Paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese, is a versatile ingredient that is widely used in Indian cuisine. It is a fresh, non-melting cheese that is made by curdling hot milk with the help of lemon juice or vinegar. Traditionally, paneer is made by boiling milk and adding a souring agent to curdle it. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, many people are now experimenting with making paneer in their air fryer. In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy recipe to make paneer in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
To make paneer in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 liter whole milk
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
– Some ice cubes
– Cheesecloth or muslin cloth
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Milk
Start by pouring the milk into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and air fry the milk for about 10 minutes or until it comes to a boil. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching the milk.
Step 2: Adding the Souring Agent
Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius. Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and stir well. The acid in the lemon juice or vinegar will cause the milk to curdle.
Step 3: Draining the Whey
Place a cheesecloth or muslin cloth over a colander and set it in the sink or a large bowl. Pour the curdled milk into the cloth-lined colander, allowing the whey to drain away. Gather the corners of the cloth and twist it gently to squeeze out the excess whey. Rinse the curdled milk under cold water to remove any residual lemon juice or vinegar taste.
Step 4: Setting the Paneer
Fill a bowl with cold water and add some ice cubes to it. Submerge the wrapped paneer in the ice-cold water and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps in setting the paneer and gives it a firm texture.
Step 5: Pressing the Paneer
After 30 minutes, remove the paneer from the water and gently unwrap it from the cloth. Place the paneer on a cutting board and cut it into desired shapes, such as cubes or rectangles. It is important to press the paneer to remove any remaining moisture. To do this, place the cut paneer between two clean kitchen towels and place a heavy weight, such as a cast-iron pan or a brick, on top of it. Let it press for about 2 hours.
Step 6: Using the Air Fryer
Once the paneer has been pressed, preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the paneer from sticking. Place the paneer cubes on the greased basket, leaving some space between them for even cooking. Air fry the paneer for about 10-12 minutes or until it turns golden brown, flipping the cubes halfway through the cooking process.
Step 7: Cooling and Storing
Once the paneer is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. The paneer will become firmer as it cools down. Once it has reached room temperature, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion:
Making paneer in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that yields delicious results. The air fryer helps in achieving a golden brown exterior while keeping the paneer soft and tender on the inside. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy homemade paneer without the hassle of boiling milk on the stovetop. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and elevate your cooking with the goodness of homemade paneer made in an air fryer!