Air-Fried Onion Bhajis: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to make onion bhajis. The cooking time is around 10 to 15 minutes, and the temperature should be set between 175-200°C. The recipe is simple and includes ingredients like onions, gram flour, rice flour, and spices. The result is crispy, tasty bhajis without the guilt of deep-frying.

The benefits of air-frying onion bhajis

Onion bhajis are a popular Indian snack, often served as a starter or side dish in British Indian restaurants. Traditionally, they are deep-fried in oil, but air-frying has emerged as a healthier alternative that offers several benefits.

Healthier Option

One of the main advantages of air-frying onion bhajis is the reduced amount of oil used in the cooking process. Deep-frying typically requires a large quantity of oil, which can make the dish high in fat and calories. Air-frying, on the other hand, uses little to no oil, resulting in a lighter and healthier version of the dish. This makes air-fried onion bhajis a good option for those who are conscious about their calorie intake or are looking for a more nutritious alternative without compromising on taste.

Easy and Mess-Free

Air-frying onion bhajis is also a much easier and less messy process than deep-frying. There is no need to deal with large quantities of hot oil, which can be cumbersome to clean up. Air-frying requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it a convenient and hassle-free option for busy cooks. The simplicity of the process also encourages people to make onion bhajis more often, increasing their intake of this tasty and nutritious snack.

Cost-Effective and Versatile

Another benefit of air-frying onion bhajis is the cost-effectiveness of the cooking method. Air-fried onion bhajis are made with simple pantry ingredients, making them budget-friendly. Additionally, the versatility of the dish allows for various customisations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The recipe can be easily adapted to be vegan, gluten-free, or spiced according to individual preferences.

Time-Saving

Air-frying onion bhajis also saves time compared to traditional deep-frying methods. The cooking time in an air fryer is significantly reduced, with most recipes requiring around 10 to 15 minutes of cooking time. This makes air-fried onion bhajis a quick and convenient option for those short on time but craving a delicious and crispy snack.

Delicious Results

Despite the healthier cooking method, air-fried onion bhajis deliver on taste and texture. They turn out deliciously crispy and perfectly cooked, comparable to their deep-fried counterparts. The air-frying method ensures even cooking and browning, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a flavourful, moist interior.

In conclusion, air-frying onion bhajis offers numerous benefits, including improved health, ease of preparation, cost-effectiveness, time savings, and delicious results. It is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy this traditional Indian snack without the guilt associated with deep-frying.

How to make onion bhajis in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2-3 onions (red, white, or brown)
• 1-2 teaspoons of ginger (freshly grated)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1-2 green chillies
• 1/2 teaspoon of chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/4 cup of coriander leaves
• 1/2 cup of rice flour
• 1 cup of gram flour/chickpea flour
• 40-50ml of water
• Oil spray
• Salt

Method

• Cut the onions in half and slice them finely.
• Mix salt into the onions and set aside for an hour or up to four hours.
• After this time, the onions should be moist. Squeeze the onions to release the water into a bowl.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the onions, except the water and oil spray.
• Add 40-50ml of water, or enough to create a thick batter.
• Heat the air fryer to 180-200°C.
• Line the basket with baking paper or brush with oil.
• Form the mixture into small balls and place them into the basket.
• Brush the bhajis with a little oil.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bhajis are crispy and cooked through.

Tips

• For an extra crispy bhaji, add rice flour to the chickpea flour batter.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can deep-fry the bhajis in oil at 180°C for 4-6 minutes.

How long to cook onion bhajis in an air fryer

The cooking time for onion bhajis in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. However, on average, they take around 10 to 15 minutes to cook at temperatures ranging from 175°C to 200°C. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make onion bhajis in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 small onions (red, white, yellow, or brown)
• Spices (coriander, chilli/chilli powder, turmeric, cumin/mustard seeds, etc.)
• Gram flour (chickpea flour)
• Rice flour (optional)
• Water
• Oil for brushing/spraying
• Salt to taste
• Other optional ingredients: garlic, ginger, yoghurt, mint, etc.

Method:

• Thinly slice the onions. Some recipes suggest soaking the onions in cold water or softening them with salt for 20 minutes to several hours to soften them and release their moisture. This can help reduce the amount of water added to the batter.
• Prepare the batter by mixing the dry ingredients (spices, gram flour, and rice flour if using) in a large bowl.
• Add water slowly to the dry mixture, stirring continuously, until a thick batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the onions well without being too stodgy or gloopy.
• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 175°C and 200°C. It is important to preheat the air fryer to replicate the temperature of the cooking oil in traditional frying.
• Brush the air fryer basket with oil or use an oil spray to prevent sticking. Some recipes suggest lining the basket with baking paper.
• Form small lumps or loose balls of the batter and place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Brush or spray the tops of the bhajis with oil.
• Air fry the bhajis for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness.
• Serve the onion bhajis immediately with your favourite chutney, raita, or sauce. They can be served as a starter, side dish, or snack.

Tips:

• The thinner the onion slices, the crispier the bhajis will be.
• Do not add too much water to the batter, as this can make the bhajis soggy. The onions themselves will release some water.
• Brushing or spraying the bhajis with oil is necessary to prevent them from drying out.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can add rice flour to the batter or use cornflour instead of rice flour.
• You can customise the recipe by adding ingredients like garlic, ginger, chillies, or chopped cashews.
• For freezing and reheating, transfer the cooled bhajis to freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them and then place them back in the air fryer until thoroughly heated.

What ingredients are needed for onion bhajis

Onion bhajis are a popular Indian appetiser or side dish. They can be made in an air fryer or by deep frying. Here are the ingredients you will need to make onion bhajis:

• Onions: Use 2 large red, brown, or white onions. Red onions have a milder flavour, while brown onions have a stronger flavour that mellows out during cooking, giving the bhajis a sweet and savoury taste.
• Flour: Gram (chickpea) flour is traditionally used and gives the bhajis a nutty taste and beautiful crunch. Rice flour is also added to make the bhajis super crispy. You can substitute cornflour/cornstarch if you don't have rice flour.
• Spices: Ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric are essential. You can also add chilli powder or green chillies for heat, or garam masala for extra flavour.
• Leavening Agents: Bicarbonate of soda/baking soda, baking powder, or cornflour/cornstarch is used to lighten the batter and ensure the bhajis are crispy.
• Water: Add just enough water to create a thick batter. The amount of water needed will depend on how much water the onions release.
• Oil: Use sunflower oil or vegetable oil for frying. If using an air fryer, brush the basket with oil before adding the bhaji mixture.
• Salt: Sprinkle salt over the sliced onions to help release their water, which is then used to make the batter.
• Optional Add-Ins: Fresh ginger, fresh garlic, chopped cashew nuts, grated carrots, or spinach can be added for extra flavour and texture.

How to make onion bhajis crispy

How to Make Crispy Onion Bhajis in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 2 red onions, sliced thin
• 1 cup gram flour /chickpea flour
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chilli powder
• ¼ cup coriander leaves
• 2-3 teaspoons water
• 2-2.5 teaspoons oil
• Salt to taste

Method

• Mix the dry ingredients, spices, salt, onion, and coriander leaves.
• Allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes to an hour. The longer you leave the onions to rest in the dry flour, the less water you will need.
• Squeeze the onions with your hands to release the water. Combine the mixture to form a thick batter. If the batter is too dry, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until the batter coats the onions well.
• Add 1 teaspoon of oil and mix.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400F / 200C for 10 minutes. Brush the air fryer basket with oil.
• Add small lumps of the fritter batter into the basket without letting them touch each other. Brush a little oil on top.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes, rotating at halftime. Brush again with a little oil.
• Air fry until evenly brown and crispy. Check if they’re cooked inside and the bhaji is not wet.
• Serve immediately with your favourite coriander chutney, ketchup, tamarind chutney, or raita.

Tips

• Preheating the air fryer is essential to replicate the temperature of the cooking oil.
• Slice the onions as thinly as possible.
• The pakora batter must not be too wet. Allowing the onion to rest in the flour is an important step as the onion will release its water.
• Adding rice flour to the chickpea flour batter will make super crispy pakora bhaji.
• Brushing a layer of oil is necessary for this bhaji recipe, otherwise, they will turn out dry.
• Do not overcrowd the bhaji in the air fryer basket.

Frequently asked questions