Name: Crispy Onion Pakora Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 large Onions (thinly sliced); 1 cup Gram flour (besan); 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon Red chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 tablespoons Coriander leaves (chopped); as needed Water; for deep frying Oil

Method

Slice & Prep

Start by thinly slicing the onions evenly and placing them in a large mixing bowl so they can mix properly with the spices and batter.

Moisture Release

Add salt to the sliced onions and gently squeeze them with your hands, allowing them to release moisture and soften slightly for better binding.

Spice Blend

Add gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and chopped coriander leaves into the bowl, mixing everything thoroughly with the onions.

Batter Consistency

Sprinkle a little water gradually while mixing until the onions are coated in a thick, sticky batter that holds together but is not too runny.

Oil Check

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until hot enough for frying, testing with a small drop of batter to ensure it sizzles immediately.

Chef deep frying golden onion pakoras in a hot oil kadai over a high flame

Chef deep frying golden onion pakoras in a hot oil kadai over a high flame

Batch Frying

Drop small portions of the onion mixture into the hot oil carefully, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Golden Crunch

Fry the pakoras until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

A crispy golden onion pakora being pulled apart showing the soft and seasoned onion filling

A crispy golden onion pakora being pulled apart showing the soft and seasoned onion filling

Excess Oil Drain

Remove them from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping them crisp and light.

Tea Time!

Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup, enjoying these crispy and flavorful onion pakoras as a perfect snack.

A basket of onion pakoras served with masala chai on a table during a rainy evening

A basket of onion pakoras served with masala chai on a table during a rainy evening

Cook’s tips

Do not add too much water; the moisture from the onions is usually enough to bind the flour for the crispiest results.

Maintain a medium-high flame; if the oil is too cold, the pakoras will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Adding a teaspoon of hot oil to the batter before frying helps make the pakoras lighter and crunchier.

Recipe notes

Onion Pakora, also known as Onion Bhaji, is a popular Indian snack made with sliced onions coated in spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried until crispy. It is a perfect tea-time snack that is crunchy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Craving a full Indian feast? Start with these pakoras and follow up with our Classic Butter Chicken, or clean your palate with a bowl of our Japanese Miso Soup for a unique fusion snack experience!