Air Fryer Paneer Tikka

Ingredients

• 250 g paneer, in 3 cm cubes
• ½ cup thick yogurt
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp garam masala (optional)
• ¼ tsp turmeric (optional)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional)
• 1 tbsp besan, helps the coating stick (optional)
• 1 capsicum, in chunks (optional)
• 1 onion, in chunks (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
• Chaat masala, to finish (optional)
• Salt, 1 tbsp oil

Steps

1. Whisk the yogurt with red chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, besan, lemon juice, salt and oil into a smooth, thick marinade — the besan helps it grip the paneer rather than sliding off in the basket.
2. Add the paneer cubes, capsicum and onion to the marinade and coat everything well.
3. Let it marinate for 20 minutes so the spices penetrate the surface of the paneer, not just sit on top.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
5. Thread the paneer and vegetables onto short skewers that fit the basket, or spread them in one layer, leaving small gaps so hot air can circulate around each piece.
6. Air fry for 5 minutes.
7. Turn the skewers or pieces over.
8. Air fry for a final 6 minutes, until charred at the edges — you're looking for dark, blistered spots, not an evenly pale surface.
9. Sprinkle with chaat masala and serve with onion rings and lemon while the paneer is still warm and slightly soft in the center.

Tip: Hung (thick) yogurt clings better. Strain regular yogurt for 15 min if it’s thin.

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Nutrition (per serving)

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

Serving & Storage