Crispy Oil-Free Onion Pakora

These golden, crispy pakoras deliver all the satisfying crunch and aromatic spice of the traditional deep-fried favourite—but made healthier without the oil. Sweet red onions are coated in a fragrant blend of chickpea flour and warming spices, creating irresistible bite-sized fritters that are perfect as a snack or appetizer. While this recipe is optimized for the air fryer, they work beautifully in a conventional oven too.

Recipe for Onion Pakora (makes 6)

Ingredients:

For the Pakoras:

• 1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced

• 1 tsp salt (or substitute with miso paste for salt-free option)

• ¼ cup rice flour

• ¼ cup chickpea flour (besan)

• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chaat masala

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• ¼ tsp ground turmeric

• 1 pinch carom seeds (ajwain)

• ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder

• Small handful fresh coriander, chopped

• 2 tbsp unsweetened plain soy yogurt

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 5 tbsp cold water

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tbsp no-sugar-added ketchup

• 1 tbsp mint chutney

• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce

Method:

1. Prepare the onions: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onions with salt. Let sit for a few minutes to draw out moisture.

2. Toast the chickpea flour: Heat a small frying pan over low heat. Add the chickpea flour and dry roast for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Mix the batter: Add all remaining pakora ingredients (except the water and toasted chickpea flour) to the bowl with the onions. Add the cold water and cooled chickpea flour. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the mixture forms a sticky, cohesive consistency.

4. Shape the pakoras: Using a tablespoon or your hands, form 8 rough balls from the mixture. Arrange them evenly in your air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch.

5. Air fry: Cook at 170°C (340°F) for 8 minutes. Flip the pakoras carefully and increase temperature to 200°C (400°F). Cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Oven method: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Place pakoras on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

6. Make the sauce: While pakoras cook, mix together the ketchup, mint chutney, and sriracha in a small bowl.

7. Serve: Enjoy the pakoras hot with the tangy dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or baking sheet for best results

• The batter should be sticky enough to hold together but not too wet

• For extra crispiness in the oven, place on a wire rack over the baking sheet

• Serve immediately for maximum crispiness

Nutritional value per serving if having 2 pakoras per person with few tablespoons of the chutney: 134 calories, 1.4g fat, of which saturates 0.2 grams, 3.1 grams of fibre, 4.7 grams of protein

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