Appetizers

Spicy Onion Ring Fritters (Bhaji)

These crispy, Spicy Onion Ring Fritters deliver the perfect crunch in every bite with a kick of heat! Inspired by bhaji, they’re quick to make and pair perfectly with the homemade tangy dipping sauce.

Bhaji onion fritters served on a sheet pan lined with parchment served with dipping sauce.

Why We Love This Spicy Onion Ring Fritters Recipe

I initially created these fritters as a replacement for traditional onion rings, looking for something with more flavor and a different texture. After making them, I discovered they’re remarkably similar to pakoras or bhaji, a beloved Indian street food that features vegetables coated in a spiced flour batter and fried to perfection.

My spiced onion ring fritters recipe differs a bit from traditional bhaji, since I use Cajun seasoning to create that spicy kick. Traditional bhaji is spiced a bit differently, but this is a great fusion recipe that captures the essence of bhaji with a different flavor profile!

Crispy fried onion ring fritters on a small sheet pan on a wooden board.

Ingredients You Need

Onions: The star of the show. Slice them thin for quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
Flour & Corn Flour: Creates the base of our batter, providing structure to hold everything together.
Baking Powder: A small amount helps the fritters puff up slightly when they hit the hot oil.
Spices: You will need salt, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper to season up the onion fritters to perfection!
Water: Just enough to create the perfect batter consistency! Too much and the fritters might end up soggy, so be careful!
Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to fry the onion fritters.
For the Dipping Sauce: Combine mayo, ketchup, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice and sriracha for the perfect spicy dipping sauce!

How to Make Easy Bhaji Onion Fritters

Prep the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, corn flour, baking powder, salt, Cajun mix, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Mix with the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the dry mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a thick batter forms around the onions.

Thinly sliced onions added to the flour and spice mixture in a bowl.

Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat the oil.
Fry the Onion Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the onion mixture into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, Cajun mix, lemon juice, and sriracha until well combined.
Serve Immediately & Enjoy: Enjoy the fritters hot with the spicy dipping sauce.

Portions of the breaded onions being fried in hot oil in a pot.

Spicy onion ring fritters on a sheet plan served with a side of dipping sauce.

Tips for Success

Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C is ideal) before adding the fritters. Too cool, and they’ll absorb oil and become soggy; too hot, and they’ll burn before cooking through.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
After frying, drain on paper towels rather than directly on a plate to keep them crispy on all sides.
Season and serve immediately. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while still hot for maximum flavor absorption and serve while hot and crispy!

Hand dipping a spicy onion ring fritter into the ramekin of sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these spicy onion fritters piping hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side! They make a fantastic appetizer for casual gatherings or a delicious side dish. These are versatile enough to be served with dishes you would normally serve onions rings with, or with your favorite Indian-inspired dishes! I like to serve them with grilled hot dogs, summer shrimp and corn skillet, or a homemade crawfish boil. They would also go amazingly with oven baked BBQ ribs or a sausage sheet pan dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne works well.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini ribbons, or grated carrots make excellent additions or substitutions for the onions.

How spicy are these onion fritters?

With the amounts listed, they have a moderate kick. Reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder version.

Can I store them for later?

Yes! If you don’t eat them all, you can store them for later in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can heat them up in the air fryer, toaster oven or oven to ensure they get crispy again!