Crispy Onion Bhajis

Experience the irresistible crunch and vibrant flavors of Crispy Onion Bhajis, a beloved Indian snack that’s both gluten-free and vegan. These spiced onion fritters offer a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying as a comforting treat at home.

Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a satisfying snack, these bhajis deliver a burst of fragrant spices and fresh herbs, perfectly complemented by cooling dips. Their light texture and rich taste make them a fantastic appetizer that will impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 2 large onions: Thinly sliced to create delicate layers that provide a crispy texture when fried.
• 1 cup (100 g) gram flour/chickpea flour: The gluten-free base that binds ingredients while adding nutty flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps lighten the batter for a fluffy and crisp finish.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the bhajis.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthy, aromatic notes characteristic of Indian cuisine.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric: Offers warmth and vibrant color to the batter.
• 1–2 green chilies: Finely chopped to bring a mild to moderate heat, adjustable to taste.
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro: Provides a fresh herbal brightness to balance the spices.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the deep flavors.
• 5–6 tablespoons (75–90 ml) water: Used to create a thick, cohesive batter.
• Oil for frying: A neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil to achieve optimal crispiness.

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together gram flour, baking powder, salt, cumin, and turmeric. This ensures the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed, creating a consistent flavor and texture in each bhaji.

Form the Batter

Stir in the finely chopped green chilies, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and water to the dry mix until a thick batter forms. The consistency should be thick enough to hold the onions together without dripping too much.

Combine Onions with Batter

Add the thinly sliced onions into the batter, mixing thoroughly. Fully coating the onions ensures an even crisp crust when fried and infuses the flavors into every bite.

Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat to about an inch deep. Maintaining medium heat allows the bhajis to cook through evenly without burning the exterior.

Fry the Bhajis

Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each bhaji for about one minute per side until golden brown and crispy, turning gently to cook evenly.

Drain and Serve

Remove the fried bhajis with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This helps maintain their crunchy texture and prevents sogginess.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bhajis in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 12 hours for best texture. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness rather than microwaving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve crispy onion bhajis hot with a side of cooling mint chutney, cucumber raita, or tamarind sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or as a side dish alongside Indian meals.

FAQs

Are onion bhajis gluten-free?

Yes, these bhajis use gram flour (chickpea flour), which is naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I bake onion bhajis instead of frying?

While traditional bhajis are fried for crispiness, you can bake them at high heat with a light spray of oil, though they may be less crispy.

How spicy are these bhajis?

The heat level depends on the amount of green chili used, which can be adjusted to your personal spice preference.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

It’s best to prepare and fry the batter immediately as the onions release moisture, which can affect crispiness if left too long.

What oil is best for frying bhajis?

Use neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil for frying bhajis safely and effectively.

Crispy Onion Bhajis

Crispy Onion Bhajis are gluten-free, vegan spiced onion fritters perfect for snacks or appetizers. They offer a crunchy texture with rich flavors, ideal for parties or cozy evenings paired with dips.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 people

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• 1 skillet for frying
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 Slotted spoon for removing bhajis
• 1 wire rack for draining

Ingredients

  

• 2 large onions thinly sliced
• 1 cup 100 g gram flour (chickpea flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 –2 green chilies finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 5 –6 tablespoons 75–90 ml water
• Oil for frying

Instructions

 

• Whisk together gram flour, baking powder, salt, cumin, and turmeric in a large bowl.
• Add chopped green chilies, cilantro, lemon juice, and water, stirring to form a thick batter.
• Mix in the sliced onions until they are fully coated with the batter.
• Heat oil about an inch deep in a skillet over medium heat.
• Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
• Fry each bhaji for about one minute on each side until golden brown.
• Remove bhajis with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.

Notes

• Use gram flour for gluten-free bhajis.
• Adjust green chilies to desired spice level.
• Serve hot with chutneys or raita.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.