Air Fryer Onion Bhaji

Air Fryer Onion Bhaji is a healthier, air-fried version of the classic Indian snack, made with gram flour, spices, and vegetables, offering a delicious and diabetic-friendly option. This dish retains its crispy texture and rich flavours while using minimal oil, making it a satisfying yet guilt-free treat.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Resting 5

Total Time 50

Servings Bhajis

Ingredients

Bhaji Ingredients:

50 g gram flour
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp fennel seeds lightly crushed (optional)
1 large onion quartered and thinly sliced
1 large carrot coarsely grated
1/4 bunch fresh coriander finely chopped
1 spray Low-calorie cooking spray

Dip Ingredients:

250 g soya yogurt plain unsweetened or see tip
1/3 bunch fresh mint plus extra and a few whole leaves to serve
1 medium green chilli deseeded and finely chopped

Instructions

Put the flour, garam masala, paprika, fennel seeds, if using, and a little pepper in a large bowl. Add the onion, carrot and coriander and mix well. Stir in 3 tbsp cold water (add 1-2 tbsp more if needed) and leave to stand for 5 minutes.
50 g gram flour, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp fennel seeds, 1 large onion, 1 large carrot, 1/4 bunch fresh coriander
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
Divide the mixture into 10 even portions, then squidge each of them into a small rugby-ball shape. Spray the bhajis with low-calorie cooking spray, then put 5 of them in your air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and firm. Transfer to a hot plate, cover with foil and keep warm while you cook for remaining bhajis. When the second batch is done, you can turn the heat down to low and put the first batch back in for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
1 spray Low-calorie cooking spray
While the bhajis are cooking, mix the dip ingredients together. Serve the bhajis with the dip and scatter the extra chopped mint and leaves over everything.
250 g soya yogurt, 1/3 bunch fresh mint, 1 medium green chilli
To oven cook: Cook the bhajis on a non-stick baking tray at 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6 for 10-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Notes

Recipe tips:
This recipe was tested in a 4.3-litre air fryer. If yours is bigger, you might be able to cook all of the bhajis at the same time.

If you don’t need these to be vegan, swap the soya yogurt for fat-free natural Greek yogurt.

This recipe makes 10 bhajis. Enjoy a couple as a starter or serve as a side dish to a curry.

Nutrition