Making Bhaji In An Air Fryer: A Healthy Twist

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying onion bhajis. They are also less messy and easier to clean up. You can make crispy and delicious onion bhajis in an air fryer with minimal prep and cleanup. The air fryer also ensures that the bhajis are evenly cooked and crispy on the outside. The air-fried version is vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.

How to make bhaji batter

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make bhaji batter:

• Onions (red, white, or yellow)
• Gram flour (chickpea flour or besan flour)
• Rice flour (or cornflour/cornstarch)
• Spices (ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, chilli flakes, ground fenugreek, garlic salt, etc.)
• Water
• Oil (sunflower or vegetable oil)
• Salt
• Optional ingredients: ginger, garlic, green chilli, cashew nuts, grated carrot, or potato

Instructions

• Slice the onions thinly. You can use a mandoline or a knife to slice the onions. Some recipes suggest sprinkling salt over the sliced onions and setting them aside for an hour or up to four hours to release their water content, which can then be used in the batter.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, including the flours and spices. You can also add salt to the dry ingredients.
• Mix the dry ingredients with clean hands and let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour. This step is essential for achieving crispy bhajis.
• After the resting period, squeeze the onions with your hands to release any remaining water.
• Combine the mixture again to form a thick batter. If the batter feels too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add a teaspoon of oil to the batter.
• If the batter becomes too watery during the frying process, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of gram flour to adjust the consistency.

Now your bhaji batter is ready to be fried! Remember to fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Enjoy your delicious, crispy bhajis!

How to prepare onions for bhaji

Preparing the onions is a crucial step in making bhajis. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the onions for your bhajis:

Firstly, select the right type of onions. While red onions are commonly used for their sweet flavour, white or brown onions can also be used. If you want a milder onion flavour and a hint of colour, go for red onions. For a stronger onion flavour, brown or yellow onions are ideal. You can also mix different types of onions to create a unique flavour profile.

Next, cut the onions. Peel and thinly slice the onions, either by hand or using a mandoline. The slices should be thin and uniform in size. You can also add a bit of rusticity by having some uneven pieces. Remember to be careful while slicing!

After slicing, place the onions in a bowl and add salt. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the onions and mix well. This step is essential as it helps draw out the moisture from the onions, making them limp and moist. Let the salted onions sit for about an hour or up to four hours.

Once the onions have rested, it's time to squeeze out the excess water. Use your hands to squeeze the onions and release the water into the bowl. This water will be used in the batter, so make sure to collect it.

Now, you can start making the batter. Add the dry ingredients, such as gram flour (chickpea flour), rice flour, and spices, to the onions and mix well. Keep in mind that gram flour gives bhajis a nutty taste and a beautiful crunch, while rice flour makes them super crispy. You can also add spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder to enhance the flavour.

Gradually add water to the mixture, a little at a time, until you achieve a thick batter. Be careful not to add too much water, as it can make the bhajis stodgy. The water released from the onions should be enough to create the right consistency.

Finally, let the batter rest. This step is crucial for achieving crispy bhajis. Let the batter sit for at least 20 minutes, or even up to an hour, before frying. This allows the flavours to meld and the batter to reach the perfect consistency.

Now your onions are ready to be fried! Remember to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in greasy and less crispy bhajis. Enjoy your delicious, crispy onion bhajis!

Bhaji cooking times and temperatures

Bhajis are best cooked in batches, and the cooking time will depend on the size of your bhajis and the model of your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking bhajis in an air fryer, including timings and temperatures:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 171°C or 340°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
• Prepare the bhaji mixture: While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your bhaji mixture. The mixture should be thick and pasty, like wallpaper paste. If it is too dry, add a small amount of water (a tablespoon at a time).
• Add the bi-carbonate of soda: Just before cooking, add the bi-carbonate of soda to the bhaji mixture and combine well.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil: Generously spray the basket with cooking oil.
• Spoon the bhaji mixture into the basket: Use a fork to spoon the bhaji mixture into the basket, keeping space between each bhaji. Do not overcrowd the basket.
• Spray the bhajis with oil: Once the bhajis are in the basket, spray them with cooking oil.
• Air fry the bhajis: Air fry the bhajis at 171°C/340°F for 8 minutes.
• Flip the bhajis: After 4 minutes, remove the basket from the air fryer and use tongs to flip the bhajis. Spray the bhajis with a little more oil.
• Air fry until cooked: Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking until the bhajis are fully cooked and light golden brown.

If you are cooking frozen bhajis, increase the temperature to 180°C or 360°F and cook for 6-7 minutes. Check the bhajis regularly to ensure they do not overcook.

Bhajis are best served immediately while still hot and crispy. However, you can store leftover bhajis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, air fry at 180°C/350°F for 5 minutes.

Some recipes suggest increasing the temperature to 200°C/400°F for the final few minutes of cooking to ensure the bhajis are crispy.

Tips for Perfect Bhajis:

• Slice the onions thinly for maximum crispness and flavour.
• Do not make the batter too runny, or it will not hold its shape in the air fryer.
• Allow the onions to sit in the batter – the salt will draw out moisture.
• Be generous with the oil to get the best results – you will still use less than deep-frying!
• You may want to flip the bhajis halfway through cooking for even browning. Spray with a little extra oil at this stage.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure good air circulation and even cooking.
• For an authentic taste, add green chillies to the mixture.

What to serve with bhaji

Bhaji is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, side, or main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with bhaji:

As a Snack or Appetiser

Bhaji is often served as a snack or appetiser, and can be paired with various dips and sauces. Some popular options include:

• Sweet chilli sauce
• Coriander chutney
• Tamarind sauce
• Raita
• Yogurt dipping sauce

As a Side Dish

Bhaji can also be served as a side dish to accompany a larger meal. Some possible main courses to serve with bhaji include:

• Roti
• Chana masala
• Rogan josh
• Kadhi pakora
• Rice dishes such as pulao or biryani
• Chicken tikka or paneer tikka
• Jeera rice
• Naan
• Chicken or lamb curry

As a Main Course

If you choose to serve bhaji as the main course, you can round out the meal with some side dishes and accompaniments:

• Onion pakoras or fritters
• Salad, such as a tomato and onion salad
• Raita, especially if the main course is spicy
• Naan or other bread
• Lassi or chai
• Dessert, such as gulab jamun

How to store bhaji

Storing bhaji is an important step to preserving its flavour and texture. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store bhaji:

Choosing the Right Container

Use an airtight container to store your bhaji. This will help keep the bhaji fresh and prevent it from drying out. If you plan to store the bhaji for a longer period, consider using a glass container as it helps retain the flavour and keeps the moisture out.

Storing Time and Temperature

It is best to store bhaji in a cool, dry place. Exposure to heat and humidity can affect its quality over time. The ideal storage temperature is between 10°C and 15°C. If you live in a hot and humid climate, consider storing the bhaji in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

Storing in the Refrigerator

If you plan to consume the bhaji within a few days, storing it in the refrigerator is a good option. Place the airtight container with the bhaji in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bhaji

If you have made a large batch of bhaji and want to store it for an extended period, freezing is a viable option. Once the bhaji has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Ensure that the bhaji is completely cooled before freezing to prevent the formation of condensation, which can affect its texture.

You can store bhaji in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve it, thaw the frozen bhaji in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. After thawing, place the bhaji back in the air fryer and heat it until it is thoroughly warmed.

Frequently asked questions