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Crispy Onion Fritters Recipe

Close-up of onion fritters with chutney and yogurt dip
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Onion fritters, also known as pakoras in South Asian cuisine, are a crispy, savory snack perfect for any time of the day. Made with thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced gram flour batter, these fritters are deep-fried to golden perfection. This recipe is quick, easy, and customizable for every palate. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying treat!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fritters

  1. 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  2. 3 tablespoons gram flour (chickpea flour)
  3. 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  4. 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
  5. ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  6. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  7. 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  8. ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
  9. ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  10. Water, as needed (2-3 tablespoons)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain) for added aroma
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala for a richer flavor

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

  • Red chili sauce
  • Green chutney
  • Tamarind chutney

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Slice onions thinly and separate them into rings or strands.
  • Chop green chilies and cilantro.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle a pinch of salt on sliced onions and let them sit for 5 minutes. This releases moisture, making the batter bind better.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

  1. In a large bowl, combine gram flour, chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and salt.
  2. Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until you achieve a thick batter.
  3. Fold in the onions, green chilies, and cilantro. Ensure all onion slices are well coated.

Visual Cue: The batter should stick to the onion slices without dripping off.

Common Mistake: Avoid adding too much water; a runny batter will result in soggy fritters.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

  1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of the onion mixture into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with a spoon for even cooking.
  3. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Pro Tip: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature for crispy results.

What to Look For: Fritters should have a golden-brown color with crisp edges and a spicy aroma.

Step 4: Serve

  • Arrange fritters on a plate and serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with masala chai for a cozy tea-time snack.
  • Serve as a side dish with dal and rice for a hearty meal.

Tips & Tricks

  • Scaling: Double the ingredients to serve a crowd.
  • Spice Adjustments: For a milder flavor, skip the green chilies and reduce chili powder.
  • Crispiness: For extra crispy fritters, add 1 tablespoon of rice flour to the batter.

Storage & Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fritters soggy.

Find it online: https://recipesh.com/crispy-onion-fritters/