Air Fryer Onion Fritters
Here’s a full recipe for Air Fryer Onion Fritters, complete with a Q&A section to help you get perfect results every time. These are crispy, savory, and lighter than deep-fried versions — a great snack, side, or appetizer!
🧅 Air Fryer Onion Fritters (Onion Pakoras / Bhajis Style)
📝 Ingredients:
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2 medium onions, thinly sliced
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¾ cup chickpea flour (besan or gram flour)
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2 tbsp rice flour or cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
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2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
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2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
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½ tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin
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½ tsp turmeric
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½ tsp chili powder or paprika (adjust to taste)
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Salt, to taste
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1–2 tbsp water (as needed)
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1 tbsp oil (for mixing into batter)
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Spray oil or brushing oil (for air frying)
🍽️ Instructions:
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Prep the Onions:
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Thinly slice onions and place in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
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Make the Batter:
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To the onions, add chickpea flour, rice flour, spices, green chili, and cilantro.
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Add oil and gently mix. The moisture from the onions should mostly bind the mixture — only add 1–2 tablespoons of water if it’s too dry.
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The batter should be sticky, not runny.
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Shape the Fritters:
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Form small, loose clumps (not perfect balls) — fritters should have uneven edges for better crisping.
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Air Fry:
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease the basket or use parchment with holes.
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Place fritters in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
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Spray or brush the tops with oil.
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Air fry for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
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Serve:
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Serve hot with chutney, ketchup, or yogurt dip.
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❓ Q&A: Onion Fritters in the Air Fryer
Q: What kind of onions work best?
A: Yellow or red onions work great. Red onions give a sweeter flavor. Just slice them thinly for even cooking.
Q: Why chickpea flour?
A: Chickpea flour (besan) is traditional for onion fritters and gives them a nutty flavor and crispy texture. It’s also naturally gluten-free.
Q: What if I don’t have rice flour or cornstarch?
A: You can skip it, but rice flour helps make the fritters extra crispy. Cornstarch is a good substitute.
Q: Can I make them without oil?
A: You can omit oil in the batter and just use a light spray for the air fryer, but a little oil helps them crisp and brown better.
Q: Can I add other veggies?
A: Yes! Try adding grated carrots, chopped spinach, cabbage, or thinly sliced potatoes for variation.
Q: Why are my fritters dry or hard?
A: You may have overcooked them or the batter was too dry. Make sure there’s enough moisture from the onions or add a splash of water.
Q: Can I prep the batter ahead of time?
A: Best to make it fresh, but you can slice the onions and prep dry ingredients ahead. Combine right before air frying for best crispiness.
Q: Can I reheat them?
A: Yes! Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving — it’ll make them soft.
Q: Are they freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze after air frying. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes in the air fryer.
Q: What dips go well?
A:
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Tamarind chutney
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Green cilantro-mint chutney
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Spicy mayo or yogurt dip
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Sweet chili sauce
