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Air Fryer Vegetable Bhajis: Easy & Crispy Pakora

Bhajis, or pakoras, are a beloved snack in British-Indian cuisine, offering a delightful combination of crispy textures and vibrant flavours. Traditionally deep-fried, these delectable treats can be prepared in a healthier manner using an air fryer, without sacrificing any of their signature crunch. This article will guide you through the process of making easy and crispy vegetable bhajis in an air fryer—perfect for a delightful afternoon snack or a companion to your evening cuppa.

What are Bhajis?

Bhajis are essentially spiced vegetable fritters, made by coating sliced or grated vegetables in a seasoned gram flour (besan) batter before cooking them to golden perfection. Common ingredients include onions, potatoes, and spinach, but the possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative with seasonal vegetables or what you have on hand.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Switching to an air fryer for cooking bhajis comes with several benefits:

• Healthier Option: Air frying uses significantly less oil compared to deep frying, resulting in a dish that is much lower in calories and fat.
• Convenience: Air fryers heat up quickly and require less monitoring than traditional frying. Simply set a timer and let the machine do the work.
• Crispiness: With the right technique, air fryers can produce bhajis that are just as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts.

Ingredients

To make about 20 bhajis, you will need:

• Vegetables: 1 medium-sized onion (thinly sliced), 1 medium potato (grated), and a handful of spinach or other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots (finely chopped).
• Batter: 150g gram flour (besan), 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste), and salt to taste.
• Liquid: Water (as needed to make a thick batter).
• Optional Add-Ins: Chopped green chillies, ginger, garlic, or fresh coriander for added flavour.
• Oil: A light spray of oil for crisping.

Method

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onions, grated potato, and chopped spinach. Add any other vegetables you wish to use.

2. Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, mix the gram flour, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Gradually add water to create a thick batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the vegetables without being too runny.

3. Combine: Add the prepared vegetables to the batter and mix well until all the pieces are evenly coated. If you’re adding any optional ingredients, mix those in too.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.

5. Shape the Bhajis: Using your hands or a spoon, form small fritters (about a tablespoon each) and gently place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each bhaji for even cooking.

6. Cook: Spray a light mist of oil over the bhajis and cook in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking.

7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the bhajis from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with your favourite chutney or dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer vegetable bhajis are a fantastic way to enjoy a popular snack guilt-free. They are not only easy to make but also a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether served as a starter, a side dish, or a party snack, these bhajis are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. So, dust off your air fryer and get ready to enjoy these crispy, delectable treats!