Air-Frying Paneer: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking paneer in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this Indian cheese. You can cook paneer in an air fryer in a few simple steps: preheat the air fryer, season the paneer, and cook until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

How to season paneer before air frying

To season paneer before air frying, you can use a variety of spices and herbs. One option is to use a combination of avocado oil or olive oil, paprika, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and salt. Stir the spices and oil together to form a paste, and then add the paneer cubes and toss well to coat them in the seasoned oil. You can also add other spices and herbs to taste. Another option is to use a marinade. Mix all of the ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl, minus the paneer. Once the mixture is well combined, add the paneer cubes and toss to coat them evenly.

You can also season the paneer after it has been cooked. Brush the paneer lightly with oil or cooking spray and cook for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how brown you like it. You can also sprinkle the cooked paneer with additional spices or herbs to taste.

How to cut paneer for air frying

When preparing paneer for air frying, it's important to cut the paneer into cubes. The size of the cubes can vary, but most recipes recommend 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

To cut paneer into cubes, start by placing the block of paneer on a clean, dry cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the paneer into rectangular slabs of equal thickness. Then, cut these slabs into sticks, and finally, cut the sticks into cubes. It is important to cut the paneer into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

If you plan to skewer the paneer cubes, cut the cubes slightly larger, about 1.5 inches in size. This will prevent the paneer from breaking or crumbling when pierced by the skewers. Thread the paneer cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each cube to allow for even cooking and browning.

For a more rustic presentation, you can also cut the paneer into thick triangles or rectangles. This shape variation adds visual interest to the dish and can be especially appealing when serving the paneer as an appetiser or main course.

How long to cook paneer in an air fryer

To cook paneer in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for at least three minutes. You can then add the paneer cubes to the air fryer basket and cook for five to eight minutes, or until crispy on the outside and spongy when squeezed. You can also brush the paneer with oil or cooking spray and cook for another three to five minutes, depending on how brown you like it.

Another option is to cook the paneer for six minutes, or until it is warm and soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. You can also set the air fryer to nine minutes at 360 degrees.

How to tell when paneer is cooked in an air fryer

To tell when paneer is cooked in an air fryer, look for a crispy exterior and a soft, spongy interior. You can test this by squeezing a piece of paneer between your fingers. If it's crispy on the outside but still spongy, it's done.

To cook paneer in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for at least 3 minutes. Then, add oil and spices to a large bowl and mix well. Cut the paneer into cubes and add them to the bowl, tossing to coat. Place the paneer cubes in the air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer with space around each cube. Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until crispy and golden. For an extra crispy finish, brush the paneer with oil or cooking spray and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

How to cook paneer tikka in an air fryer

Paneer tikka is a popular restaurant dish of paneer marinated in spiced yoghurt and grilled. To cook paneer tikka in an air fryer, first cut the paneer into 2-inch by 1-1/2-inch steaks. In a medium bowl, combine yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, beets, and spices. Whisk until smooth. Arrange the paneer onto a plate and coat all sides with the marinade. Be gentle to avoid breaking the paneer.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 2 minutes. Thread the paneer onto skewers with the flattest side facing up, so the tikka will get maximum exposure to heat while cooking. Arrange 4-5 skewers or more/less depending on the size of your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that the skewers aren't touching each other. Spray or liberally brush avocado oil or ghee onto the tikka. You could also line the air fryer basket with a perforated sheet for easy cleaning.

Cook for 5-6 minutes at 360°F. After 5 minutes, turn the skewers, lightly spray or brush with oil, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a serving plate, squeeze some lime juice, sprinkle chaat masala, and serve immediately with mint chutney.

Alternatively, you can cook the paneer without skewers. Spray the air fryer tray with oil. Arrange the paneer. Spray the top of the paneer with oil. Cook in an air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 11-13 minutes. Turn the paneer at the halfway point.

Frequently asked questions