Air Fryer Paneer Popcorn

Ingredients

• 300 g paneer, cut into small 1.5 cm cubes
• 3 tbsp besan or cornflour
• 2 tbsp yogurt (optional)
• 1 tsp red chilli powder (optional)
• ½ tsp chaat masala, to finish (optional)
• Salt, oil spray

Steps

1. Toss the paneer cubes with the yogurt, chilli powder and salt, coating each piece lightly.
2. Add the besan or cornflour a little at a time, tossing until every cube is evenly dusted with no wet patches - this is what gives the crunchy 'popcorn' coating.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C, then spray the basket and arrange the paneer in a single layer.
4. Spray the tops lightly with oil.
5. Air fry for 5 minutes, then shake the basket gently so the coating doesn't tear.
6. Air fry a further 4-5 minutes (about 10 minutes total) until golden and crisp on the outside, soft inside.
7. Finish with a pinch of chaat masala and serve immediately, while the coating is at its crispest.

Tip: Paneer popcorn firms up as it cools but also loses its crunch fast - this one's best eaten within a few minutes of coming out of the basket.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Estimated from standard ingredient data — actual values vary by brand and exact quantities used.