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Crispy Air Fryer Onion Pakora (Bhaji)

A plate piled high with crispy, golden-brown air fryer onion pakora, highlighted by bright sunlight.
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Make authentic, crispy onion pakora (bhaji) using your air fryer for a lower-oil snack. This recipe provides simple steps for a perfect texture without deep frying.

Ingredients

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  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup gram flour (besan)
  • 1/4 cup rice flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup water, or as needed
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced onions in a large bowl. Add salt, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and baking soda. Mix well with your hands, massaging the spices into the onions for about two minutes. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes; the salt will draw moisture out of the onions.
  2. Add the gram flour, rice flour, and chopped cilantro to the onion mixture. Mix everything together.
  3. Add water slowly, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you form a thick, shaggy batter. The batter should coat the onions but not be runny. It should be thicker than batter for deep frying.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  6. Scoop tablespoons of the batter mixture and gently flatten them slightly into small patties (about 1.5 inches wide). Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the pakoras with cooking spray.
  8. Air fry for 10 minutes. Carefully flip the pakoras, spray the other side lightly with cooking spray, and continue to cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove the pakoras and serve immediately with your preferred chutney.

Notes

  • For the best texture, do not skip the step where the onions sit with the salt; this releases moisture needed for binding.
  • If your batter seems too wet, add one more tablespoon of gram flour.
  • To prevent sticking, make sure you spray the basket and the tops of the pakoras before cooking.
  • For a vegan snack option, this recipe uses only plant-based ingredients.

Nutrition

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