Onion bhajis are a popular Indian snack that is loved by many around the world. Traditionally, these delicious deep-fried fritters are made by mixing onions with spices, gram flour, and water to form a thick batter, which is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, people are now exploring healthier alternatives to their favorite deep-fried snacks. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making mouthwatering onion bhajis in an air fryer, allowing you to enjoy this delectable snack guilt-free.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making onion bhajis in an air fryer is to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– 2 large onions
– 1 cup gram flour (besan)
– 2 tablespoons rice flour
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Water (as needed)
– Cooking oil spray
Prepare the Onions
Start by peeling the onions and slicing them thinly. You can choose to slice them into rings or chop them into half-moons, depending on your preference. Once sliced, separate the onion layers to create individual pieces that can be coated easily with the batter. Set aside the prepared onions while you make the batter.
Create the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, rice flour, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix all the dry ingredients together until well combined. Gradually add water to the dry mixture while whisking continuously to form a smooth and thick batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter – not too thick and not too runny.
Set Up Your Air Fryer
Before you start coating the onions with the batter, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. This ensures that the bhajis will cook evenly and become nice and crispy. Set the air fryer temperature to 180°C (or 350°F) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
Coat the Onions
Take each piece of onion and dip it into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated. You can use your fingers or a pair of tongs to make the process easier. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the coated onion onto a lightly greased air fryer tray. Repeat this process until all the onions are coated and arranged on the tray without overcrowding.
Air Fry the Bhajis
Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the onion bhajis. Place the tray with the coated onions into the air fryer and close the lid. Set the cooking time to 10 minutes and let the bhajis cook. After 10 minutes, open the lid and check the progress. You will notice that the bhajis have turned golden brown and become crispy. Gently flip them over and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are evenly cooked on both sides.
Enjoy Your Air Fryer Onion Bhajis
Once the onion bhajis are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will help absorb any excess oil and keep the bhajis crispy. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Onion bhajis are best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight out of the air fryer. You can serve them as a standalone snack with your favorite chutney or sauce. Mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a spicy coriander chutney complement the flavors of the bhajis beautifully. They are also a great accompaniment to a main Indian meal like biryani or curry.
Customize Your Bhajis
While the classic onion bhajis are delicious on their own, you can get creative and add your own twist to the recipe. Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs to enhance the flavor. You can toss in some chopped green chilies for a spicy kick or add chopped fresh coriander for a burst of freshness. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
In conclusion, making onion bhajis in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By following these simple steps, you can master the art of creating crispy and flavorful onion bhajis that are sure to impress your family and friends. So, why not give it a try and enjoy this beloved Indian snack guilt-free? Happy cooking!