Onion Pakora Recipe – Air Fryer Besan & Rice Flour Bites

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Onion Pakora Recipe – Air Fryer Besan & Rice Flour Bites

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the monsoon season (or honestly, any season!) just calls for a plateful of hot, crispy pakoras. And let me tell you, this air fryer version of onion pakoras is a game-changer. They’re just as delicious as the deep-fried ones, but so much lighter and easier to make. I first tried making pakoras in the air fryer when I was trying to cut down on oil, and I was amazed at how well they turned out! Get ready for some seriously addictive snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average pakoras. We’re taking a classic Indian snack and giving it a modern, healthier twist with the air fryer. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Less Oil: Enjoy all the flavor with significantly less oil.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for a weeknight craving.
• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer delivers unbelievably crispy pakoras every time.
• Irresistible Flavor: A delightful blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden beauties:

• 1 large red onion
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup gram flour (besan) – about 85g
• 1 tablespoon rice flour – about 9g
• 1 teaspoon green chili, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric – about 2g
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon oil, heated (for the batter)
• Oil spray

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make this recipe extra special:

• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Don’t skip this! It gives the pakoras that beautiful vibrant red color and a mild, fruity flavor. It’s different from regular chili powder, which can be too harsh.
• Besan & Rice Flour Blend: The combination of gram flour (besan) and rice flour is key for the perfect texture. Besan provides the structure, while rice flour adds extra crispiness.
• Carom Seeds (Ajwain): These tiny seeds are a must-have in Indian snacks. They have a unique, slightly bitter flavor that aids digestion and just feels right in a pakora. My grandmother always said no pakora is complete without ajwain!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, thinly slice the peeled onion halves and place them in a bowl. Add the chopped cilantro and salt. Now, gently massage everything together with your hands. This helps release the onion’s moisture, which is important for binding the batter.
2. Next, add the gram flour, rice flour, minced green chili, grated garlic, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, and carom seeds to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Now for the magic touch! Drizzle the heated oil into the mixture. This helps create a light and airy batter. Combine everything well – you want a thick batter that coats the onions nicely.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Shape the batter into 9 equal patties – about ½-inch thick and 2.5-inch wide. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm is perfectly fine!
6. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
7. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Then, spray the patties lightly with oil and cook for another 2 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and wonderfully crispy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough pakoras. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Hot Oil is Key: Using heated oil in the batter helps create a lighter texture.
• Air Fryer Basket: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Good news! Rice flour is naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those avoiding gluten.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of green chili and Kashmiri red chili powder to your liking. My husband loves them extra spicy, so I often add a pinch of cayenne pepper for him.
• Festival Adaptations: These pakoras are perfect for Diwali, Holi, or any festive occasion. My family always makes a huge batch for Diwali!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pakoras hot, straight from the air fryer! They’re delicious with:

• Green chutney (mint-coriander chutney)
• Tomato ketchup
• A cup of hot chai (Indian tea)

Storage Instructions

Leftover pakoras can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. What is the best type of onion to use for pakoras?

Red onions are my go-to because of their slightly sweeter flavor and beautiful color. But you can also use yellow onions if that’s what you have on hand.

2. Can I make the batter ahead of time? If so, how should I store it?

Yes, you can! Just prepare the batter as instructed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a splash of water to loosen it up before frying.

3. What is the purpose of adding rice flour to the pakora batter?

Rice flour adds extra crispiness to the pakoras. It helps create a lighter, more delicate texture.

4. What is carom seeds (ajwain) and can I substitute it?

Carom seeds have a unique, slightly bitter flavor that’s common in Indian snacks. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with a pinch of fennel seeds, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

5. How can I achieve extra crispy pakoras in the air fryer?

Spraying the pakoras with oil halfway through cooking helps them get extra crispy. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.

6. Can I bake these pakoras instead of air frying?

You can! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried pakoras, but still delicious.