Air Fryer Onion Bhaji (Print Version)

Golden, spiced onion fritters cooked crisp with an air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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
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
14 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ To Finish

15 - Spray oil (canola or sunflower)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place sliced onions, green chilies, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Add gram flour, rice flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
03 - Toss all ingredients together until onions are well coated in the flour and spices.
04 - Add lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of water, then mix with your hands to form a thick batter that just holds together. Add additional water one teaspoon at a time only if needed.
05 - Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
06 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
07 - Scoop heaped tablespoons of the mixture and gently shape into rough patties or clumps. Arrange in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
08 - Lightly spray the tops with oil and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once and spraying again, until golden and crisp.
09 - Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with mint chutney or yogurt dip.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • They're ready in thirty minutes flat, making them the perfect answer when unexpected guests arrive or cravings hit at dinner time.
  • You get that addictive crispy exterior without deep-frying, so your hands and clothes stay clean and your conscience stays clear.
  • The spice blend is forgiving enough for beginners but interesting enough to keep experienced cooks happy.
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the silent killer of crispy bhaji; they need space and hot air circulation to achieve that golden exterior, so work in batches if necessary.
  • The batter should be just barely holding together; if you add too much water, you'll end up with heavy, oil-soaked results instead of light and crispy fritters.
03 -
  • Keep your spice quantities consistent across batches; measuring carefully the first time means you can confidently make these again without the guesswork.
  • If your bhaji aren't crisping up, your air fryer basket might be too crowded; space matters as much as temperature in air frying.
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