This Air Fryer Paneer recipe is the easiest way to make crispy, flavorful paneer at home, using minimal oil while achieving the perfect texture every time. Enjoy it as a protein-packed side dish or use it as a tasty topping for salads, rice dishes, or wraps.
Want crispy paneer without the hassle of deep frying? Here's a simple way to make crispy paneer in the air fryer. Perfect for snacking, adding to curries, stuffing into wraps, or tossing into salads and bowls!
It’s SO much easier than traditional deep-fried or pan-fried methods — no sticking, no oil splatter, just golden, crunchy paneer every time. You might also like my air fryer tofu recipe.
More Indian Air Fryer Paneer Recipes, you may love
Ingredients
- Paneer - Only extra-firm or firm tofu will work for this recipe. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove all the excess moisture. Removing the moisture helps to make the tofu cubes crispy.
- Oil - Use any neutral-flavored cooking oil.
- Spices - I used Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika), turmeric, garam masala, and salt, for seasoning. You may use your favorite go-to spices.
How to Air Fryer Paneer
Cut the 200 grams of paneer into 1-inch cubes and put them in a bowl. Add some hot water and soak for 15 minutes. This set helps to soften the store-bought paneer. If you are using homemade paneer, skip this step.
In a bowl, add spices like ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala, salt, and 2 teaspoons of oil. Mix everything well. Then add the paneer cubes and mix until each piece of paneer is coated well with the spice mixture.
Preheat the air fryer to 355°F (180°C). Add the paneer to the air fryer basket and spread it in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
Air fry them at 355°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown, and crispy. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
The air fryer paneer is ready to serve. Remove to a serving plate, and serve warm.
Crispy Paneer in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the paneer cubes evenly in a single layer and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
How to Make Crispy Paneer on the Stovetop
Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat, and add 2 teaspoons of oil. Then, add the spiced paneer cubes and fry on medium heat until they turn golden brown on both sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this air-fried paneer as an appetizer with coriander mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
You may also add to curries like palak paneer, paneer butter masala, or paneer jalfrezi, and rice dishes like paneer peas pulao or paneer fried rice.
You can add them to wraps, tacos, or use them to make Indian-style paneer salad.
Expert Tips
- Tofu Type: Use fresh homemade paneer for the best texture and flavor. If using store-bought, make sure to soak the paneer cubes in hot water for 10-15 minutes before air frying.
- Cornstarch: For extra-crispy paneer, add about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the paneer before air-frying.
- Cut into the same size: Cut the paneer into cubes of the same size, which helps quick and even cooking.
Variations
- Other Seasonings: You can substitute garam masala with other seasonings like curry powder, peri peri masala, Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning.
- Other Veggies: You can also add onions and bell peppers along with the paneer while air frying.
- Vegan: You can substitute paneer with tofu.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Easy Air Fryer Paneer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 grams paneer cut into cubes, (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons oil
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ½-3/4 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the 200 grams of paneer into 1-inch cubes and put them in a bowl. Add some hot water and soak for 15 minutes. This set helps to soften the store-bought paneer. If you are using homemade paneer, skip this step.
- In a bowl, add spices like ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala, salt, and 2 teaspoons of oil. Mix everything well. Then add the paneer cubes and mix until each piece of paneer is coated well with the spice mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 355°F (180°C). Add the paneer to the air fryer basket and spread it in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
- Air fry them at 355°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown, and crispy. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- The air fryer paneer is ready to serve. Remove to a serving plate, and serve warm.
Nutrition
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