Paneer Tikka

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Paneer Tikka – A Smoky Restaurant-Style Treat at Home

If you’ve ever sat in an Indian restaurant and ordered paneer tikka, you know that feeling when the platter arrives sizzling hot, smoky, and coated in vibrant spices. Traditionally, it’s made in a clay tandoor, which isn’t exactly something most of us have at home. But guess what? With an air fryer, you can recreate the same magic – crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside – minus the heavy oil and without firing up a grill.

This recipe is one of my personal favorites. Paneer is already a superstar in Indian kitchens – it’s rich in protein, it soaks up marinades beautifully, and it pairs well with almost any spice blend. In the air fryer, it cooks evenly and develops that charred flavor we usually expect from a tandoor. So, whether you’re craving a weeknight snack, looking to impress guests, or planning a weekend indulgence, this Air Fryer Paneer Tikka will never disappoint.

Why Make Paneer Tikka in the Air Fryer?

Healthier: No deep-frying, very little oil needed.

Convenient: No tandoor or charcoal grill – just your trusty air fryer.

Quick: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.Restaurant-Style Taste: You still get that smoky, charred bite.

🥗 Nutrition (per Serving approx.)

Air Fryer Paneer Tikka

Air Fryer Paneer Tikka is a quick and healthy version of the classic Indian appetizer. Juicy paneer cubes and veggies are marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked to smoky perfection in the air fryer – ready in just 15 minutes!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 250 g paneer Indian cottage cheese, cut into cubes
• ½ cup Thick yogurt curd or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp Gram flour Besan, lightly roasted
• 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp Red chili powder
• ½ tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Oil or ghee
• 1 Medium onion Cut into cubes
• 1 Medium bell pepper Any color, cut into cubes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges for garnish

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Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together
  1/2 cup Thick yogurt, 2 tbsp Gram flour, 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp Red chili powder, 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder, 1 tsp Garam masala, 1 tsp Cumin powder, 1 tsp Coriander powder, 1 tbsp Lemon juice, Salt to taste, 1 tbsp Oil or ghee
  
• Add the paneer cubes, onion chunks, and bell pepper pieces into the marinade. Mix gently so all pieces are well coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (overnight in the refrigerator gives even deeper flavor).
• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3–5 minutes.
• Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers (if using) or simply arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 12–14 minutes, turning the skewers or shaking the basket halfway through, until the paneer looks golden and slightly charred at the edges.
• Remove carefully, squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, and sprinkle with chaat masala. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with mint chutney.

Notes

🔹️Want extra smokiness? Place a small piece of hot charcoal in a steel bowl, drizzle oil on top, cover your tikka with a lid for 2 minutes – instant restaurant-style smoky flavor!

🔹️Add mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn to the skewers for variety.

🔹️If you don’t have skewers, no problem – just arrange the pieces in your air fryer basket.

🔹️For a vegan version, replace paneer with firm tofu.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal

Keyword High Protein, vegetarian

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Final Thoughts

Cooking paneer tikka at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With your air fryer, it’s faster, healthier, and just as delicious as the version you’d get at your favorite Indian restaurant. Every bite gives you that perfect balance – crispy charred edges, juicy paneer inside, and bold spices coating every morsel.

So next time you’re craving something indulgent yet wholesome, ditch the takeout menu and try this Air Fryer Paneer Tikka. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your taste buds will thank you!