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Crispy Air-Fryer Onion Bhajis (Minimal Oil)

Ingredients (makes about 8-10 bhajis)

Base

  • 2 medium onions (about 300-350 g), finely sliced
  • 75 g gram flour (besan)
  • 1 tbsp rice flour or cornflour

Spices

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2-1 tsp chilli powder, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp salt

Extras (optional)

  • 1 green chilli, very finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ajwain (carom seeds) or nigella seeds

Fat

  • 1-1 1/2 tsp neutral oil (rapeseed or sunflower)
  • Optional: oil spray for finishing

Instructions

  1. Put the sliced onions and salt in a mixing bowl. Massage for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and release moisture.
  2. Add gram flour, rice flour (or cornflour), spices, optional extras, and 1-1 1/2 tsp oil. Mix thoroughly to make a sticky, claggy mixture that just holds together.
  3. Only if needed, add water 1 tsp at a time until the mixture binds. Keep added water to an absolute minimum.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 200 C for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Form rough, loose mounds rather than compact balls so the edges stay ragged and crisp.
  6. Arrange on a perforated tray or in a basket with a perforated liner. Optionally spray the tops lightly with oil.
  7. Air fry at 200 C for 8 minutes.
  8. Flip carefully and cook for another 6-8 minutes until deep golden, crisp, and cooked through.
  9. Serve immediately with mint yoghurt, tamarind chutney, or lemon wedges and a little salt.

Notes

  • Rice flour improves crispness and reduces sogginess.
  • Onion moisture gives better flavour and reduces the need for added water.
  • Starting hot helps set the crust quickly.

Variations

  • Extra crisp: add 1/2 tsp baking powder.
  • Oil-free: omit oil entirely; expect a little less browning.
  • Gluten-free: naturally gluten-free as written.

Source

Adapted from a shared ChatGPT recipe conversation: https://chatgpt.com/share/698cbc07-d5b0-8006-8475-a88241927df6