Air Fryer Onion Bhajis
These Air Fryer Onion Bhajis are a delicious, crispy snack that combines bold spices with the natural sweetness of onions. Made with chickpea flour and air-fried for a healthier twist, they offer the perfect crunchy exterior and tender inside without the mess of traditional frying. Ideal as an appetizer or party snack, this recipe is quick, customizable, and sure to impress.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 bhajis 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced into rings or half-moons
- 1 cup chickpea flour (gram flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed to form batter)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- Oil spray (for air frying)
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the onions into rings or half-moons and place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to soften and release moisture, which aids in binding and flavor absorption.
- Mix the Batter: In a separate bowl, combine chickpea flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add water while stirring to create a thick batter that can coat the onions without being runny.
- Combine Onions and Batter: Fold the sliced onions, chopped herbs, and green chili (if using) into the batter. Ensure every piece of onion is well coated so the bhajis hold together and remain crispy when cooked.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Shape and Air Fry: Using a spoon, drop small portions of the batter onto the air fryer basket in loosely packed clusters. Lightly spray each bhaji with oil to promote browning. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bhajis are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bhajis to cool for a few minutes outside the air fryer to firm up their crunch. Serve warm or at room temperature with your choice of chutneys or dips.
Notes
- Use fresh onions with a firm texture for the best crunch and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each bhaji enough space to crisp evenly.
- Control moisture by resting the onions and adjusting batter consistency to avoid sogginess.
- Lightly coat bhajis with oil spray before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
- Flip bhajis halfway through cooking to brown and cook them uniformly.
- Test-cook a small bhaji first to check seasoning and texture before cooking the full batch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bhajis (approx.)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Onion Bhajis, Crispy Snack, Indian Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthy Frying, Chickpea Flour, Spiced Snack