Onion Pakora Air Fryer

5 from 12 votes

Onion Pakodas are a good snack for a cold wintery day and best tasting when they are served hot.

Prep Time9

Cook Time12

Total Time21

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Vegan

Allergen: Dairy free, Gluten free

Difficulty: Easy

Servings:

Calories: 276kcal

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.

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!