Air Fryer Onion Pakora (Onion Bhajiya)

5 from 95 votes

Air Fryer Onion Pakora (Onion Bhajiya)

Crispy and golden pakora made in an air fryer is perfect with a cup of masala chai on a rainy day. Naturally gluten-free and vegan, these air fryer onion bhajiyas are healthier than the traditional deep-fried ones and are so easy to make.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Hindu, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 125kcal

Author: Shilpa Kerur

Equipment

Ingredients

2 large red onion thinly sliced
1-2 green chilies finely chopped
2 tablespoon cilantro chopped
1 cup besan
2 tablespoon rice flour
1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt adjust as per taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (hot)
¼ cup water approximately (cold)
Oil spray

To serve:

Instructions

Prep:

Thinly slice the red onions. Finely chop the chilies (deseed them if you prefer less hot).
In a small pan, take one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it and set it aside.

Making the batter:

In a large bowl, add the sliced onions, green chili, cilantro, and salt. Mix well and squeeze the mixture so that the onion releases moisture.
To this, add the besan, rice flour, chili powder, and ground cumin. Do not add any water at this stage.
Add the hot oil and mix using a spoon. Once the oil cools down, mix using your hands.
Slowly add one tablespoon of water at a time and bring the batter together. You will need around ¼ cup of water. Also, make sure the water is cold (and not room temperature) to get crispy pakoras.

Air fry the pakora:

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 C) for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Take some bhajiya batter (around 2 tablespoons) and place it in the basket. Place more pakora batter in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other.
Air fry at 350 F (180 C) for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye after 7 minutes mark.
Spray oil on the top. Then, increase the temperature to 400 F (200 C) and air fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Carefully take the parokras out and sprinkle chaat masala.
Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.

Notes

Before adding water, mix the onion and salt well. This will help the onions to release moisture.

It is important to add water gradually. The batter must be thick and come together easily. Thin or runny batter will make the bhajiya soggy and also difficult to air fry.

Do not mix the batter too much. Mix just until it comes together.

Place the bhaiyas in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Air fryer onion bhajis can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Leftover pakora can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Nutrition