Name: Easy Onion Bhajis Recipe (Better Than Takeaway) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 large red onions, sliced thin and halved; 1 cup gram flour (chickpea flour); 1 tablespoon rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped; Salt to taste; 1 to 3 teaspoons water (as needed to form batter); 3 to 4 cups sunflower oil (for deep frying)

There’s something undeniably magical about crispy, golden onion bhajis that just take you straight to the heart of Indian street food. This Easy Onion Bhajis Recipe (Better Than Takeaway) Recipe captures all those vibrant, comforting flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps that you can easily whip up at home. Forget waiting for delivery or hunting down your favorite restaurant’s version—this recipe delivers perfectly crunchy, spiced onion bundles that bring the party to your taste buds in about 30 minutes flat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several small white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. One bowl is filled with a light yellow, crumbly flour mixture, another holds green leafy cilantro, and a third displays three piles of ground spices in dark brown, bright orange, and red colors. Two whole red onions with bright purple-red skin are placed next to the bowls. There is also a transparent glass filled with water and a small bowl filled with coarse white salt in front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal and straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final flavor, texture, and color of your onion bhajis. From the earthy gram flour that crisps up so beautifully to the aromatic spices, every component is essential to making these irresistible fritters.

2 large red onions sliced thin: The star of the show, thin slicing ensures even cooking and maximum crunch.
1 cup gram flour (chickpea flour): Provides structure and a lovely nutty flavor while keeping the bhajis gluten-free.
1 tablespoon rice flour (optional): For that extra crispy edge that elevates the texture.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy undertone with a hint of bitterness.
1 teaspoon ground coriander: Brings a citrusy, floral note to brighten the mix.
½ teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives a gorgeous golden hue and subtle warmth.
½ teaspoon chilli powder: Packs a gentle heat that you can adjust to your liking.
¼ cup coriander leaves: Freshness and an herby zing to balance the spices.
Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors and helps draw juice from the onions.
1 – 3 teaspoon water as needed: Just enough to bind the batter without making it soggy.
3-4 cups sunflower oil: For deep frying to achieve that perfect crispy crust.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Onion Bhajis Recipe (Better Than Takeaway) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by peeling and thinly slicing your red onions. Cutting them into halves again will help ensure that each slice fries up beautifully and uniformly crispy. The thin slices release natural juices which are key to the classic bhaji texture and flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Combine the sliced onions with gram flour, rice flour (if using), ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, salt, and fresh coriander leaves in a generous mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly. This step is vital as the salt helps draw out moisture from the onions, enhancing the flavor and crispiness.

Step 3: Let the Batter Rest

Patience is your friend here—let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour if you have the time. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the onions to soften, resulting in a more cohesive, flavorful batter.

Step 4: Adjust the Batter

After resting, gently squeeze the onion mixture to release any excess water. Now, mix to form a thick batter that coats the onions well. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time, being careful not to make it too runny. If the batter gets watery during frying, sprinkle in a little gram flour to maintain consistency.

Step 5: Frying the Bhajis

Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping a pinch of batter—if it bubbles up immediately, the oil is hot enough. Using a spoon or your hand, drop small mounds of the batter into the oil, frying them in batches. Turn the bhajis once the first side is light golden, then cook evenly until deep golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes total. Remove and drain on kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade Easy Onion Bhajis Recipe (Better Than Takeaway) Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds! Serve piping hot with coriander chutney or cooling raita for the perfect appetizer or snack experience.

How to Serve Easy Onion Bhajis Recipe (Better Than Takeaway) Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves or a dusting of chaat masala add an extra pop of flavor and elevates the visual appeal of your bhajis. A wedge of lemon on the side invites a bright citrus twist that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your onion bhajis with cooling cucumber raita, mint chutney, or tangy tamarind sauce. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a spicy curry or rice dish, rounding out a hearty Indian meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your bhaji presentation up a notch by serving them in individual mini baskets lined with parchment paper or placing on a rustic wooden board alongside colorful chutneys and fresh salad. Add some pickled onions or a zesty yogurt dip on the side for extra flair and flavor combinations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Easy Onion Bhajis Recipe (Better Than Takeaway) Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh enough to enjoy as a snack or quick appetizer later.

Freezing

While these bhajis are best fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage. Freeze in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen to keep them crisp.

Reheating

To bring your bhajis back to life, place them on a baking tray in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

Red onions are preferred for their slightly sweet and robust flavor, but yellow or white onions can work too. Just make sure to slice them thinly and handle the moisture accordingly.

Is gram flour the same as chickpea flour?

Yes! Gram flour and chickpea flour are the same ingredient, commonly used in Indian cooking to add texture and protein to dishes like bhajis.

Can I make these bhajis gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free when you use gram flour and rice flour. Just double-check that the spices and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How spicy are these bhajis? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe uses half a teaspoon of chilli powder for a mild kick, but you can easily adjust this up or down depending on your spice tolerance. Alternatively, mixing in freshly chopped green chilies offers another heat option.

Can I bake or air fry the onion bhajis instead of deep frying?

Yes! For a healthier alternative, you can bake them or try an air fryer. Air frying at about 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes yields a crispy result with less oil. They won’t be quite the same as deep-fried but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

Making these onion bhajis at home with this Easy Onion Bhajis Recipe (Better Than Takeaway) Recipe is such a rewarding experience—it’s like having your favorite takeaway, but fresher, tastier, and made just the way you love it. So why wait? Grab your onions, spices, and gram flour, and get ready to impress your friends and family with a homemade Indian treat that’s crunchy, flavorful, and downright addictive.