Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Onion Bhaji is a healthy twist on the classic Indian snack. Made with thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced gram flour batter and air fried to golden perfection, these bhajis are light, crunchy, and perfect for serving as an appetizer or a tea-time treat.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 large onions (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 green chilli (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp dried coriander leaf
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tsp ground fenugreek
- 3/4 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic salt
Flours and Baking Agents
- 130 g (1 ½ cups + 2 tbsp) gram flour (chickpea flour or besan)
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda, NOT baking powder)
Liquids and Oils
- 4-6 tbsp water
- spray oil for spraying the bhajis (approximately 15 ml / 1 tbsp total)
Serving
- sweet chilli sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the onion mixture: Place the thinly sliced onions in a large mixing bowl. Add the minced ginger, chopped green chilli, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried coriander leaf, chilli flakes, ground fenugreek, salt, garlic salt, gram flour, cornflour, and bicarbonate of soda to the onions.
- Mix and coat: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to coat the onions evenly with the spices and flours.
- Make the batter: Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you get a thick, sticky batter that clings well to the onions and holds together when squeezed.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the bhajis from sticking during cooking.
- Shape the bhajis: Take a rounded tablespoon of the onion mixture, squeeze it firmly in your hand to compact it, then flatten slightly to increase the surface area, which promotes even cooking and crispiness. Place the bhaji in the air fryer basket.
- Repeat and space: Repeat the process to make about 10-12 bhajis total. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in 2 or 3 batches, ensuring each bhaji has space around it to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Oil the bhajis: Spray or brush the formed bhajis lightly with oil to encourage a crispy exterior.
- Air fry the first side: Cook the bhajis at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes to begin crisping and cooking through.
- Turn and finish cooking: Carefully flip the bhajis, spray with more oil, and air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until they are dark golden brown and crisp all over.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked bhajis to a serving bowl, sprinkle with fresh chopped coriander, and serve hot with sweet chilli sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the bhajis in batches if necessary.
- The thickness of the batter should be sticky and thick to ensure the onions bind well and form cohesive bhajis.
- You can adjust the chili flakes or green chili to your preferred spice level.
- The bicarbonate of soda helps lighten the texture and makes the bhajis slightly puff up during cooking.
- Spraying or brushing oil before and during cooking is key to achieving a crispy texture in the air fryer without deep-frying.
