Crispy Air Fryer Onion Bhajis You’ll Love

If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful Indian snack without the guilt of deep frying, these Air Fryer Onion Bhajis are your new best friend. With just a handful of spices, fresh onions, and a light chickpea flour batter, you get irresistibly crispy fritters that are perfectly golden in the air fryer. This simple yet authentic recipe brings that traditional street food magic right to your kitchen, making it a perfect snack or appetizer that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier version: Uses an air fryer instead of deep frying, reducing oil and calories without compromising on crispiness.
• Quick and easy: Minimal prep and cooking time make it a perfect last-minute snack or party appetizer.
• Authentic flavors: Traditional Indian spices give you that familiar, mouthwatering taste you’ve been craving.
• Perfectly crispy texture: Air fryer technology locks in crunch while keeping the insides soft and flavorful.
• Versatile snack: Ideal for teatime, game nights, or as a starter to your favorite Indian curry meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient is simple but essential in bringing this recipe to life. From the natural sweetness and crunch of the onions to the earthy chickpea flour and aromatic spices, every component plays a key role in the taste, texture, and color of your Air Fryer Onion Bhajis.

• Onions: Thinly sliced for that signature sweetness and crunch inside your bhajis.
• Chickpea flour (besan): The binding agent that creates a crispy, golden coating when air fried.
• Rice flour: Adds extra crispiness for a perfectly crunchy bite.
• Green chilies: Finely chopped to add a touch of heat and zing.
• Spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, chili powder): Carefully balanced to create deep, authentic Indian flavors.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal note to the mixture.
• Water: Just enough to create a thick batter that holds together without being runny.
• Oil spray: Lightly coats the bhajis in the air fryer for golden browning without excess oil.

Variations for Air Fryer Onion Bhajis

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Whether you want to switch up the spices, add extra veggies, or make it gluten-free, these variations let you customize your Air Fryer Onion Bhajis to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

• Mixed vegetable bhajis: Add grated carrots, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Increase green chilies or add a pinch of garam masala for a bolder flavor profile.
• Herbal twist: Toss in chopped mint or curry leaves for aromatic freshness.
• Gluten-free option: Use only chickpea and rice flour—no wheat flour needed.
• Cheesy bhajis: Sprinkle grated cheese in the batter for a rich, melty surprise.

How to Make Air Fryer Onion Bhajis

Step 1: Prep the onions and mix the batter

Start by thinly slicing the onions and placing them in a large bowl. Add the chickpea flour, rice flour, chopped green chilies, spices, salt, and fresh cilantro. Gradually stir in water just enough to coat the onions and form a thick batter that binds well.

Step 2: Let the batter rest

Allow the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flours absorb moisture, improving the texture and sticking power for even cooking in the air fryer.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even and quick cooking.

Step 4: Form the bhajis

Using a spoon or your hands, scoop small mounds of the batter and gently place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each bhaji for air circulation.

Step 5: Spray with oil and air fry

Lightly spray the bhajis with oil to help them crisp up beautifully. Air fry at 360°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve hot

Once done, remove the bhajis carefully and serve them immediately for the best crunchy texture.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Onion Bhajis

• Onion thickness: Slice onions thin so they cook evenly and become soft inside.
• Batter consistency: Keep it thick enough to hold together but not dry—think like a sticky dough.
• Avoid overcrowding: Space out bhajis in the air fryer basket to ensure maximum crispiness.
• Oil spray is key: Don’t skip the light oil spray to get that perfect golden crunch.
• Flip for even cooking: Turn the bhajis halfway for uniform color and texture on both sides.

How to Serve Air Fryer Onion Bhajis

Garnishes

Top your bhajis with freshly chopped cilantro or a few slivers of fresh green chili for a pop of color and fresh zing.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside cooling yogurt raita, tangy tamarind chutney, or refreshing mint chutney to balance the spice and add more layers of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange bhajis on a vibrant platter with lemon wedges for squeezing, or stack them with dollops of chutney between layers to wow your guests at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Air Fryer Onion Bhajis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep them fresh.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked bhajis by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat bhajis in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy texture instead of using a microwave.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Onion Bhajis without a green chili?

Absolutely! You can skip green chilies or substitute with mild chili powder if you prefer less heat.

What type of onion is best for bhajis?

Yellow or sweet onions work best because of their natural sugar content, which caramelizes nicely during cooking.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of chickpea flour?

While possible, chickpea flour gives bhajis their signature flavor and texture, so it’s highly recommended for authentic results.

How many bhajis does this recipe make?

This recipe will make about 12-15 medium-sized bhajis, perfect for sharing or snacking.

Is it necessary to spray oil on the bhajis before air frying?

Light oil spray helps achieve that perfect golden crispiness, so it’s highly recommended for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing hot, crispy, and flavorful Air Fryer Onion Bhajis straight from the basket. This recipe brings the magic of Indian street food to your home with a healthier twist you can feel good about. Whether it’s a cozy snack or a party starter, these bhajis will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious homemade crispy bhajis can be!

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