Air Fryer Onion Bhaji

Experience the authentic taste of Indian street food with these crispy, golden Air Fryer Onion Bhajis. Spiced with aromatic seasonings and packed with fresh cilantro, these fritters provide all the savory satisfaction of the traditional snack but are made much healthier using an air fryer. They are the perfect guilt-free treat for anyone craving a crunchy, flavorful appetizer.

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Using gram flour (besan) and rice flour ensures these bhajis are light and crispy without the need for gluten. The air fryer technology allows the onions to crisp up beautifully with just a light spray of oil, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious food lovers.

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 achieve the best results, ensure your air fryer is preheated and that you do not overcrowd the basket. Placing the bhajis in a single layer allows the air to circulate effectively, resulting in a more even crunch. Turning them halfway through and giving them a second light spray of oil helps ensure both sides are perfectly golden.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra nutrition and a different texture, you can add a tablespoon of finely chopped spinach or shredded carrot to the mix. You can also easily adjust the heat levels by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies and chili powder to suit your personal preference.

Serviervorschläge

These bhajis are most delicious when served hot. For an authentic touch, pair them with mint chutney or a sweet tamarind sauce. They also work wonderfully with a cool yogurt dip, which provides a nice balance to the warm Indian spices.

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These Air Fryer Onion Bhajis are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced, containing approximately 135 calories and 5g of protein per serving. Containing chickpeas and wholesome spices, they are a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite street food flavors in a healthy, modern way.

Recipe FAQs

→ What spices are used to flavor the fritters?

The fritters include ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a warm, aromatic spice blend.

→ How does air frying affect the texture?

Air frying produces a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside tender, using less oil than traditional frying methods.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can increase or decrease the green chilies and chili powder to match your preferred heat level.

→ What flour types are used for binding?

A combination of gram flour (chickpea flour) and rice flour ensures the right texture and binding for the fritters.

→ Are these fritters suitable for special diets?

They are vegan and gluten-free when gluten-free flours are used, making them adaptable for various dietary preferences.

→ What accompaniments pair well with these fritters?

Traditional pairings include mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or cooling yogurt dips which complement the spices perfectly.