Looking for the ultimate crispy onion bhaji recipe? These Indian-style onion fritters, also known as pakoras, are the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a party platter, enjoying tea time, or simply craving a crispy treat, this homemade recipe will help you make the best onion bhajis with a golden, crunchy texture.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the ingredients, method, and expert tips to ensure your bhajis turn out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe
- Quick and easy to make at home
- Perfectly crispy and packed with authentic Indian flavors
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish
Ingredients for Crispy Onion Bhajis
To achieve that signature crunch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- Onions – 2 large, peeled and thinly sliced
- Gram Flour (Besan) – 130g, essential for a light and crispy texture
- Cornflour – Helps make the bhajis extra crispy
- Bicarbonate of Soda – A small amount for light and airy fritters
- Vegetable Oil – For deep frying (about 3-4 cups)
Spices & Flavorings
- Ground Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Ground Coriander – 1 teaspoon
- Ground Fenugreek – ½ teaspoon
- Chili Flakes – ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Garlic Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Minced Ginger – 1 teaspoon
- Finely Chopped Green Chili – 1 small (optional)
- Coriander Leaves – A handful, finely chopped
Wet Ingredients
- Water – 135ml, to form the batter
How to Make Crispy Onion Bhajis
1: Prepare the Onions
Thinly slice the onions to get a mix of textures. Slightly thicker slices will add more bite, while thinner ones will crisp up faster.
2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onions, gram flour, cornflour, bicarbonate of soda, and all the spices. Mix well to coat the onions evenly.
Gradually add water while stirring to create a thick batter. The consistency should be thick enough to hold the onions together without being too runny.
3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or wok and heat it to around 180°C (350°F). To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter in—if it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is at the right temperature.
4: Fry the Onion Bhajis
- Take spoonfuls of the batter and compact them slightly with your fingers or a spoon.
- Carefully drop them into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
5: Keep Warm & Serve
If making a large batch, keep the fried bhajis warm in a preheated oven at 120°C (250°F) while frying the rest.
Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen paper for draining
Ingredients
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 130 g gram flour besan
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 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 coriander leaves chopped
- 135 ml water
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Thinly slice onions and mix with gram flour, cornflour, bicarbonate of soda, and spices.
- Gradually add water to form a thick batter.
- Heat oil to 180°C (350°F).
- Take spoonfuls of batter and carefully drop into hot oil.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
- Serve warm with chutney or yogurt dip.
Video
Notes
- Adjust chili levels based on spice preference.
- Keep fried bhajis warm in the oven while cooking additional batches.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe
- Slice onions evenly – This ensures consistent cooking and texture.
- Don’t add too much water – A thick batter helps hold the bhajis together while frying.
- Fry in small batches – Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, making bhajis less crispy.
- Use hot oil – Maintaining a steady frying temperature is key for crispy results.
- Experiment with spices – Adjust the spice levels based on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these crispy onion bhajis with:
- Sweet chili sauce for a touch of sweetness
- Tangy tamarind chutney for an authentic Indian flavor
- Cooling yogurt dip with mint for a refreshing contrast
They are perfect as a tea-time snack, party appetizer, or as a side dish with your favorite Indian curry.
FAQ
Can I bake onion bhajis instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 25 minutes, turning halfway. They won’t be as crispy as the fried version but are a healthier alternative.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Onion bhajis taste best when freshly made, but you can reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I freeze onion bhajis?
Yes, freeze them after frying. Reheat in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes.
Conclusion:
This crispy onion bhaji recipe is the perfect way to enjoy authentic Indian flavors in a homemade snack. Whether served as a party appetizer or a teatime treat, these crunchy fritters are sure to be a hit.
Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your experience, and don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes.
Leave a Reply