Air fryer Paneer Tikka
Air fryer Paneer Tikka is an easy & healthy Indian appetizer made by marinating chunks of paneer and veggies in a spiced yogurt mixture and air fried later. A perfect last minute appetizer.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Marination
- 1 lb Paneer cut into roughly 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 colorful bell peppers deseeded & cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- ½ medium-size red onion cut into cubes and separate the petals
- Salt to taste
- ¼ th tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tsp Kasuri methi
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp Black salt
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Ginger garlic paste 1.5 tbsp
- Mustard oil 2 tbsp
- ½ cup Greek yogurt hung curd
Instructions
- Cut the paneer, peppers, and red onion into 1.5-inch cubes. If you are using a store-bought paneer, then soak the paneer cubes in hot water for 10 mins to make it soft.
- Add all the marination ingredients except paneer and veggies to a mixing bowl and mix well.
- Now add the paneer cubes, pepper cubes, and onion petals to the marination mixture and mix well until everything is coated well. Marinate for a minimum of 30 mins up to overnight if you have time.
- Now thread the paneer and veggie cubes onto skewers leaving space between each piece(very important for a good air fryer paneer) and alternating between paneer and veggie pieces. Note: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 mins in water before using them.
- Place the paneer skewers inside the air fryer onto the slotted plate or if provided, on a skewer rack. You can brush oil lightly on the air fryer surface before if you prefer but not necessary. Imp Note: Do not crowd the air fryer, Make sure to place the skewers without touching each other, otherwise they will steam instead of air frying.
- Now air fry paneer skewers on 350F for 12 to 14 mins. You can lightly brush with oil halfway through if they look dry but as the marination has oil in it it is not necessary. If you make sure to place the skewers leaving enough space between pieces and also between skewers, then no need to turn halfway through.
- Start checking at 10 mins and take them out carefully when they are done to your preference.
- Sprinkle with little chat masala and lemon juice and serve hot with sliced onions on the side.
Notes
- Do not crowd the air fryer. Leave enough space, between each piece on the skewer and also between skewers. If you can't fit all the skewers at a time, then air fry them in turns. This avoids steaming instead of air frying.
- If the Paneer is hard or store-bought, then soak paneer cubes in boiled hot water for 10 mins before you add it to the marination. this helps to keep it soft inside.
- Marinate the Paneer for a minimum of 30 mins or over night if you have time. This helps in soaking up the flavors.
- If you are using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 mins in water before using them.
- If you are using frozen paneer, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using.