Air Fryer Onion Pakodas

Onion Pakodas are a popular snack in most countries around the globe. These air fryer pakodas are a healthy (even though you would never know it) snack, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Pakodas are a food that is often associated with the arrival of the rainy season and the cooler weather in the country, isn’t it?

That’s why every year when it starts raining, it is a frequently prepared dish in every Pakistani and Indian kitchen.

Although there are different varieties of pakodas, I personally like onion pakoda.

Did you know that there is a secret to making delicious onion pakodas without deep frying?

In this post, I’ll share with you my air fryer Onion Pakoda recipe. This is one of the best recipes I’ve ever tried and it’s not difficult to make at all. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and it tastes amazing!

Here are some more favorite recipes, Spinach Pakoras, Baked Potato Pakoras, and Vegetable Biryani 

What Is Pakoda?

Pakoda, often known as pakora, is an Indian subcontinent spicy crispy fritter. In South Asia and the United Kingdom, street vendors and restaurants sell and serve them. It consists of several components, frequently vegetables like potatoes and onions that are deep-fried after being covered with seasoned gram flour batter.

There are numerous varieties of pakoras prepared in homes, eateries, and street vendors.

Air fryer Onion Pakodas

There are many reasons why I am in love with the air fryer. And one of those reasons is Onion Pakodas. This recipe is so simple, yet absolutely delicious. What makes this recipe different from a regular pakoda? Well, instead of deep frying them as other recipes do, these pakodas are baked in the air fryer to get that crispy outside and soft inside taste.

Air fryers are an easy way to cook perfect pakodas without burning them and improving the taste of the onion pakoda.

While this recipe doesn’t give you the same crispness as deep-fried pakodas delivered straight from your local hawker stall, it does provide you with a convenient way of making them less oily and more healthy in the air fryer.

Why Does This Recipe Work?

• No dirty kitchen from oil splashes, and cleanup is simple.
• A simple but delicious tea time snack.
• Healthier than those that are deep-fried.
• During the summer, there is no need to stand or keep an eye on the hot stove.
• The ideal recipe for pakoras uses an air fryer to perfectly cook the onion pakodas, resulting in their crisp exterior and tender interior.
• The pakodas in this dish have a delightful flavor that is guaranteed to impress everyone thanks to the spices employed!
• Even if you have never cooked before, you should have no trouble making these pakoras because the recipe is quite simple to follow.
• An air fryer variation of deep-fried pakora is a guilt-free meal because it’s lower in calories and fat. Additionally, they are gluten-free and vegan.

Ingredients:

• Onions – Yellow onions are great, you may use any available ones!
• Handful of coriander leaves – Adds freshness and flavor!
• Gram flour (besan)
• Rice flour- Adds crunchiness.
• Green Chili – Rich in antioxidants, bring the perfect amount of heat and fragrance to the pakodas!
• Red chili powder – You may use paprika or cayenne pepper according to your level of heat.
• Carom seeds – Use for flavoring.
• Dry coriander seeds – Adds the perfect fragrance to the dish!
• Turmeric powder – Staple Indian spice.
• Salt – According to one taste.
• Oil – For greasing.

How To Make Air fryer Onion Pakodas?

1. Cut the onion in half and, thinly slice each half of the onion.
2. In a medium bowl add all the ingredients and water, and mix well to form a thick mixture.
3. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 180°C/350°F.
4. Divide the mix into equal parts and then pick up each part and press down with your fingers to form a small patty (about ½ inches thick and 2-½ inches wide).
5. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil. Place the Pakodas in the air fryer basket keeping some space between each one for airflow.
6. Air fry at 350 F for 10 mins.
7. Open the air fryer and lightly greased oil on top and cook again 5 minutes per side or until they become golden brown with crispy edges. Enjoy hot!

How To Serve?

The ideal way to enjoy onion fritters is with coriander and mint chutney and a steaming cup of tea. When paired with ketchup or sweet tamarind chutney, pakodas are very delicious. However, you can pair your favorite dips with your hot, crispy onion pakoras.

How To Store Pakoras?

Let them cool off to room temperature. In order to keep them fresh in the fridge, put a couple of sheets of paper towels on the bottom of an airtight storage container. The paper towel assists in absorbing any moisture present in the pakora. Place the lid on top and refrigerate.

Can I Freeze Pakoras?

Pakoras can be stored in the freezer for up to a month if they are separated by baking parchment and placed in an airtight container.

Can I Reheat Pakoras?

Pakodas are best served as soon as they are made, just like everything else fried! However, once refrigerated or frozen, they reheat wonderfully in the air fryer! (At 350 degrees, until crispy, 5–10 minutes.)

Tips And Variations

• You can use chickpea flour in place of besan (gram flour) if you don’t have any.
• If you don’t have rice flour on hand, you can substitute the same quantity of cornstarch or omit it entirely. The pakodas are made crisper with the use of rice flour.
• No ajwain (carom seeds) on hand? Don’t worry, simply substitute cumin seeds. Ajwain has a pleasant flavor and relieves indigestion.
• Although these pakoras are mildly spicy, you can adjust the amount of chili to suit your tastes.
• To make the pakoda batter lighter and softer from the inside, in pakoda better add 1 teaspoon of oil.
• Because each air fryer is different, you may need to change the time and temperature.
• Do not overcrowd the basket of your air fryer with these pakodas. Arrange the pakoda in a single layer, with enough space between each one. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Shake the basket midway through: Shaking the basket at this point will help the pakodas cook evenly. Also, to achieve a wonderful golden hue and crispy pakoda, spritz or brush little oil halfway through. Don’t skip this step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pakoda Same As Bajji?

Pakora, Pakoda, and Bajji are all the same. It is a widely produced fried savory food in South Asian countries. A simple dish called bajji is made by dipping sliced vegetables in the batter and deep-frying them. 

Are Pakoras Healthy?

We understand your inexplicable love for hot, steaming pakora, but it’s also true that this unhealthy treat can harm your health. Deep-fried pakoras are prepared with a lot of oil, along with some less-than-ideal vegetables and spices.

But these air fryer onion pakodas are healthy! They are made in an air fryer with less oil. They’re light and fluffy but still full of flavor!

The main ingredients used in making air-fried onion pakodas are onion, rice flour, gram flour, coriander leaves, and some spices. So it’s a healthy dish which will be loved by everyone.

Why Use An Air Fryer?

Air fryers are fantastic! I’ve used mine for a few years now and it’s easy to see why they’ve become so popular. They cook food very fast and they’re excellent for foods that either don’t require or you don’t want to cook in a lot of oil. And this is where onion pakodas come in!

Can I Make These Onion Pakoda Without An Air Fryer?

You can, indeed! Simply follow the same directions and bake in the oven for around the same duration of time, or until golden and crispy. Serve hot with ketchup or chutney!

What Other Veggies Can I Use To Make Pakoda?

You can use whatever veggie you want! Some other popular choices are potatoes and eggplant. Cauliflower, and spinach.

Can I Make These Pakoda Ahead Of Time?

The batter can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Just follow the same directions when you’re ready to cook them.

What Is The Difference Between Pakora And Samosa?

When it comes to snacking, samosas are fried potato pockets of joy, whilst pakoras are crispy vegetable fritters that are ideal for dipping in chutney of any variety.

Is Pakora A Junk Food?

The gram flour’s high protein content promotes health. Onion also provides numerous health benefits. Since pakoras are frequently deep-fried, they are considered junk food. But these pakodas are air fried, so they are not junk food.

Can I Lose Weight Eating Pakora?

Yes, this food is good for diabetics, the heart, and for losing weight. These pakodas are not deep fried. They are prepared with less oil in the air fryer.

Onions are also helpful for shedding pounds. With regard to red onions, in particular, quercetin gives them an anti-obesity property in addition to being low in calories and high in fiber.

Other Vegan Indian Recipes To Prepare

1. Potato And Eggplant Curry
2. Turmeric Potato Rice
3. Masala Okra
4. Cauliflower Tikka Masala
5. Gram Flour Flatbread (Besan Roti)
6. Dal Makhni
7. Black Chickpea Chaat

Give this a shot. It’s incredibly delicious and super easy. 

As always, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave any feedback or share your own experience with us in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this post, Air fryer Onion Pakodas,  and would love to see more, join me on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!

Also, get discounted copies of my cookbook here.

Fortunately, because of the ads on our website, readers and subscribers of Healthier Steps are sponsoring many underprivileged families. Thank you!