• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Simple Sumptuous Cooking
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • My Cookbooks
  • Privacy Policy
  • Free Ebook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Me
    • Recipes
    • My Cookbooks
    • Privacy Policy
    • Free Ebook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer Recipes

    Onion Pakora Air Fryer

    Published: March 21, 2022 · Modified: March 21, 2022 by Uma Raghupathi · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Card

    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.

    A plate of air fried onion pakodas are on the table with chutney. this recipe
    Air fried onion pakoda

    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...

    Jump to:
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients note
    • How to make this
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • Expert tips
    • Related recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Comments

    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

    Onion pakora ingredients are on the table.

    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.

    A bowl is with sliced onions and salt.

    Take a big mixing bowl and add the onion slices and salt. Gently massage the onions and let them sit for 5 minutes.

    A bow is with spices and onions for pakoras.

    Next, add the besan flour, rice flour, cumin powder, salt, and chili powder.

    A bow is with mixture for pakoras.

    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.

    A bow is with onion pakora mixture.

    Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if it is not too soft yet.

    Air fryer basket is with onion pakoda batter.

    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.

    Air fryer basket is with crispy onion pakoda.

    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

    Can I make these onion pakoras without an air fryer?

    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!

    What other vegetables can I use to make pakoras?

    You can really use any vegetable you like! Some other popular options include potato, cauliflower, eggplant, and spinach.

    Can I make these onion pakoras ahead of time?

    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.

    How to make onion pakoda crispy?

    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!
    A plate of air fried onion pakodas and chutney is on the table.
    Onion pakoras and chutney

    Related recipes

    • Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
    • How To Make Chakli
    • Vermicelli Kheer
    • Air Fryer Baby Carrots
    • A plate has vegan gluten free samosas.
      Best Gluten Free Samosa Recipe
    • Air fried roasted lotus seed is in the bowl.
      Air Fryer Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
    • Air fryer Zucchini fritters are on the plate with ketchup.
      Easy Vegan Zucchini Fritters Air Fryer
    • A plate is with air fried lasuni gobi.
      Lasuni Gobi (Air Fried Garlic Cauliflower)

    Just subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious vegan recipes such as this sent directly to your inbox.

    Did you love this recipe? Rate it five stars!
    And let me know what you loved about it in the comments.

    Follow me on social media Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

    📖 Recipe

    A plate is with air fried onion pakoras.

    Onion Pakora Air Fryer

    Uma Raghupathi
    Onion Pakodas are a good snack for a cold wintery day and best tasting when they are served hot.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email
    Prep Time:9 minutes mins
    Cook Time:12 minutes mins
    Total Time:21 minutes mins
    Course :Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine :Indian
    Diet :Vegan
    Allergen :Dairy free, Gluten free
    Difficulty :Easy
    Servings 4
    Calories 276 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Process Shot

    Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 173IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutritional information is an estimation only.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @simplesumptuouscooking or tag #simplesumptuouscooking!

    More Related Recipes

    • A bowl of vegan malai kofta curry is on the plate with chapati.
      Best Vegan Malai Kofta Curry (Air Fryer)
    • Air fryer aloo gobi is in the bowl.
      Air Fryer Aloo Gobi (Roasted Potatoes And Cauliflower)
    • A pot is with Indian tofu kadai stir fry.
      Indian Tofu Kadai With Bell Pepper
    • Corn on the cob is topped with spices.
      Air Fryer Corn On The Cob In Foil
    423 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Jacqueline Debono

      March 27, 2022 at 12:34 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Debbie

      March 27, 2022 at 7:40 am

      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.5 stars

      Reply
    3. Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli

      March 26, 2022 at 11:56 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Leslie

      March 26, 2022 at 8:34 am

      Such a great recipe that is delicious! Perfect for all those dietary restrictions as well!5 stars

      Reply
    5. Veronika Sykorova

      March 25, 2022 at 7:20 am

      These pakoras were delicious and surprisingly easy to make! I've been making anything and everything in my air-fryer lately and I'm glad I tried these onions too!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Amanda

      March 23, 2022 at 6:06 pm

      This pakoda turned out so good! They were easy to make, and the air fryer gave them the best texture.5 stars

      Reply
    7. Freya

      March 23, 2022 at 10:57 am

      I love pakora but I’d never thought about making my own! I’m definitely going to try it!5 stars

      Reply
    8. Jere Cassidy

      March 22, 2022 at 10:16 am

      These onion pakora are so much better than onion rings, and thanks for sharing how to make them in the oven.5 stars

      Reply
    9. Colleen

      March 22, 2022 at 10:06 am

      I LOVE pakoras and now I have another delicious way to use my air fryer. Thank you!5 stars

      Reply
    10. Sharon

      March 22, 2022 at 3:43 am

      This onion pakoda is so easily made in the air fryer. I love that I can whip up a batch anytime I have a craving.5 stars

      Reply
    11. Molly ~ EasycookingwithMolly

      February 17, 2016 at 9:15 pm

      They are my all-time favorite rain day snack with some hot masala chai - Great recipe Uma 🙂

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        February 17, 2016 at 10:03 pm

        Thanks Molly. Yes it is perfect in rainy days!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    A lady Author of the blog standing near the plants.

    About Uma

    Namasthe, I'm Uma. I'm the cook, writer, and photographer behind Simple Sumptuous Cooking. I'm a mother of two girls.

    I aim to show you that you can create delicious, healthy meals with simple, affordable ingredients. More about me

    New e-book

    Ebook of vegan sir fryer recipes.
    E-book - Vegan Air Fryer Recipes

    Popular Recipes

    • A bowl is with tofu spinach curry.
      Easy Tofu Curry Without Coconut Milk
    • A bowl of Bengali masoor dal is on the table and topped with cilantro.
      Bengali Masoor Dal Recipe
    • chapati side dishes are filled with different bowls on the table
      43 Chapathi Side Dish Recipes
    • A white cup is filled with lemongrass tea and is on the table
      Lemongrass Tea Recipe
    • A bowl of food on a plate, with Millet and Upma
      Proso Millet Upma - Instant Pot & Stove Top
    • A plate is with cubed tofu.
      How To Tell If Tofu Is Bad
    • A bowl of instant pot khichdi is on the table with spoon inserted.
      Instant Pot Khichdi
    • A plate of vegetable poha is on the wooden board and a spoon is inserted.
      Vegetable Poha Recipe

    Popular Fall Dishes

    • A bowl is full of avarekalu curry.
      Avarekalu Sagu Recipe (Hyacinth Beans Curry)
    • A bowl of barley mushroom risotto is on the table.
      Instant Pot Vegan Barley Risotto With Mushrooms
    • Zucchini soup is in a bowl topped with parsley.
      Vegan Zucchini Soup In Instant Pot
    • A bowl of vegan pumpkin flavored pasta is on the table.
      How To Make Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
    • A blender is filled with soaked nuts.
      Best Blender for Indian Cooking (The Ultimate Guide)
    • A bowl of carrot halwa is with a spoon inserted.
      Easy Gajar Halwa In Instant Pot (Vegan Carrot Pudding)
    • A bowl of kale curry is on the table with a cloth by the side.
      Kale Curry Recipe Indian
    • Head shot of bowl with Bengali moong dal.
      Bengali Moong Dal Recipe

    Must Try Recipes

    • Air fryer roasted turnips is inside the air fryer basket.
      Air Fryer Turnips
    • A bowl of spinach corn curry is on the table with a spoon.
      Palak Corn (Spinach Corn Curry)
    • A strainer is filled with cooked sorghum on the table
      How To Cook Sorghum
    • A bowl of cauliflower sabzi is on the white table
      Cauliflower Sabzi
    • A copper bowl is with potato kurma and placed it on the table.
      Potato Kurma For Chapathi, Biryani, Poori
    • A bowl of barley soup is on the table with golden spoon.
      Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Contact
    • Tip Jar

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    More recipes

    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Soup Recipes

    AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

    COPYRIGHT © 2022 - 2023 SIMPLE SUMPTUOUS COOKING

    423 shares
    Air fried onion pakoda is dipped in to the chutney.