Olivia Carter
Onion bhajis are a popular Indian snack made with onions and gram flour, flavored with spices, and deep-fried until crispy. They are commonly served as an appetizer or as a side dish with a main course.
If you’re a fan of onion bhajis and want to try a healthier version, you may be wondering if you can make them in an air fryer. Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to cook food with little to no oil, resulting in a healthier and lower-calorie alternative to deep-frying.
The good news is that yes, you can make onion bhajis in an air fryer. The process involves mixing the onions with the spices and gram flour to form a thick batter. Instead of deep-frying, you simply coat the onion bhajis with a little oil spray and place them in the air fryer. The hot air circulating in the air fryer cooks the bhajis and gives them a crispy texture without the need for excess oil.
It’s important to note that while the air fryer version of onion bhajis is healthier than the deep-fried version, they may not turn out exactly the same. The texture and taste may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious and a great alternative for those looking to cut down on oil consumption.
So if you’re craving some onion bhajis but want to enjoy them without the guilt, give the air fryer version a try. You’ll get the same mouthwatering flavors and crispy texture with a lot less oil!
How to Make Onion Bhajis in an Air Fryer
If you love the crispy and flavorful taste of onion bhajis but want a healthier cooking method, then using an air fryer is a great option. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious onion bhajis in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 1 cup chickpea flour
– 1/2 cup rice flour
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– Salt to taste
– Water, as needed
– Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpea flour, rice flour, cumin seeds, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the sliced onions to the dry mixture and toss until the onions are well coated.
3. Gradually add water to the mixture and mix until you have a thick batter-like consistency.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for a few minutes.
5. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. Take spoonfuls of the onion bhaji batter and drop them onto the greased air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between each bhaji for even cooking.
7. Cook the onion bhajis in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy.
8. Once cooked, remove the onion bhajis from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
9. Serve hot with mint chutney or your favorite dipping sauce.
With an air fryer, you can indulge in the flavorsome delight of onion bhajis without the guilt of deep frying. Enjoy this crispy and delicious snack anytime, knowing that it’s a healthier alternative.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Onion Bhajis
When it comes to making delicious onion bhajis in an air fryer, using the right ingredients is essential. The ingredients you choose will directly impact the taste and texture of the final dish. Here are some key ingredients to consider:
Onions
As the star ingredient, it is important to choose the right type of onion for your bhajis. Opt for onions that have a high water content, such as white or yellow onions. These onions will add moisture to the bhajis and help create a soft and tender texture.
Chickpea Flour
Traditional onion bhajis are made with chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan. This flour is made from ground chickpeas and adds a unique flavor and texture to the bhajis. It is gluten-free and has a slightly nutty taste.
If you can’t find chickpea flour, you can substitute it with a mixture of wheat flour and rice flour. This combination will still yield delicious bhajis, but the texture may be slightly different.
Spices
The spices used in onion bhajis are what give them their distinct, aromatic flavor. Common spices include cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
Additionally, adding a pinch of baking soda to the batter can help make the bhajis light and crispy. This is optional, but many recipes recommend it for achieving the desired texture.
By choosing the right ingredients for your onion bhajis, you can ensure that they turn out flavorful and authentic, even when cooked in an air fryer. Experiment with different variations and spice combinations to find your perfect recipe!
Preparing the Onions for Air Fryer Bhajis
Before you can make onion bhajis in an air fryer, you need to prepare the onions. Properly preparing the onions is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your bhajis.
1. Selecting the Onions
Choose fresh and firm onions for making bhajis. The type of onion you choose can also affect the taste of your bhajis. While any onion variety can be used, yellow onions are a popular choice for their mild and slightly sweet flavor.
2. Peeling and Slicing the Onions
Start by peeling the onions and removing the outer layer. Slice off both ends of the onion and cut it in half vertically. Lay each onion half flat on the cutting board and make thin slices horizontally, keeping the slices uniform in thickness.
Alternatively, you can use a mandoline slicer to achieve even and thin onion slices quickly. Be cautious while using a mandoline slicer as the blades are sharp.
3. Soaking the Onion Slices
After slicing the onions, transfer them to a bowl and soak them in cold water for around 10 minutes. This step helps to reduce the pungency of the onions and makes them crispier when cooked in the air fryer.
Once the onions have soaked, drain the water and pat them dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels. Ensure that most of the moisture is removed to prevent excess steam when cooking.
- Choose fresh and firm onions for making bhajis.
- Yellow onions are a popular choice for their mild and slightly sweet flavor.
- Peel and remove the outer layer of the onions.
- Cut the onions in half vertically and make thin slices horizontally.
- Soak the onion slices in cold water for around 10 minutes.
- Drain the water and pat the onions dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
Mixing the Batter for Air Fryer Onion Bhajis
Onion bhajis are a delicious Indian snack that can be made in an air fryer for a healthier twist. To get started, you’ll need to mix up the batter that will coat the onion slices. The batter should be thick enough to stick to the onions, but not too thick that it clumps together.
To make the batter, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup gram flour (also known as chickpea flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water (more may be needed to achieve desired consistency)
Start by combining the gram flour, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
Next, slowly add in the water, a little at a time, while stirring continuously. The goal is to create a thick batter that is smooth and free of lumps. You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the brand of gram flour you are using.
Once the batter is ready, let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. During this time, you can prepare the onions by thinly slicing them into rings.
After the batter has rested, add the onion slices to the batter and mix until they are well coated. Ensure that all the onion slices are evenly coated with the batter.
Now you’re ready to cook the onion bhajis in your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated onion slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the onion bhajis from the air fryer and serve them hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Shaping and Cooking Onion Bhajis in an Air Fryer
When it comes to making onion bhajis, the shape and method of cooking are important factors to consider. With an air fryer, you can easily achieve crispy and delicious onion bhajis with minimal oil.
To shape the onion bhajis, start by mixing together chickpea flour, rice flour, cumin seeds, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and water. The consistency should be thick enough to form a batter that coats the onions well. Add sliced onions to the batter and mix until every slice is coated evenly.
Using a spoon or your hands, take small portions of the batter and shape them into round or oval patties. You can also make small onion fritters by dropping spoonfuls of the batter directly into the air fryer basket. The shape you choose depends on your preference and the size of your air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the shaped onion bhajis or fritters in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
Cook the onion bhajis in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The bhajis should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you prefer a darker color, you can cook them for a few additional minutes.
Once cooked, remove the onion bhajis from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with chutney or yogurt dip. These air fryer onion bhajis are a healthier alternative to the traditionally deep-fried version, with the same tasty results.
So, the next time you’re craving onion bhajis, consider using an air fryer to shape and cook them to perfection. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve a crispy and delicious snack with just a fraction of the oil.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Onion Bhajis
When it comes to making onion bhajis in an air fryer, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful results. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
1. Use the right amount of batter
It’s important to use just the right amount of batter when making onion bhajis in an air fryer. Too much batter can make them dense and heavy, while too little can result in thin and undercooked bhajis. Start with a small spoonful of batter for each bhaji and adjust as needed.
2. Preheat the air fryer
Preheating the air fryer is crucial to ensure that the bhajis cook evenly and become crispy. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and allow it to preheat for a few minutes before adding the bhajis.
3. Arrange the bhajis evenly
Properly arranging the bhajis in the air fryer will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together. Make sure to leave some space between each bhaji to allow hot air to circulate and crisp them up.
4. Flip halfway through cooking
To ensure that both sides of the bhajis become evenly crispy, flip them halfway through the cooking process. This will help achieve a golden-brown exterior on all sides.
5. Use parchment paper or cooking spray
To prevent the bhajis from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can either line it with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray before adding the bhajis. This will make them easier to remove once cooked.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make delicious and perfectly crispy onion bhajis in an air fryer. Serve them hot with your favorite chutney or yogurt dip for a delightful snack or appetizer!
Serving and Enjoying your Air Fryer Onion Bhajis
Once your air fryer onion bhajis are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are some tips and suggestions to enhance your bhaji experience:
- Plate them up: Carefully transfer the cooked bhajis to a serving plate using tongs or a spatula. Be gentle, as they can be fragile.
- Dipping sauces: Serve your air fryer onion bhajis with an array of dipping sauces. Mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a simple yogurt and cucumber dip are all excellent choices.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves on top of the bhajis to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Accompaniments: Onion bhajis go well with a variety of Indian dishes. Serve them alongside dal, rice, or curry for a complete meal. They also make for a delicious appetizer or snack on their own.
- Sharing: Air fryer onion bhajis are best enjoyed with friends and family. Serve them as part of a gathering or get together and watch them disappear in no time.
Remember, the beauty of air fryer onion bhajis lies in their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Experiment with different spices and adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired level of crispiness. Now, sit back, relax, and savor the irresistible taste of homemade onion bhajis cooked in your air fryer!
Variations and Alternatives to Air Fryer Onion Bhajis
If you’re looking to switch things up or don’t have an air fryer, there are plenty of variations and alternatives to onion bhajis that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
Baked Onion Bhajis
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy delicious onion bhajis by baking them in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the prepared onion bhajis on the baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Traditional Deep-Fried Onion Bhajis
If you prefer the traditional method of making onion bhajis, you can deep fry them in oil. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to about 180°C (350°F). Drop spoonfuls of the onion bhaji batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning them over halfway through. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Note: Deep frying can be messier and less healthy than using an air fryer or baking, but it does result in a more authentic texture and flavor.
Vegetable Bhajis
While onion bhajis are a classic, you can also experiment with different vegetables to create a variety of bhajis. Try using thinly sliced potatoes, cauliflower florets, or shredded carrots. You can mix these vegetables with the same gram flour and spice batter used for onion bhajis and cook them in an air fryer, bake them, or deep fry them.
Note: Different vegetables may require different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
Gluten-Free Options
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can make onion bhajis using alternative flours such as chickpea flour (besan) or rice flour instead of wheat flour. The rest of the recipe remains the same, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to make onion bhajis in an air fryer, bake them, deep fry them, or experiment with different vegetables and flours, there are plenty of delicious variations and alternatives to enjoy this classic Indian snack. Get creative in the kitchen and discover your favorite way to make onion bhajis!
Q&A
Can I make onion bhajis in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make onion bhajis in an air fryer. It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying as it requires less oil.
Are onion bhajis cooked in an air fryer as crispy as deep-fried ones?
When cooked in an air fryer, onion bhajis may not be as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts, but they still turn out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
