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Crispy Air Fryer Onion Pakora Recipe (Low Oil Bhaji)

A pile of golden brown, crispy air fryer onion pakora served on a white plate near a sunlit window.
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Make perfectly crispy Indian onion pakoras, or bhajis, using your air fryer. This recipe provides a healthier, low-oil alternative to deep-frying while maintaining excellent texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
  • 2 tablespoons rice flour (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • Water, as needed (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup)
  • Cooking spray (oil)

Instructions

  1. Place the thinly sliced onions in a large bowl. Add salt and mix well with your hands to help the onions release moisture. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the besan, rice flour, red chili powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and baking soda.
  3. Add the dry spice mixture, chopped cilantro, and green chili (if using) to the onions. Mix everything together.
  4. Add water slowly, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you form a thick, shaggy batter that just coats the onions. Do not overmix or add too much water; the batter should not be runny.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  7. Form small, golf-ball-sized portions of the onion mixture and gently flatten them slightly. Do not press them too hard.
  8. Place the pakoras in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches.
  9. Lightly spray the tops of the pakoras with cooking spray.
  10. Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the pakoras and spray the other side lightly with cooking spray.
  11. Continue to air fry for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the pakoras are deep golden brown and crispy. Adjust time based on your air fryer model.
  12. Remove the crispy air fryer onion pakoras and serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results, ensure the batter is thick and you use rice flour along with the besan.
  • Do not skip preheating the air fryer; this helps achieve a better initial crisp.
  • If you want a slightly oilier texture without deep frying, you can lightly brush the pakoras with oil instead of spraying before the second cooking phase.
  • If you are making a large batch, keep cooked pakoras warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the remaining batches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/air-fryer-onion-pakora-recipe/