Recipe for Air Fryer Onion Pakoda
If you love crispy, golden-brown onion pakodas but want to avoid deep frying, the air fryer is your new best friend! This recipe gives you all the crunch and flavor of traditional onion pakoda—minus the excess oil. Perfect for tea-time snacks, rainy evenings, or as a guilt-free treat, air fryer onion pakodas are quick, healthy, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
● 2 large onions – thinly sliced
● 1 cup besan (gram flour)
● 2 tbsp rice flour (for extra crispiness)
● 1–2 green chilies – finely chopped
● 1 tsp red chili powder
● ½ tsp turmeric powder
● ½ tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
● A handful of fresh coriander leaves – finely chopped
● Salt – to taste
● 1 tbsp hot oil (optional, enhances texture)
● A few drops of water – only if needed
● Oil spray or brush – for greasing the air fryer
Preparation Steps:
1. Prepare the onions:
Thinly slice the onions and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and gently crush them with your hands. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to release moisture.
2. Make the batter:
Add besan, rice flour, ajwain, green chilies, coriander leaves, chili powder, turmeric, and salt to the onions. Mix well. The moisture from onions should be enough to bind everything together.
○ If the mixture feels too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of water — just enough to coat the onions, not to make a runny batter.
3. Add hot oil:
Pour a tablespoon of hot oil into the mixture. This step enhances the crispiness of the pakodas even when air fried.
4. Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 3–4 minutes.
5. Shape the pakodas:
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray. Take small portions of the onion mixture and place them in the basket — do not overcrowd.
6. Air fry:
Cook the pakodas at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. Spray or brush a little oil on top for a golden finish.
○ If you prefer extra crisp pakodas, air fry for another 2–3 minutes at 190°C.
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Serving Suggestions:
Your crispy Air Fryer Onion Pakodas are ready! Serve them hot with:
● Mint chutney or tamarind chutney
● A cup of masala chai on the side
● Or even with ketchup for a simple twist
Tips for Perfect Pakodas:
● Don’t add too much water — the mixture should be thick and sticky.
● Slice onions evenly for uniform cooking.
● Avoid overcrowding the basket to let air circulate properly.
● You can also add finely chopped spinach, cabbage, or grated carrots for a veggie twist.
Health Benefits:
Air frying reduces oil consumption by up to 80%, making this snack much lighter than deep-fried pakodas. Onions are rich in antioxidants and help boost immunity, while gram flour adds protein and fiber to your diet.
