Air Fryer Onion Bhaji (Printable)

Golden onion fritters with Indian spices, crisped to perfection for a light and flavorful snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dry Ingredients

04 - 1 cup gram flour (besan/chickpea flour)
05 - 2 tablespoons rice flour
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
11 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Wet Ingredients

13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ For Finishing

15 - Cooking spray oil (canola or sunflower)

# How to Make It:

01 - Place thinly sliced onions, green chilies, and fresh cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Add gram flour, rice flour, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss thoroughly until onions are evenly coated with flour and spices.
03 - Pour in fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix with your hands to form a thick batter that holds together. Add additional water one teaspoon at a time if needed for proper consistency.
04 - Set air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
05 - Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray oil.
06 - Scoop heaped tablespoons of batter mixture and gently shape into rough patties or clumps. Arrange in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding.
07 - Lightly spray the tops of shaped fritters with cooking spray oil.
08 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through and spraying again with oil, until golden brown and crispy.
09 - Transfer to serving plate and serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or yogurt dip.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're crispy and delicious without a deep fryer, so your kitchen stays cleaner and your conscience lighter.
  • Fifteen minutes from fridge to table means you can satisfy cravings faster than delivery arrives.
  • The spice blend is forgiving enough for beginners but satisfying enough that you'll make them over and over.
02 -
  • Don't overmix your batter—stir just until the onions are coated, or you'll end up with dense, tough bhaji instead of light and crispy ones.
  • The water content is crucial; add it gradually because the onions release moisture as they sit, and too much water turns everything into mush.
03 -
  • Rice flour is the secret weapon—it adds crunch without toughness, so don't skip it or substitute it with all-purpose flour.
  • Arrange them so they don't touch in the air fryer basket, and turn them halfway through; this is how you get even, all-over golden brown instead of pale spots.
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