Crispy Vegan Onion Bhajis

No Indian feast is complete without a mound of golden onion bhajis to bite into – and we have the best vegan onion bhaji recipe for you!

These light, crisp, fragrant, and slightly-spiced fritters are an excellent accompaniment to curry dishes or as an everyday snack.

We also love to fold our bhajis into a wrap or sandwich stuffed with fresh leaves, shredded vegetables, and a dollop of our mango chutney for a delicious lunch on-the-go.

Our easy-to-follow recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and very fast. Within 45 minutes you can have 20 light and crisp onion bhajis that are guaranteed to make your mouth water!

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What Is An Onion Bhaji?

Onion bhajis are simply crispy fritters made from a mix of onion, garam flour (chickpea flour), and spices. The word bhaji comes from the Hindi word that means ‘fried vegetables’.

While they are said to have originated in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, onion bhajis are now enjoyed worldwide.

They are popular in India at festivals and street food markets, and are a traditional snack served in homes when guests arrive.

Are Onion Bhajis Vegan?

It depends! Some chefs will use egg to bind the ingredients, and fry the bhajis in ghee, which is a clarified dairy butter.

Thankfully, these onion bhajis are entirely vegan, as we use only plant-based ingredients, and fry them in olive oil.

Is This Onion Bhaji Gluten-Free?

Yes! We use chickpea flour to make this vegan onion bhaji, so the recipe is entirely gluten-free.

Are These Onion Bhajis Easy to Make?

Making onion bhajis is not complicated and only requires a little chopping, mixing and frying. Our recipe is quick and easy to follow – just 45 minutes stand between you and these beautiful bhajis!

What are Onion Bhajis Made Of?

We make our vegan onion bhajis with the following ingredients:

• Onions
• Salt
• Chickpea flour
• Butter chicken spice blend (or your favorite Indian spice blend – curry powder works too!)
• Ground cumin
• Baking powder
• Turmeric powder
• Chili powder
• Olive oil        

How to Make Onion Bhajis

Thinly slice the onions and transfer them to a bowl. Add salt to the bowl and massage into the onions. Allow them to sit for 15 minutes.

In a separate bowl, add the rest of the ingredients, and mix them together. Then thoroughly mix the onions with the dry ingredients.

Add the olive oil to a sauté pan (enough to shallow fry), then, when it’s hot enough, drop heaped tablespoons of the bhaji mixture into the pan. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Drain the bhajis on absorbent paper to remove as much of the excess oil as possible, then sprinkle with a little salt and keep warm while the rest cook.

Enjoy with our tempeh curry, jeera rice, mango chutney, and gluten-free naan bread!

Tips for the Best Onion Bhajis

For this recipe, choose good quality onions for the best flavor. You can use either red or white onions, or a mix of both. Note that red onions will give the final product a slightly sweeter flavor.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when you are cooking your bhajis. Adding the mixture to the pan will cause the temperature of the oil to drop, and hot oil is what’s required for crispy bhajis. Limit your cooking to a few bhajis at a time.

FAQ

How to Store Onion Bhajis

These onion bhajis will last for up to 2 days on the counter at room temperature. They will always taste better if you keep them in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze Onion Bhajis?

You can, although defrosted bhajis are never as good as those enjoyed fresh!

Cook the bhajis as normal, then allow them to cool to room temperature before freezing on a baking tray. When they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store frozen for up to one month.

You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or an air fryer to restore some of their crispness.

Can You Make Onion Bhajis Ahead of Time?

These onion bhajis are always best served hot and crispy, immediately after cooking.

However, you can make them ahead of time. Once cooled, simply store them in an airtight container and leave them on the counter for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer just before serving.

How Long Do Onion Bhajis Last?

On the counter these bhajis will last for up to 2 days, although you may get an extra day of life if you store them in an airtight container in the fridge. In the freezer, they will last for up to one month.

Are Onion Bhajis Good for You?

First off, onions are great for you! They contain fiber, flavonoids and antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory qualities. They have also been shown to decrease cholesterol levels.

However, you probably don’t need us to point out that onion bhajis are not a health food! They are fried in oil and tend to be quite high in calories and fat.

Enjoy them for what they are – a tasty snack or accompaniment. Eaten in moderation, there is nothing wrong with bhajis!

If you’re looking for more Indian recipes, check out:

Vegan Indian Curry

Gluten-Free Naan Bread

Mango Chutney

Vegan Jeera Rice

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram!