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air fryer paneer tikka
Lavanya

Air Fryer Paneer Tikka Without Skewers (Crispy & 15-Minute Recipe)

Make crispy, restaurant-style Air Fryer Paneer Tikka Without Skewers in just 15 minutes! This easy vegetarian appetizer is high in protein, uses very little oil, and is perfect for evening snacks, parties, or family dinners. No skewers needed!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: North Indian
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 250 g Paneer cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 Medium Red Onion cut into squares
  • ½ Red Bell Pepper
  • ½ Green Bell Pepper
  • ½ Yellow Bell Pepper
Marinade
  • ½ cup Hung Curd or Greek Yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Besan Gram Flour, dry roasted
  • 1 tbsp Mustard Oil or Neutral Oil
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
  • 1 tsp Chaat Masala
  • 1 tsp Crushed Kasuri Methi
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • Salt to taste
For Brushing
  • 1 tsp Melted Butter or Oil

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Chopping Board
  • Knife
  • Silicone Brush (Optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1
  2. Dry roast the besan for one minute and let it cool.
  3. Step 2
  4. Whisk together yogurt, roasted besan, mustard oil, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, spices, kasuri methi, and salt until smooth.
  5. Step 3
  6. Add paneer cubes, onions, and bell peppers. Coat everything evenly and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
  7. Step 4
  8. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  9. Step 5
  10. Lightly grease the basket or line it with perforated parchment paper.
  11. Step 6
  12. Arrange the marinated paneer and vegetables in a single layer without overcrowding.
  13. Step 7
  14. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
  15. Step 8
  16. Flip halfway through, brush with melted butter, and continue cooking until lightly charred.
  17. Step 9
  18. Serve immediately with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges.

Notes

Notes

  • Use thick hung curd or Greek yogurt for the best coating.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • Flip halfway for even browning.
  • Avoid cooking beyond 10–12 minutes to keep the paneer soft.
  • Mustard oil adds an authentic tandoori flavor.
  • For a smoky restaurant-style taste, use the optional dhungar method after cooking.
Recipe Tips
✅Soak refrigerated paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before marinating to keep it soft.
✅ Don't skip preheating the air fryer for the best charred edges.
✅ Leave space between the paneer cubes so hot air can circulate evenly.
✅ Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.