Air Fryer Onion Bhaji
Ready in about 29 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Crispy, spiced onion bhajis with sweet, softened onions in a golden gram-flour batter. The air fryer gives them a light crunch without the deep-frying, a healthier take on the classic Indian starter.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 120 g gram (chickpea) flour
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 0.5 tsp chilli powder
- 0.5 tsp fine salt
- 4 tbsp water
- Olive oil spray
Method
- 1Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- 2Mix the gram flour, spices and salt, then add enough water to make a thick batter.
- 3Stir in the sliced onions until well coated.
- 4Shape into small mounds on a lined basket and spritz with oil.
- 5Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
- 6Serve hot with mango chutney or raita.
Tips for the best results
- Keep the batter thick so the bhajis hold their shape.
- Spritz generously with oil for an even, crisp colour.
- Add a little chopped coriander to the batter for freshness.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer onion bhaji steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer onion bhaji?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer onion bhaji ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer onion bhaji serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.