Air Fryer Onion Pakora (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

• 2 largeonions — thinly sliced
• 1 cupchickpea flour — besan — naturally gluten-free
• 2 tbsprice flour — for extra crispness
• 1green chili — minced; omit for kids
• 1 tspground cumin
• 1/2 tspground turmeric
• 1/2 tspKashmiri chili powder — mild
• 1 tspfine sea salt
• 2 tbspcilantro — chopped
• 2 tbspneutral oil — to toss and brush

Method

1. 01

   Toss the sliced onions with the salt and let them sit five minutes — they'll release their own moisture, which is what binds the batter with little or no added water. Add the besan, rice flour, chili, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, cilantro, and one tablespoon of oil and mix until the onions are coated in a thick, clinging paste.

2. 02

   Pull off loose clusters and set them in a single layer in the basket — keep them craggy, not packed, so the edges can crisp. Brush the tops with the remaining oil.

3. 03

   Air fry at 380°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden and crisp at the ragged edges.

4. 04

   Serve hot with mint or tamarind chutney — and ideally a cup of strong chai.