Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep frying. With their ability to cook food using minimal oil, they have revolutionized the way we cook our favorite dishes. One such dish that can be easily made in an air fryer is Bhajia. Bhajia is a delicious Indian snack made by deep frying vegetables coated in a spicy batter. In this article, we will explore a quick and easy recipe to make Bhajia in an air fryer. So, let’s get started!
Gathering the Ingredients
The first step in making Bhajia in an air fryer is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
For the Batter:
– 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
– 2 tablespoons rice flour
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt to taste
– Water (as needed)
– Vegetable oil (for spraying)
For the Bhajia:
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 medium-sized eggplant, thinly sliced
– 1 green chili, finely chopped
– A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
– Chaat masala (optional, for sprinkling)
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Preparing the Batter
To make the batter for the Bhajia, take a large mixing bowl and add chickpea flour (besan), rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix all the dry ingredients well until they are combined.
Now, gradually add water to the dry ingredients and whisk it together to form a smooth batter. Make sure to add water gradually to avoid any lumps in the batter. The consistency of the batter should be thick enough to coat the vegetables but not too runny.
Let the batter sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. In the meantime, we can prepare the vegetables for the Bhajia.
Preparing the Vegetables
Take the thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and eggplants and pat them dry using a kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is crucial to ensure that the batter sticks well to the vegetables.
Now, add the sliced vegetables to the prepared batter and mix them gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the batter. Make sure every slice is coated properly for the best results.
Air Frying the Bhajia
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This prevents the Bhajia from sticking to the basket and makes the cleaning process easier.
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the coated vegetable slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Now, lightly spray the coated vegetable slices with vegetable oil. This step is essential as it helps in achieving a crispy texture.
Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the Bhajia for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
Once the Bhajia turn golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using kitchen tongs. Place them on a serving plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serving and Enjoying the Bhajia
The Bhajia is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while they are still warm and crispy. Sprinkle some chaat masala over the Bhajia for an extra burst of flavor.
Bhajia can be served with various chutneys such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup. They make a perfect snack for parties, gatherings, or even as an appetizer with your evening tea.
Conclusion
Making Bhajia in an air fryer is an excellent way to enjoy this popular Indian snack without the guilt of deep frying. The air fryer gives the Bhajia a crispy texture while using minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative. With the easy recipe mentioned above, you can now make Bhajia at home quickly and effortlessly. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to some delicious Bhajia today!