Air-Fried Paneer Tikka: A Quick, Easy Delight!

Making paneer tikka in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this popular North Indian appetizer. The key to making delicious paneer tikka is in the marinade, which is typically made with yogurt, spices, and vegetables like bell peppers and onions. The paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is cut into cubes and marinated in this mixture, which infuses the dish with flavour. After marinating, the paneer and vegetables are threaded onto skewers and placed in the air fryer for a few minutes until cooked to perfection. The result is a tasty, healthy dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course.

Marinate paneer in yogurt and spices

Marinating the paneer is a crucial step in making delicious and flavourful paneer tikka. The longer the paneer is marinated, the more time it has to absorb the spices and soften. For the best results, prepare the marinade first and then cut the paneer into cubes. This will ensure that the paneer is not left to marinate for too long and become too soft.

To make the marinade, combine plain Greek yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, chaat masala, dried fenugreek leaves, lime juice, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the marinade until it is smooth and thick. If time allows, let the marinade sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours to deepen the flavours.

Next, add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently mix, being careful not to break the paneer. Cover and let the paneer marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before adding the paneer. This will prevent the skewers from burning.

When you are ready to cook, thread the marinated paneer onto the skewers, alternating with bell peppers and onions. If you don't have skewers, you can cook the paneer and vegetables directly in the air fryer basket. Just be sure to leave enough space between the pieces for even cooking.

Once the paneer is skewered, arrange the skewers in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each skewer. Lightly brush or spray the skewers with oil and cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the skewers, brush with oil, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Thread the paneer onto skewers

Threading the paneer onto skewers is a crucial step in making paneer tikka, an Indian dish made from paneer chunks marinated in a blend of yogurt and warm spices. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to thread the paneer onto skewers for paneer tikka:

• Cut the paneer into cubes: Using a sharp knife, cut the paneer into large (about 1-2 inch) squares or cubes. The size of the cubes may vary depending on your preference, but larger cubes are generally recommended for a more substantial bite.
• Prepare the vegetables: Peel and cut a medium-sized onion into square-shaped pieces similar in size to the paneer cubes. You can also use a red onion for added colour. Additionally, cut the bell peppers into squares or chunks, removing the stems and cores. You can use different coloured bell peppers (red, green, yellow) for a vibrant dish.
• Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, spices, garlic, ginger, and any other ingredients such as lemon juice or gram flour. Whisk the marinade until it is smooth and thick.
• Marinate the paneer and vegetables: Add the paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onion to the marinade. Gently toss and mix until all the pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours for deeper flavours.
• Prepare the skewers: If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the paneer. This step is important to prevent the skewers from burning during cooking. If using metal skewers, brush them with oil before threading.
• Thread the paneer and vegetables: Alternate threading the paneer, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers. For even cooking and better heat exposure, thread the paneer with the flattest side facing up. Make sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking and colour.
• Arrange the skewers: Place the skewers on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper or foil. If cooking in an air fryer, arrange 4-5 skewers in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. For the oven method, you can use a baking rack placed on a baking tray.

Now your paneer tikka skewers are ready for cooking! You can cook them in an air fryer, oven, grill, or even on a stovetop, following the specific instructions for each method. Enjoy your delicious and flavourful paneer tikka!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making sure your paneer tikka cooks evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, ensure your air fryer is plugged in and turned on. Set the temperature to 360°F (180°C). This is the ideal temperature for cooking paneer tikka, as it will give you that desirable charred exterior while keeping the inside soft and juicy.

Next, let the air fryer preheat for 2-5 minutes. This duration will depend on the model of your air fryer, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions if you're unsure. The preheating time is essential as it ensures the appliance reaches the desired temperature, creating a consistent cooking environment.

Once the preheating is complete, you can carefully place your prepared paneer tikka skewers into the air fryer basket. If you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Arrange the skewers in a single layer, making sure they aren't touching each other, and with enough space between the pieces for even cooking. You may need to cook the paneer tikka in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! Brush or spray the skewers with oil, and follow the remaining cooking instructions for your chosen paneer tikka recipe. Enjoy the delicious, crispy, and flavourful results!

Air fry the paneer skewers

Air frying the paneer skewers is a quick and easy way to cook this delicious Indian dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). This should only take a couple of minutes. While you are waiting, you can prepare the skewers. Take 4-5 skewers (or more/less depending on the size of your air fryer basket) and thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions onto them, alternating between each ingredient. Make sure you leave a little space between each piece so that everything cooks evenly. If you are using wooden or bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning.

Once your skewers are ready and the air fryer has preheated, it's time to start cooking. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't touching each other. You may need to cook the skewers in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly brush or spray the skewers with oil. This will help to crisp up the outside of the paneer and vegetables and give them a nice golden colour.

Now, air fry the skewers for 5-6 minutes at 360°F (180°C). After 5 minutes, use tongs to flip the skewers. Then, spray some more oil on the other side and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on the skewers to make sure they don't burn.

Once the paneer and vegetables are nicely charred and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer using tongs. If you want to add a little extra flavour, you can sprinkle the skewers with chaat masala while they are still warm. Serve the paneer tikka skewers with lemon wedges and green chutney for a delicious Indian treat!

Char the paneer for a smoky taste

Charring the paneer is a great way to add a smoky taste to your dish. If you're cooking your paneer tikka in an air fryer, you can achieve this by cooking the paneer for 5 minutes, then flipping the skewers and cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat this process for the second batch.

If you're using an oven, place the marinated paneer, onions, and pepper skewers on an aluminum-lined baking sheet and cook for 12-15 minutes. For an even crispier texture, brush the paneer with olive oil and broil for 1-2 minutes until it looks charred.

For an outdoor grill or grill pan, preheat the surface to medium heat and place the marinated paneer pieces or skewers on the grill for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through until the paneer edges are slightly charred.

You can also char the paneer directly over a stove flame. Make sure your skewers are long enough to hold on both sides, and wear baking mittens for safety. Turn on the stove flame to high and rotate the skewers over the flame (without touching it) to get an even char on all sides. This method will give your paneer tikka an irresistible smoky flavor.

Another way to add a smoky taste without charring is by using the "dhungar" method, which involves infusing smoke into the cooked paneer tikka. Place the cooked paneer tikka in a large bowl or tray with a lid. Put a small bowl in the center and add a burning piece of charcoal to it, along with a few drops of ghee. You'll immediately notice smoke, so cover the bowl and let the smoke infuse for about a minute.

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