Frying Paneer In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can fry paneer in an air fryer! This simple cheese, a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, is a fantastic source of vegetarian protein and can be seasoned and cooked in a variety of ways. Frying paneer in an air fryer is a convenient, low-fuss way to prepare the cheese, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior.

How to make paneer in an air fryer

Paneer is a simple cheese that is often made with milk and an acid such as lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid. It is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine and a fantastic source of vegetarian protein. You can season and cook it on its own or use it as an ingredient in a curry.

Ingredients:

• Paneer
• Oil (a neutral-flavored oil such as avocado or olive oil works well)
• Salt
• Spices of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, garam masala, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, or cayenne pepper)

Method:

• Cut the paneer into cubes.
• Prepare a marinade by mixing the oil, salt, and spices in a large bowl.
• Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-204°C) for at least 3 minutes.
• Place the paneer in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook the paneer in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook for 5-15 minutes, turning the paneer halfway through. The paneer is done when it is crispy on the outside but still spongy when squeezed.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you have time, let the paneer marinate in the seasoned oil for 15 minutes, or even a few hours if refrigerated. This will enhance the flavor and make the paneer more crispy.
• For extra crispiness, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray before adding the paneer.
• To prevent the paneer from sticking to the basket, spray the air fryer tray with oil before adding the paneer.
• To keep the paneer warm and crispy, serve it on skewers or toothpicks.

What to serve with paneer

Yes, you can fry paneer in an air fryer. It is a great snack, appetiser, or side dish.

Paneer is a simple, non-melting cheese used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein and calcium for vegetarians. It is often served in curries, rice dishes, wraps, snacks, appetisers, cakes, and even some desserts.

• Rice dishes: You can serve paneer with coconut rice or basmati rice. It also goes well with cumin seeds, coriander, and mint.
• Salads: Serve paneer on top of a light green salad with a cilantro avocado dressing.
• Vegetables: Paneer can be served with grilled or roasted vegetables, such as onions and peppers.
• Bread: Naan bread, roti, or chapati are all good options to serve with paneer. You can also make a paneer sandwich or a paneer-stuffed pancake.
• Dips and sauces: Paneer can be served with a cilantro chutney dip, green chutney, red garlic chutney, or a spicy cilantro sauce.
• Curries: Popular curries to serve with paneer include makhani gravy, palak gravy, and matar paneer (peas in a spicy tomato sauce).
• Other dishes: Paneer can also be served in fritters, skewers, wraps, or pakoras.

Paneer has a chewy texture and not much flavour on its own, so it is often added to sauces or fried with spices to add flavour.

How to prevent paneer from sticking to the air fryer basket

Yes, you can fry paneer in an air fryer! Here are some tips to prevent it from sticking to the basket:

Firstly, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the paneer can help to prevent sticking. This is because it evaporates excess moisture, creating a non-stick surface. You should also regularly season your air fryer basket with a thin layer of high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil. This helps to create a natural barrier against sticking.

Additionally, coating the paneer in a thin layer of oil or marinade before air frying will also help to prevent sticking. You can also spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray for added lubrication. If you want to avoid using oil, you can line the basket with parchment paper as a barrier between the food and the basket.

Finally, it is important to avoid overcrowding the basket as this can trap moisture and cause sticking. Instead, cook the paneer in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

How to cut paneer for frying

Frying paneer is a great way to add flavour to the cheese, which doesn't have much flavour on its own. Before frying, you'll want to cut your paneer into cubes or slices. Here are some methods for cutting paneer for frying:

Cubes

Cutting paneer into cubes is a common method for preparing paneer for frying. Cut the paneer into thin slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Then, cut each slice into 1-inch pieces. You can also cut the paneer into cubes that are approximately 1” in size.

Slices

Another option is to cut the paneer into slices. First, rinse a 200-gram paneer block with 1 cup of clean water and place it on a chopping board. Cut the block into 4 portions, then slice each portion into 2 pieces. Avoid slicing the paneer too thin, as this can make it difficult to turn the pieces while frying.

Steaks

If you're making paneer tikka, you'll want to cut the paneer into steaks. Cut the paneer into 2-inch by 1-1/2-inch steaks.

Skewers

For air fryer paneer, you can cut the paneer into cubes and place them on wooden skewers before cooking.

How long to fry paneer in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry paneer in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the paneer

Cut the paneer into cubes that are approximately 1” in size. You can also cut them into 2-inch by 1-1/2-inch steaks if you prefer.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

Add the oil and seasonings to a large bowl and mix well to form a paste. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, and spices such as smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, and salt. You can also add some cayenne pepper for spice. Alternatively, you can use a masala spice blend.

Step 3: Marinate the paneer

Once you have prepared the marinade, add the paneer cubes to the bowl and toss them well to coat them evenly. If you have time, you can let the paneer cubes marinate in the fridge for 15 minutes or even a few hours. This will enhance the flavour.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for at least 3 minutes, or according to your manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 5: Cook the paneer

Place the marinated paneer cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are using skewers, place the skewers in the basket, ensuring they fit properly. Cook the paneer for 5-8 minutes, or until the outside is crispy and the inside is soft and warm. You may need to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the paneer from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can serve it on skewers or toothpicks, or as part of a salad or rice bowl.

It is important to note that paneer can easily dry out when cooked in the air fryer, so be careful not to overcook it. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried paneer!

Frequently asked questions