Paneer crisps beautifully in the air fryer — golden edges, soft middle — and a quick tikka marinade gives it real depth. It's a high-protein vegetarian favourite that usually needs a grill, made easy. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does paneer take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry marinated paneer at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until golden at the edges.
Q: Do you marinate it?
A: A 20-minute yoghurt-and-spice marinade gives the classic tikka flavour, but plain paneer crisps well too.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Marinated cubes | 200°C / 400°F | 8–10 min |
| Plain cubes | 200°C / 400°F | 7–9 min |
| With peppers & onion | 200°C / 400°F | 10–12 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Paneer Tikka
Ingredients
- 225g paneer, cubed
- 3 tbsp natural yoghurt
- 1 tsp tikka or tandoori spice
- 1 garlic clove, squeeze of lemon
Method
- Mix yoghurt, spice, garlic and lemon; coat the paneer.
- Marinate 20 minutes.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes.
- Turn once until golden at the edges.
Ways to serve
- As a starter with mint yoghurt and lemon.
- In wraps with salad and chutney.
- Over rice or salad with charred peppers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook paneer in an air fryer?
Yes — air fry cubes at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, turning once. It crisps at the edges and stays soft inside.
Does paneer need marinating?
Not essential, but a 20-minute yoghurt-and-spice marinade gives the classic tikka flavour. Plain paneer still crisps nicely.
Is air fryer paneer high in protein?
Yes — paneer is a high-protein vegetarian cheese, with around 20g of protein per serving.