Onion Fritters/ Pakora (One Pot)
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Quick, easy, crispy onion fritters recipe, homemade with simple ingredients in one pot in 30 minutes. These Indian onion pakora are full of garlic, onion, red chili and sesame seeds.
What makes a savory food like onions better? The answer is frying them. These are similar to American onion rings, but they taste even better because of the flavorful seasonings added to the batter. They are so easy to make, and your whole family will love them along with any party guests you may be entertaining. Add these Crispy Fried Cheese Curds (One Pan), Crispy Fried Chicken Bites (One Pot), Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips (One Pan), Potato Fritters/ Aloo Pakora (One Pot), and Crispy Zucchini Fries (One Pan) to your next party menu.
How to make easy crispy onion fritters recipe from scratch?
- Heat oil– Prepare the batter.
- Mix ingredients– Including all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, cumin, black sesame seeds, red chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, water.
- Add onion slices– Fully coat in batter.
- Fry– Until fritters are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil– Use a slotted spoon. Enjoy!
What to serve with savory fritters?
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip (One Pot)
- Creamy Dill Dip (One Bowl)
- Easy Queso Dip (One Pot)
- Best Chimichurri Sauce (Blender)
- Homemade Marinara Sauce (One Pot)
- Easy Hummus (One Bowl)
- Easy Guacamole Recipe (One Bowl)
- Ketchup
- Sriracha sauce
- Ranch sauce
- Sriracha mayo
Key ingredients of fritter batter
The key ingredients are All-purpose flour, chickpea flour, water, and seasoning.
Why are my homemade fritters soggy?
This can result from too much flour in the coating, not frying at a high enough temperature, or piling them after frying instead of letting them drain in one layer on a paper towel.
Variations for Indian onion pakoda/ pakora
Add other veggies– Such as grated zucchini, corn, peppers, grated carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower.
Add potatoes– Such as shredded Russet or even sweet potatoes.
Mix in shredded cheese– Such as cheddar, Swiss, pepperjack, or mozzarella.
Try other spices– Such as paprika or smoked paprika, basil, oregano, or rosemary.
Add seasonings– Such as Cajun, taco, or curry seasoning.
Omit sesame seeds– I love the color they add, but if you do not prefer them or have them, they can be left out.
Make them spicy– Add more red chili powder or cayenne for even more heat.
Tips and techniques
What kind of onions to use? I recommend using sweeter onions such as Vidalia or yellow onions.
Add more or less seasonings– Based on your personal preference.
Must line pan with paper towels– Because this removes the excess oil so that the fritters become crispy.
Batter cannot be runny– It has to be thick so that it can coat the onions. Be sure to measure ingredients correctly.
Don’t add the battered onions in cold oil– The oil must be preheated in order for the batter to remain on the onions and fry properly.
How to make extra crispy fritters? Add 1-2 tbsp rice flour for extra crispiness.
Turn over fritters while frying– Because this ensures they fry evenly. Flip as many times as needed to ensure an even fry.
Use a large Ziploc bag to mix ingredients– You can use a mixing bowl, but I prefer less mess and the easy clean-up of a Ziploc bag.
Place the fritters gently in the oil– Because this keeps you from being burned by splashing hot oil.
Storage
Refrigerate– These are best served immediately, but can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 1 day.
Freeze– In a freezer safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat– I don’t recommend reheating but if you must do that, reheat in the oven, toaster oven or air fryer rather than a microwave to allow the crispy texture to return.
More easy one pot appetizers
- Cheesy Spinach Puffs (One Pan)
- Stuffed Mini Peppers (One Pan)
- Ham and Cheese Sliders (One Pan)
- Cranberry Brie Bites (One Pan)
- Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (One Pan)
Onion Fritters (Onion Pakora)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Chickpea flour
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Black sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp Red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- Salt, To taste
- Pepper, To taste
- 1/2-1 cup Water, To make a smooth batter consistency
- 1 Onion, Large, Peeled, Thinly sliced
- Oil, For frying
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- While the oil is heating, make the batter.
- In a large Ziploc bag, add all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, cumin, black sesame seeds, red chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, water. You can use a large mixing bowl but Ziploc bag allows for easier clean up.
- Mix until batter is thick and smooth.
- Add onion slices in the batter and mix until fully coated.
- Place spoonfuls of this onion mixture gently in hot oil.
- Turn over as needed a few times for even frying and until fritters are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them from oil and place them on a large tray, lined with paper towels. Enjoy.
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- This tastes best when served immediately. Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the the fridge for up 1 day and reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer but they won’t be as crispy as before.