Today, let us make an air fryer onion pakora. This is a simple and easy recipe that only takes a few minutes to prepare, but the end result is a delicious snack that is perfect for any day and any time.
Air fryer Pakora is the all-new version of the time-tested pakora recipe. Pakoras, in general, are a popular Indian snack that can be made with many different types of vegetables like spinach and okra.
With the air fryer, there is no deep-frying or baking soda involved at any point in the process. That itself cuts the cooking time down to a few minutes and does not produce a bloated feeling afterward.
Just a few spices and flour mixed together and you are on your way to enjoying crispy onion fritters! It's a great and healthy alternative to french fries too...
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Why this recipe works
Pakoras are the perfect recipe for air fryer cooks the onion pakodas perfectly, so they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The spices used in this recipe give the pakodas a delicious flavor that is sure to please everyone!
The recipe is very easy to follow, so even if you are new to cooking, you will be able to make these pakodas with no problem.
It is a guilt-free air fryer recipe as it is a healthier version of the deep-fried pakora that we all love. Moreover, they are vegan and gluten-free too!
Ingredients note
Onions: I used yellow onions for this recipe, although red onion and white onions work equally well by bringing their individual flavor. I sliced the onions down to really thin slices to help in getting an even distribution of flavors.
Besan flour: This is also known as chickpea flour or gram flour. It is a gluten-free flour that gives the pakoras a crispy coating.
Spices: I used cumin powder, salt, and red chili powder to flavor the pakoras. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste.
It is also common to add coriander leaves and curry leaves to the mix, especially if you preparing spinach or okra pakoras.
If you prefer a spicier version of onion pakora, you could add green chilli and garam masala to the mix too.
Rice flour: This is optional but it does help to make the pakoras crispy.
Oil: I used 2 tablespoons of olive oil heated in a pan in preparing the batter. This helps in keeping the batter bound together and also in getting a golden brown texture in the air fryer.
How to make this
Preheat your air fryer to 400F.
Take a big mixing bowl and add the onion slices and salt. Gently massage the onions and let them sit for 5 minutes.
Next, add the besan flour, rice flour, cumin powder, salt, and chili powder.
Heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a small pan and add to the dry mixture over the onions and stir until everything is well coated. The gram flour batter slowly begins to soften.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if it is not too soft yet.
Scoop the onion mixture into the air fryer basket and spread it out in a single layer in the preheated air fryer.
Air fry at 380 F for 12 minutes and use an oil spray in between if the pakoras appear to be turning out too dry.
Continue to cook until the pakoras show a golden brown and crispy texture.
Crispy Air fryer Pakoras are ready to be served with masala chai or with your favorite dip.
A delicious tea-time snack such as this one pair well with green chutney or coriander chutney. This is a recipe that you will become more and more comfortable with the next time you prepare it.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can! Just follow the same instructions and cook for about the same amount of time or until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with some chutney or ketchup!
You can really use any vegetable you like! Some other popular options include potato, cauliflower, eggplant, and spinach.
Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook them, just follow the same instructions.
To make crispy onion pakoda use rice flour and add hot oil to the pakora mixture.
Expert tips
- It is important that you add just the right amount of water and add them gradually as needed.
- Even before you add any water, you should let the moisture inside the onions do the job for you. Do not add too much water at once.
- Rice flour is optional but it will make the pakora crispy. If you do not have it, you can use cornstarch or tapioca flour instead.
- Substitute the onion slices with shredded cabbage or carrots to prepare your own version of vegetable pakora.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or set the air fryer to a high temperature. You may need to cook the pakoras in small batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- These onion pakoras can also be made in a traditional deep-fryer. Just follow the same instructions and cook for about the same amount of time or until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with some chutney or ketchup!
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📖 Recipe
Onion Pakora Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large onion - or 2 cups sliced onions
- 1½ cup besan flour - Gram flour
- ¼ cup rice flour
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 2 tablespoon corn oil
- 3 tablespoon water
- Salt to taste
- Oil for spraying
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F.
- Take a big mixing bowl and add the onion slices and salt. Gently massage the onions and let them sit for 5 minutes.1 large onion, Salt to taste
- Next, add the besan flour, rice flour, cumin powder, salt, and chili powder.1½ cup besan flour, ¼ cup rice flour, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a small pan and add to the dry mixture over the onions and stir until everything is well coated. The gram flour batter slowly begins to soften.2 tablespoon corn oil
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if it is not too soft yet.
- Scoop the onion mixture into the air fryer basket and spread it out in a single layer in the preheated air fryer.
- Air fry at 380 F for 12 minutes and use an oil spray in between if the pakoras appear to be turning out too dry.
- Continue to cook until the pakoras show a golden brown and crispy texture.
- Crispy Pakoras are ready to be served with masala chai or with your favorite dip.
Notes
- It is important that you add just the right amount of water and add them gradually as needed.
- Even before you add any water, you should let the moisture inside the onions do the job for you. Do not add too much water at once.
- Rice flour is optional but it will make the pakora crispy. If you do not have it, you can use cornstarch or tapioca flour instead.
- Substitute the onion slices with shredded cabbage or carrots to prepare your own version of vegetable pakora.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or set the air fryer to a high temperature. You may need to cook the pakoras in small batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- These onion pakoras can also be made in a traditional deep-fryer. Just follow the same instructions and cook for about the same amount of time or until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with some chutney or ketchup!
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Jacqueline Debono
I love this recipe. I've always deep fried onion pakodas but from now on I'll be using the airfryer. They turned out great!
Debbie
I adore this onion pakora done in the air fryer!! Like most the air fryer is my guilty pleasure and I am always looking for new recipes to try. This is my new favorite, thanks for a great recipe.
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli
These onion pakoras are so flavorful! Crips on the outside, soft inside just how we like them! Plus, we like to use our air fryer!
Leslie
Such a great recipe that is delicious! Perfect for all those dietary restrictions as well!