Air-Fried Onion Bhaji: A Healthy, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying onion bhajis, requiring minimal prep and cleanup. The results are similar to the fried version, but with a lot less mess. The air fryer also makes the process healthier, as it uses less oil. The recipe is simple and customizable, with many variations of spices and ingredients that can be added. The key to getting crispy onion bhajis is to finely slice the onions and let them sit with salt to release their water, which is then used to make the batter. The batter is made with chickpea flour (gram flour) and spices, and the bhajis are air-fried for 10-15 minutes.

How to make the batter

To make the batter for your onion bhajis, you'll need to finely slice your onions and then sprinkle them with salt. This will help to draw out the water from the onions, which you will need for your batter. Leave the onions for at least 30 minutes, or up to four hours.

After this time, squeeze the onions to release their water into the bowl. You can then add the rest of your ingredients to the onions. The exact ingredients vary depending on the recipe, but most include spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, as well as gram flour (chickpea flour) and a small amount of water.

Mix all the ingredients together until a thick batter forms. The batter should be sticky but not runny, and you should be able to form a ball with the mixture without it falling apart or sticking to your hands. If the batter is too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Some recipes also suggest adding a small amount of oil to the batter. This is optional but can help to ensure your bhajis are crispy and golden brown.

How to shape the bhajis

Shaping bhajis is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure they hold together and cook evenly. Here is a detailed guide on how to shape your bhajis for air frying:

• Prepare the bhaji batter: Before shaping, ensure you have prepared your bhaji batter by mixing all the dry and wet ingredients. The batter should be thick and sticky, allowing you to form it into balls without it falling apart or sticking to your hands. If the batter is too dry, add a small amount of water, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
• Wet your hands: Before handling the batter, wet your hands lightly. This will prevent the batter from sticking to your hands and make it easier to shape the bhajis.
• Form loose balls: Take a small portion of the batter and gently form it into a loose ball using your hands. The size of the ball will depend on your preference, but it should be roughly palm-sized to ensure even cooking. Remember that the bhajis will expand slightly during cooking, so don't make them too big.
• Place in the air fryer basket: Carefully place the shaped bhaji balls into the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Spray with oil (optional): For a golden brown colour and extra crispness, you can spray the bhajis with oil before air frying. This step is optional but will enhance the colour and texture of your bhajis.
• Cook in batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bhajis in batches to ensure even cooking. Follow the cooking instructions provided in your chosen recipe, typically air frying at around 180°C or 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Flip halfway through: For even cooking and browning, consider flipping the bhajis halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that both sides cook evenly and achieve a similar colour and texture.
• Increase temperature for a crisp finish (optional): If you prefer your bhajis to be extra crispy, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C or 400°F for the last few minutes of cooking.

By following these steps, you will shape and cook bhajis that are evenly cooked, crispy, and golden brown. Enjoy your delicious air-fried onion bhajis!

How long to cook them for

The cooking time for onion bhajis in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the size of the air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking the bhajis for 10-15 minutes at 175-200°C (350-400°F). Some recipes suggest cooking them for a shorter time, such as 6 minutes per side, while others recommend a longer cooking time of up to 16 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may depend on the size of the bhajis, with smaller ones cooking faster, and the number of bhajis in the air fryer, as overcrowding the basket can affect the cooking time. Additionally, some recipes recommend flipping the bhajis halfway through the cooking process.

To ensure the bhajis are cooked through and crispy, it is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the bhajis. The temperature and cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. It is also recommended to spray the air fryer basket with oil or line it with baking paper before adding the bhaji batter to prevent sticking.

What to serve them with

Air-fried onion bhajis are a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried onion bhajis, and they pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve them with:

Sauces

A selection of sauces can complement the flavours of onion bhajis. Some popular choices include coriander dip, minty garlic raita, tamarind sauce, and green chutney. These sauces add a refreshing and zesty touch to the dish.

Breads

Naan bread is a classic choice to serve with onion bhajis. For an extra kick, try garlic and chilli naan bread. You can serve the bhajis on top of the naan or chop them into bite-sized pieces and make a wrap. Peshwari naans, with their chewy and fluffy texture, are another tasty option.

Rice Dishes

Rice is a staple in Indian cuisine, and there are several ways to elevate plain rice. Lemon pilau rice, for example, adds a citrusy twist to the meal. Biryani, such as South Indian mushroom biryani, incorporates fragrant spices like cumin, cardamom, star anise, and cinnamon.

Potato Sides

Potato dishes are always a favourite, and there are a few options to consider. Bombay potatoes, with their golden colour and earthy taste, are a delightful choice. Indian roasted potatoes with mint, coriander, and lime juice offer a fresh and vibrant flavour profile.

Salads

A bright and vibrant Indian chopped salad can be a refreshing accompaniment to onion bhajis. It typically includes ingredients like cucumber, tomato, pomegranate, red onion, chilli, and lime juice.

Meat and Vegetable Dishes

Meat and vegetable dishes can also be served alongside onion bhajis. Keema pakoras, made with minced chicken, beef, or mutton, are juicy and flavoursome. Vegetable samosas, easy to make and a popular choice, can be a wonderful finger food option.

How to store leftovers

You can store leftover onion bhajis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer and cook at 350°F/176°C for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot.

You can also freeze leftover onion bhajis. Once they have cooled, place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. After a couple of hours, transfer the bhajis to a sealed container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month.

To reheat from frozen, defrost the bhajis overnight in the fridge, then bake in the oven at 400°F/200°C for 5-6 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions