made with gram flour (besan), which comes from chickpeas rather than wheat. Just ensure your spices and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities or coeliac disease.

What dips pair best with crispy onion bhajis?

Onion bhajis pair beautifully with cooling mint yoghurt raita, tangy tamarind chutney, spicy mango chutney, or cucumber raita. For a simple option, serve with wedges of fresh lemon to squeeze over the hot bhajis, enhancing their flavour with a burst of acidity.

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