Air-Fryer Bhaji: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a healthier, more convenient option for making onion bhajis, producing the same delicious, crispy results as deep-frying, but with less oil and mess. This Indian appetiser is vegan and gluten-free, and can be served with Indian mint sauce, tamarind sauce, or a yoghurt and mint sauce.

Choosing the right type of onion

• Flavour: Different types of onions have distinct flavours that can range from sweet to sharp. For bhajis, it is generally recommended to use brown or yellow onions, as they have a stronger onion flavour that mellows during cooking, resulting in a sweet and savoury taste. However, if you prefer a milder onion flavour, red onions can be a good option. White onions are also used in bhaji recipes and can add a unique flavour.
• Texture: The texture of the onion is important, especially when slicing or chopping it for bhajis. You want to aim for a thin and even slice, so choose an onion that is firm and not too juicy. This will help create a crispy texture in the air fryer.
• Size: Opt for larger onions, such as those slightly bigger than tennis balls, as they will provide more surface area for slicing or chopping. This will result in a greater yield and more bhajis.
• Colour: While the colour of the onion doesn't necessarily impact the flavour, it can add visual appeal to your dish. Red onions, for example, can provide a hint of colour to your bhajis.
• Availability: Consider the availability and cost of the onions. Some types of onions may be more readily available or affordable than others, depending on the season and your location.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, choosing the right onion also comes down to your personal preference. If you have a favourite type of onion or want to experiment with different varieties, go for it! You can even mix and match different types of onions to create unique flavour profiles in your bhajis.

Remember, the type of onion you choose will influence the overall taste, texture, and appearance of your bhajis, so select wisely!

Preparing the batter

Slice the onions thinly and add them to a large bowl. You can use red, white, or yellow onions, or a combination. It's important to slice the onions thinly for maximum crispness and flavour. Next, add your desired spices to the bowl. This may include ground coriander, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, or ginger-garlic paste. You can also add green chillies for an extra kick. Mix the onions and spices together using a spoon or your fingers.

Let the onions sit for a few minutes to release their moisture. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the batter will not be too runny. The salt will help draw out the moisture from the onions.

Now, add the gram flour and rice flour to the onion mixture. Combine these ingredients together using a spoon or your fingers. Slowly add very small amounts of water (just a tablespoon at a time) to create a thick batter. The consistency should be similar to thick wallpaper paste, not a runny pancake batter. You can also add a small amount of oil to the batter for extra crispiness.

Once your batter is ready, you can start shaping and frying your bhajis!

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for onion bhajis in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide with temperature and time details:

Step 1: Prepare the Onion Bhaji Mixture

Finely slice the onions and sprinkle salt over them. This helps release moisture from the onions, which is needed for the batter. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, chilli, and spices to the onions. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes to an hour.

Step 2: Make the Batter

After the onions have rested, squeeze out the water and mix it with the dry ingredients to form a thick batter. Add a small amount of water (a tablespoon at a time) if needed, but be careful not to make the batter too runny. You can also add a teaspoon of oil to the batter for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 171°C (340°F) and 200°C (400°F) for about 3-to-10 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure the bhajis cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Step 4: Cook the Onion Bhajis

Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking oil. Form the bhaji mixture into small lumps or loose balls and place them in the basket without overcrowding. Brush or spray a little oil on top of the bhajis.

Step 5: Air Fry the Bhajis

Cook the bhajis at the preheated temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket, flip the bhajis using tongs, and spray or brush with a little more oil.

Step 6: Serve

Once the bhajis are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served. They are best enjoyed immediately while still hot and crispy. You can serve them with chutney, raita, or ketchup on the side.

Tips for Crispy Bhajis:

• Slice the onions thinly for maximum crispness and flavour.
• The batter should be thick, similar to wallpaper paste, rather than a runny pancake batter.
• Be generous with the oil when spraying or brushing the bhajis for better results, but remember, you will still use much less oil compared to deep frying!
• You may flip the bhajis halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the bhajis in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Storing and Reheating:

Onion bhajis are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer and cook at 176°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again.

Freezing:

You can also freeze cooked onion bhajis. Once cooled, transfer them to freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the microwave or refrigerator, then pop them back into the air fryer and cook until heated through.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried onion bhajis. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve them as a starter or side dish alongside Indian meals such as roti, chana masala, rogan josh, or Punjabi Kadhi Pakora.
• Pair them with coriander garlic naan bread, dal tarka, coconut chickpea curry, veg korma, or cucumber raita for a curry night.
• Enjoy them as a snack with chutney, such as green chutney, tamarind sauce, or raita, or with ketchup.
• Use them as a substitute for naan bread and dip them in curry.
• Dip them in a yoghurt and mint sauce or a mint raita without the cucumber.
• Make them into burgers, such as an onion bhaji burger.
• Serve them as an after-school snack for kids.
• Serve them with poppadoms and dips for a full Indian takeaway-style meal.
• Enjoy them with a cup of masala chai or strong filter coffee.
• Eat them on their own.

Air-fried onion bhajis are best served immediately while still hot and crispy, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheated in the air fryer.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating bhajis is a breeze, and you can make a big batch to enjoy over a few days.

Storage

If you have any leftover bhajis, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Lining the container with a paper towel will help to soak up any excess moisture and keep the bhajis crisp.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bhajis for longer, you can freeze them. Lay them out on a baking tray in a single layer and flash-freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once they're frozen, transfer the bhajis to a heavy-duty freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. They will stay at their best for up to 3 months.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat bhajis, but the best method is to use an air fryer. Simply place the bhajis in the air fryer basket and heat them for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (180°C). You can also reheat bhajis in the oven, under the grill, in the microwave, in a toaster, or by refrying them.

Frequently asked questions