Air Fryer Bhajis: A Healthy, Tasty Treat?

You can definitely cook bhajis in an air fryer! In fact, it's a healthier alternative to deep-frying them in oil, and they come out just as crispy and delicious. The cooking time is shorter, too—most recipes recommend frying the bhajis for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the temperature of your air fryer. You can also make them vegan and gluten-free, and they're a great side dish or snack.

Onion bhajis are accidentally vegan

You can definitely cook onion bhajis in an air fryer! This method offers a healthier version of the dish, as it requires less oil. The recipe is simple: just slice your onions thinly, mix them into a batter made from chickpea flour and spices, and fry them in your air fryer for around 10 to 15 minutes.

Now, onto the topic of onion bhajis being accidentally vegan. It turns out that this Indian snack, which has been around for thousands of years, is traditionally made with plant-based ingredients. The classic batter consists of chickpea flour (also known as gram flour), spices, and sometimes lemon juice. While some recipes do include eggs, this is not always the case, and the eggs can be easily substituted or omitted without sacrificing taste or texture. This makes onion bhajis a great option for vegans and vegetarians, as well as anyone looking for a delicious and budget-friendly snack.

The beauty of onion bhajis lies in their simplicity. The key ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making them a popular choice for street food vendors and home cooks alike. The method of preparation is also relatively straightforward, and the bhajis can be cooked in batches, making them perfect for feeding a crowd.

When it comes to serving onion bhajis, there are several options. They can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, paired with vegan raita, chutney, or even a cold beer. They also make a great side dish to accompany a curry and naan meal. The versatility of onion bhajis is part of their appeal, and their crispy, tender texture and flavorful taste have made them a favorite among food lovers of all dietary preferences.

So, whether you're cooking them in an air fryer or preparing them the traditional way, onion bhajis are a delicious and accidentally vegan treat that can be enjoyed by everyone.

How to make the batter

To make the batter for onion bhajis in an air fryer, you'll need to gather your ingredients and tools. You will need a mixing bowl, a chopping board, a kitchen knife, weighing scales or a measuring jug, cups, and spoons.

For the batter, you will need gram flour (chickpea flour), rice flour, and water. The rice flour is optional, but it adds crispiness to the bhajis. If you don't have rice flour, you can use cornflour instead. You will also need a combination of spices, such as chilli, turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, or tikka masala paste. Garam masala, cumin seeds, and ajwain seeds are also great additions for extra flavour. If you like your food spicy, you can add Kashmiri chilli powder. You can also add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, but it's recommended to skip garlic as its flavour can be overpowering. For a crunchy texture, consider adding chopped cashews to the batter.

To prepare the batter, start by slicing the onions thinly. The thinner the slices, the better. Then, sprinkle a bit of salt over the onions. This will help to draw out the moisture from the onions, making the bhajis crispier. Allow the onions to rest in the flour while you prepare the rest of the batter. The onions will release their water, so you won't need to add a lot of extra water to the batter.

In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients, including the gram flour, rice flour (if using), and your desired spices. Slowly add water to the dry ingredients, a little at a time, until you achieve a batter with a thick, spoonable consistency. The batter should not be too wet, as this will affect the texture of the bhajis. Once your batter is ready, you can proceed to frying your onion bhajis in the air fryer.

Oil spray or oil brushing

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with minimal oil, making them a healthier option compared to other cooking methods. While air fryers don't always require oil, it is beneficial to use a small amount of oil to prevent food from sticking to the basket or racks. Additionally, oil helps food retain moisture and develop a crispy texture.

When using oil in an air fryer, it is recommended to opt for oil sprays or oil brushing. Oil sprays are a healthy option as they allow you to disperse a small amount of oil evenly over the food. You can use a refillable oil sprayer or a store-bought option. If using a refillable sprayer, ensure you use a high-smoke-point oil. Some popular options include the EVO oil sprayer and the Misto oil sprayer, which are non-aerosol and chemical-free. However, these sprayers may require occasional cleaning as they can get clogged.

If you don't have an oil sprayer, you can brush oil onto the food or the air fryer basket using a pastry brush. This method ensures even coverage and prevents sticking. It is important to note that you should avoid using non-stick cooking sprays, such as PAM, as they can damage the lining of the air fryer basket.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is generally recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 175°C to 176°C. Then, you can lightly spray or brush oil onto the air fryer basket and the food itself. Depending on the food, you may need to flip it halfway through the cooking process and give it another light spray or brush of oil to ensure even cooking.

Temperature and timing

When cooking bhajis in an air fryer, it is important to find the right balance between temperature and timing. The ideal temperature is around 175-190°C (347-374°F), with a general cooking time of 12-15 minutes.

To begin, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. This is a crucial step to ensure consistent cooking results. Next, prepare your bhaji batter and form it into loose balls or flatten them into mounds. Aim for a thick batter consistency to prevent oil absorption and adjust the spices and flavours to your preference.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the bhajis. Using two dessert spoons, scoop the batter into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Depending on the size and thickness of your bhajis, cook them for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Thicker bhajis may need a few extra minutes, while thinner ones might be ready in 10 minutes or less.

Keep a close eye on your bhajis during the cooking process, as air fryers can cook food quickly. Use a timer to prevent overcooking, which can result in dry and brittle bhajis. If you prefer them crispier, you can increase the temperature by 25-50°F (13-27°C) for the last 2-3 minutes. On the other hand, if they start to burn, reduce the temperature and add a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Storing and reheating

Storing your Bhajis

If you have leftover bhajis, you can store them in the fridge for a day or two. To freeze bhajis, spread them out on a tray and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This will help the bhajis retain their crisp texture and prevent them from sticking together. Remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating your Bhajis

There are several ways to reheat bhajis, including using an air fryer, oven, grill, microwave, or a frying pan. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:

• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 175°C. Place the bhajis in the basket in batches to ensure proper airflow. Fry for 10-15 minutes, then increase the temperature to 200°C for the last 5 minutes to make them crispy.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C and cook the bhajis for 10 minutes until crispy.
• Grill: Place the bhajis on a grill over medium heat. Turn them occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Microwave: For thicker bhajis, microwave for 5 seconds before finishing under the grill or in the oven. This helps to preheat the bhaji and ensure the middle is heated without drying out the exterior.
• Frying Pan: Fill a deep-sided frying pan with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of oil and heat to 320°F (160°C). Carefully place the bhajis in the oil and fry for 5 seconds on each side, flipping them as soon as they start to brown.

Tips:

• If you know you will be reheating bhajis, it is recommended to only cook them 80-85% of the way, so they don't dry out when reheated.
• When reheating in the air fryer, keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
• If using a toaster, ensure you have toaster bags to catch any grease and prevent mess.
• To thaw frozen bhajis, leave them in the fridge overnight.

Frequently asked questions