Air Fryer Bajji: A Healthy Twist On A Classic?

Yes, you can make bajji in an air fryer! Bajji, also known as pakora, pakoda, bhaji, or bhajiya, is a popular Indian snack or appetiser. It is traditionally deep-fried, but air fryers offer a healthier alternative that is still tasty and crispy.

Air-fried bajji is made with a fraction of the oil used in traditional recipes, reducing the fat and calorie content. It is also less messy, as there is no leftover oil to dispose of, and less chance of oil splattering during the cooking process.

To make bajji in an air fryer, you will need to create a thick batter by mixing various ingredients, including gram flour, rice flour, and spices. You can add vegetables of your choice, such as onions, potatoes, or spinach. The batter is then shaped into balls or discs and placed in the air fryer basket, which has been sprayed with oil. After cooking for around 12 minutes at 180°C or 350°F, the temperature is increased to 200°C or 400°F for a further 4-6 minutes, resulting in crispy and golden bajji.

So, if you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy this delicious Indian treat, get out your air fryer and give it a go!

How to make bajji in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour or gram flour (also known as besan)
• 2 tbsp rice flour or corn starch
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds or ajwain
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp baking soda (optional)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• 1/2 cup water
• Ketchup or chutney, to serve

Method

• Mix together the chickpea flour, rice flour, carom seeds, garam masala, baking soda, turmeric powder, cayenne, and salt in a bowl.
• Add the mustard oil and water to the bowl and stir to form a thick batter. The batter should be thin enough to coat the sliced vegetables, but not too runny.
• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F for 4 minutes.
• Cut your chosen vegetables (such as potatoes or onions) into thin slices or rounds.
• Dip the vegetable slices into the batter and coat evenly.
• Place the battered vegetables onto a parchment paper-lined air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes. You can brush the bajji with a little oil once the batter has set, and flip them if you like.
• Increase the temperature to 200°C or 390°F and air fry for about 3 minutes more, until golden.
• Serve hot with ketchup or chutney.

Tips

• Brushing the bajji with a bit of oil during air frying gives it a nice golden appearance that is close to the deep-fried look.
• Sprinkle chaat masala on top for a tangy touch.
• Using parchment paper in the air fryer helps prevent the bajji from sticking to the basket.
• You can skip the baking soda, but it adds a little lightness to the fritters.

What ingredients are needed for an air fryer bajji

Yes, you can make bajji in an air fryer!

• Onion Bhaji– This is a fried fritter made with onions and spices. The ingredients include red and yellow onions, a jalapeno pepper, garlic, coriander, chili powder, ground turmeric, chickpea flour (also known as besan), and water. You can also add cumin to taste.
• Aloo Pakora (Potato Bajji) – This is made with potatoes, chickpea flour (or besan), rice flour or corn starch, carom seeds (ajwain), garam masala, turmeric powder, cayenne, salt, mustard oil, and baking soda.

The primary ingredient in both types of bajji is chickpea flour, also known as besan or Bengal Lentils. This is a common ingredient in Indian cooking and adds protein to the dish. The flour is mixed with water to create a thick batter, which is then cooked in the air fryer.

How long does it take to make bajji in an air fryer

Yes, you can make bajji in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of bajji you are making, but it typically ranges from 12 to 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long it takes to make some popular types of bajji in an air fryer:

Onion Bhaji:

Onion bhaji is a popular Indian snack that can be easily made in an air fryer. The cooking time for onion bhaji in an air fryer is generally around 12 to 15 minutes. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Prepare the batter by mixing the dry ingredients and adding water to create a thick batter.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
• Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter into the basket and flatten it. Repeat this step without letting the bhajis touch each other.
• Cook the bhajis in the preheated air fryer for 6 minutes.
• Mist the tops of the bhajis with cooking spray and flip them over. Cook for another 6 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked bhajis to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter.

Mirchi Bhajji:

Mirchi bhajji is a South Indian street food made with light green chillies stuffed and fried in a batter of spiced chickpea flour. Here are the steps to make it in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes. Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat with holes.
• Dip each stuffed chilli in the batter and place them on the parchment paper.
• Air fry at 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes.
• Lightly brush each chilli with oil.
• Air fry at 200 degrees Celsius or 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes more for browning.

Potato Bajji:

To make a potato bajji in an air fryer, you can follow a similar process to the onion bhaji. Here are the additional steps:

• Peel and grate the potato, placing it in a small amount of water to prevent browning.
• Add the grated potato to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
• Form the batter into flat discs and place them in the air fryer.
• Cook for 12 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Increase the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, respray with oil, and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes.

What temperature should the air fryer be for making bajji

The optimal temperature for making bajji in an air fryer depends on the type of bajji being made and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some guidelines and recipes for making bajji in an air fryer:

Onion Bhaji

For onion bhaji, the air fryer temperature should be set between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C). Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Slice onions thinly and mix with spices, chickpea flour, and water to form a thick batter.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Spoon the batter into the air fryer basket and flatten it.
• Cook for 6 minutes, then mist the tops of the bhajis with cooking spray.
• Flip and cook for an additional 6 minutes.
• Repeat with remaining batter if needed.

For a crispier texture, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 4-6 minutes of cooking.

Aloo Pakora (Potato Bajji)

Aloo pakora, or potato bajji, can be made in an air fryer at a slightly higher temperature. Here are the steps:

• Cut potatoes into thin rounds and prepare a spiced chickpea flour batter.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 4 minutes.
• Dip the potato slices in the batter and place them on parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes.
• Increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and air fry for an additional 3 minutes for a golden colour.

Mirchi Bajji (Stuffed Chilli Bajji)

Mirchi bajji, a South Indian street food, requires a slightly lower temperature than the other varieties. Here's how to make it:

• Prepare a batter with chickpea flour, rice flour, spices, and water.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C or 260°F) for 4-5 minutes.
• Dip the stuffed chillies in the batter and place them on parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 360°F (180°C or 260°F) for 8 minutes.
• Lightly brush each chilli with oil.
• Increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes for browning.

How to serve air fryer bajji

Air fryer bajji can be served as a snack or appetiser, either on their own or with a variety of dips and sides.

If serving as a snack, you can enjoy bajji with a cup of tea or coffee. They also go well with chutney, such as coconut chutney, garlic chutney, cilantro chutney, or avocado chutney. You can also serve them with ketchup or yoghurt dipping sauce.

If serving as an appetiser, air fryer bajji can be served before an Indian meal, or as part of a spread of snacks. They can be enjoyed on their own, or with chutney and/or yoghurt sauce.

Frequently asked questions