Crispy Air Fryer Onion Fritters Recipe: A Flavorful Snack
If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful snack, look no further than these crispy air fryer onion fritters! Packed with aromatic spices, a little heat from the chili, and a burst of savory goodness, these fritters are perfect for an appetizer, side dish, or even a midday snack. Best of all, they’re made using an air fryer, so you can enjoy that crispy texture with less oil.
Here’s how to make these delicious, golden-brown fritters in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium onions
- 1 tablespoon coriander (dried or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- A pinch of fenugreek (about 1/4 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz (225g) gram flour
- 2 oz (55g) rice flour or cornflour
- Water, about 2 tablespoons (or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions:
- Slice the onions thinly by cutting them in half and then slicing into half-moons. This allows the onions to release their moisture and become tender during cooking.
- Mix the Spices and Herbs:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the coriander, garlic paste, ginger, chopped green chili, chili powder, turmeric, oil, garam masala, and fenugreek. Stir well to combine.
- Sweat the Onions:
- Add the sliced onions to the spice mixture. Use a metal spoon to mix the onions thoroughly with the spices and oil. Sprinkle salt over the onions, stir again, and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the onions to sweat out moisture, which helps soften them.
- Add the Flours:
- Sprinkle in the gram flour and rice flour (or cornflour), then mix everything together until well incorporated.
- Add Water to Form the Batter:
- Slowly add water, a tablespoon at a time, to the mixture, stirring constantly. You want to achieve a thick batter-like consistency—thick enough to hold together when dropped by the spoon, but not runny.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes while you prepare the fritters.
- Add the Bicarbonate of Soda:
- Sprinkle in the bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and stir well. This will help the fritters puff up slightly and become extra crispy.
- Shape and Air Fry:
- Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the parchment, making sure to leave some space between each fritter for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fritters in batches.
- Cook the Fritters:
- Air fry the fritters at 180°C (350°F) for 4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them halfway through for an even crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once they’re crispy and golden, remove the fritters from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a snack or with a cooling yogurt dip for an extra treat!
Nutritional Information (per fritter, assuming 12 fritters):
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Potassium: 100 mg
- Vitamin A: 2% DV
- Vitamin C: 7% DV
- Iron: 4% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
Notes:
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of green chili or chili powder in the recipe.
- You can experiment with different flours, such as chickpea flour, for a different texture and flavor.
- These fritters are perfect for dipping into a tangy chutney or cooling yogurt sauce.
- To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
These crispy air fryer onion fritters are a delightful snack or side that combines rich spices with a light, crispy exterior. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire! Enjoy!