Ella Walter
Paneer is a simple, soft, non-melting cheese made from milk and an acid such as lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid. It is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine and can be seasoned and cooked on its own or used in a curry. It can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways, including as paneer tikka, in which it is marinated in yogurt and spices and cooked on skewers with vegetables, or simply seasoned and cooked in the air fryer basket. The cooking time varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of browning, but it typically takes around 5-13 minutes to cook paneer in an air fryer.
How long to cook paneer in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 5-13 minutes |
| Temperature | 360°F-400°F (180°C-204°C) |
| Preparation | Cut paneer into cubes or chunks, marinate, and place in a single layer in the air fryer |
| Serving suggestions | With peppers, onions, lemon, cilantro, rice, or salad |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer paneer tikka
To make Air Fryer Paneer Tikka, you will need the following ingredients:
- Paneer
- Yogurt
- Besan (gram flour)
- Spices (such as tandoori masala, garam masala, cumin, coriander, or any other spices of your choice)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Oil (avocado, olive, or sunflower oil)
- Lemon (optional)
- Cilantro (optional)
- Cut the paneer into cubes that are approximately 1-inch in size.
- Prepare the marinade by mixing yogurt, besan, spices, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat.
- Cover the marinade with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more intense flavors.
- Cut the onion and bell peppers into chunks similar in size to the paneer cubes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F (180-204°C) for at least 3 minutes.
- Thread the paneer, onion, and bell peppers alternately onto skewers. You can also cook them as individual pieces, ensuring enough space between each piece for even cooking.
- Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-13 minutes at 360-400°F (180-204°C). Alternatively, cook at 380°F (190°C) for 11-13 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through.
- Once the paneer is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- For an extra crispy exterior, brush the paneer lightly with oil or cooking spray and cook for another 3-5 minutes before serving.
You can serve Air Fryer Paneer Tikka with lemon wedges, sliced onion, cilantro, chutney, or naan bread. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and can be enjoyed as a delicious and convenient meal or appetizer.
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Marinating paneer
Ingredients:
- Paneer: Fresh paneer is recommended, but frozen paneer can also be used. If using frozen paneer, ensure that it is completely thawed before marinating.
- Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms are popular choices to use alongside paneer. Cut the vegetables into 1-inch chunks or slices.
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt will act as a base for the marinade, providing a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
- Spices: Common spices used in marinating paneer include garam masala, curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chilli powder, and chaat masala. You can also use pre-made tandoori masala or Tikka masala paste for convenience.
- Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil can be used for the marinade, while cooking spray or any high-smoke-point oil can be used for the air fryer basket.
- Other Flavourings: Lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) can be added for extra flavour.
Method:
- Prepare the Paneer: Cut the paneer into 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes. If using frozen paneer, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature/warm water for an hour. Pat the paneer dry to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, oil, spices, and any other flavourings of your choice. Mix well to form a thick paste.
- Marinate the Paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with cling film or transfer the marinade to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Place the marinated paneer in the refrigerator. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes, but preferably a few hours or overnight for the best results. The longer marination time ensures that the paneer absorbs the flavours and becomes more tender.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 380°F and 400°F (190°C to 204°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble and Cook: After marination, you can either thread the paneer and vegetables onto skewers or place them directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8 to 13 minutes, turning halfway through, until the paneer is golden brown and crispy.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to create your own unique marinade! Remember, the key to delicious marinated paneer is to allow it to rest in the refrigerator for the flavours to truly come together.
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Seasoning and coating
Once you've prepared the marinade, it's time to coat the paneer. Cut the paneer into cubes, approximately 1-inch in size, and then add them to the marinade. Toss the paneer cubes gently to ensure they are evenly coated. For the best results, cover and refrigerate the marinated paneer for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you're planning ahead. This allows the flavours to truly penetrate the cheese, resulting in a more intense and delicious taste.
Another option for seasoning and coating your paneer is to use a dry rub. This method involves mixing various dried spices and herbs and then coating the paneer cubes directly with this mixture. To create a basic dry rub, combine spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric in a small bowl. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. After cutting your paneer into cubes, simply sprinkle the spice mixture over the cheese and use your hands or a brush to ensure an even coating. This method is quicker than marinating but still adds a burst of flavour to your paneer.
If you're feeling creative, you can even try a combination of both methods. Start by marinating your paneer cubes in yogurt and oil, as mentioned above. Then, just before cooking, sprinkle your dry spice mixture over the marinated paneer. This double coating of flavour will result in a truly mouthwatering dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations and flavours to find your signature paneer seasoning. Remember, the key to successful seasoning and coating is to ensure that each paneer cube is adequately covered, creating a consistent and tasty dish every time.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for paneer in an air fryer depend on the type of dish you are preparing. For instance, the cooking time and temperature for Air Fryer Paneer Tikka vary from those for plain Air Fryer Paneer.
Air Fryer Paneer
To make Air Fryer Paneer, cut the paneer into 1" cubes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for at least 3 minutes, or according to your manufacturer's instructions. Add oil and seasonings to a large bowl and mix well to form a paste. Toss the paneer cubes in the seasoned oil to coat them evenly. Place the paneer into the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 5–8 minutes. If possible, shake the basket halfway through cooking. The paneer is ready when it is crispy on the outside and still spongy when squeezed between two fingers.
Air Fryer Paneer Tikka
To make Air Fryer Paneer Tikka, cut the paneer into ½-inch thick pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, oil, lime juice, besan flour, minced ginger, garlic, kasoori methi, salt, and spices. Add the paneer pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, soak the bamboo skewers. Thread the marinated paneer, peppers, and onions onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients. Line 4–5 skewers in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 8 minutes. For a slightly charred finish, broil the skewers on high for an additional 2 minutes.
Other Variations
There are several other variations of Air Fryer Paneer recipes. For example, you can marinate the paneer in yogurt and besan, and add spices like tandoori masala, garam masala, cumin, coriander, garlic, and ginger. Another option is to spray the air fryer tray with oil, arrange the paneer, and spray the top of the paneer with oil. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 11–13 minutes, turning the paneer at the halfway point.
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Reheating paneer
Firstly, allow the leftover paneer to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Place the paneer in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It's best to consume the paneer within 2 to 4 days for optimal flavour and texture.
When you're ready to reheat the paneer, take it out of the refrigerator and place the desired amount in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to a lower temperature than you would normally cook paneer, as you are simply aiming to warm the paneer through without drying it out. Reheat the paneer for a shorter duration than the initial cooking time, checking on it regularly to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Alternatively, you can reheat paneer in the microwave. Place the paneer on a microwave-safe dish lined with a damp paper towel and heat it on high power for 45 seconds. This method is quicker and more convenient, but it may not restore the crispiness of the paneer like an air fryer would.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 5 to 13 minutes to cook paneer in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the temperature and whether the paneer is being cooked in batches or not.
The paneer is done when it is crispy on the outside and still spongy or soft on the inside.
Set your air fryer to between 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 204°C) to cook paneer.
