If you’re looking for the ultimate crispy onion bhaji recipe, you’ve come to the right place. These golden, crunchy onion fritters, also known as pakoras, are a staple in Indian cuisine. They make the perfect snack for tea time, parties, or as a side dish to complement your favorite curry.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through making the best onion bhajis at home. With simple ingredients and expert tips, you’ll achieve a crispy texture and delicious flavor every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with pantry staples
- Extra crispy texture using cornflour and bicarbonate of soda
- Bursting with authentic Indian spices
- Perfect for vegans and gluten-free diets
Ingredients for Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe
To make crispy onion bhajis, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- Onions (2 large): Thinly sliced for the perfect texture
- Gram flour (130g): Also known as besan, this is the base of the batter
- Cornflour (1 tbsp): Enhances crispiness
- Bicarbonate of soda (½ tsp): Helps with a light and airy texture
- Water (135 ml): To create the right batter consistency
Spices & Flavorings
- Ground cumin (1 tsp)
- Ground coriander (1 tsp)
- Ground fenugreek (½ tsp)
- Chili flakes (½ tsp) or to taste
- Garlic salt (½ tsp)
- Minced ginger (1 tsp)
- Finely chopped green chili (1 small)
- Fresh coriander leaves (a handful, chopped)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (3-4 cups): Enough for deep frying
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Thinly slice the onions for a combination of soft and crispy textures.
- Chop the green chili and fresh coriander.
2. Make the Bhaji Batter
- In a large bowl, combine gram flour, cornflour, bicarbonate of soda, and all the spices.
- Add the sliced onions, minced ginger, and chopped green chili.
- Slowly add water, mixing well to create a thick batter that coats the onions evenly.
3. Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat to 180°C (350°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready.
4. Fry the Onion Bhajis
- Take spoonfuls of the batter and shape them lightly with your hands.
- Drop them gently into the hot oil, frying in small batches.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
5. Keep Them Warm
- If making a large batch, keep the cooked bhajis warm in an oven preheated to 100°C (210°F) while you finish frying the rest.
Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Deep pan or fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen paper
Ingredients
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 130 g gram flour
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 135 ml water
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground fenugreek
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 small green chili finely chopped
- Handful of fresh coriander chopped
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Thinly slice onions and chop chili and coriander.
- In a bowl, mix all dry ingredients.
- Add onions, chili, and ginger, then slowly add water to form a thick batter.
- Heat oil to 180°C (350°F).
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with chutney or dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
- For extra crispiness, add an extra tablespoon of cornflour.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bhajis light.
- Serve immediately for the best taste.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe
- Slice onions thinly for the perfect balance of crispiness and softness.
- Use cold water in the batter to help keep bhajis crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, as it lowers the oil temperature and makes them greasy.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes and green chili.
- Test one bhaji first to ensure the batter is perfect before frying the entire batch.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these crispy onion bhajis with:
- Sweet chili sauce for a hint of sweetness
- Tamarind chutney for a tangy contrast
- Mint yogurt dip for a cooling effect
- Spicy tomato chutney for an extra kick
They also pair well with Indian curries, dal, or a cup of masala chai.
FAQ
1. Can I make onion bhajis in an air fryer?
Yes! Lightly brush them with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Can I prepare the batter in advance?
It’s best to mix the batter fresh, but you can slice onions and prepare dry ingredients ahead of time.
3. How do I store leftover bhajis?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
4. Can I freeze onion bhajis?
Yes! Freeze after frying and reheat in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes.
5. Why are my bhajis not crispy?
If they turn out soft, you may have added too much water to the batter, or the oil was not hot enough.
Try This Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe Today
Now that you know how to make the perfect crispy onion bhaji recipe, it’s time to try it yourself! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love Indian snacks. We have more collection of like The Best Pesto Pasta Recipe.
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