Paneer tikka is a popular Indian dish that is loved by many. Traditionally, it is made by grilling or baking paneer along with a variety of vegetables and spices. However, with the advent of air fryers, it has become easier than ever to make this delicious dish at home. In this article, we will share a simple and easy recipe to make paneer tikka in an air fryer.
Preparing the Marinade
Before we get into the recipe, it’s important to prepare the marinade for the paneer tikka. The marinade is what gives the dish its rich and flavorful taste. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– Salt to taste
– Freshly chopped coriander leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, add the yogurt and gram flour. Whisk it well until the gram flour is completely dissolved.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt to the yogurt mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Finally, add the freshly chopped coriander leaves if desired, and mix it again. Your marinade is now ready!
Preparing the Paneer and Vegetables
Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to prepare the paneer and vegetables. You can use any vegetables of your choice, but commonly used ones are bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 250 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
– 1 large bell pepper, cut into cubes
– 1 large onion, cut into cubes
– 1 large tomato, cut into cubes
– Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions:
1. In a separate bowl, add the paneer cubes and pour the prepared marinade over them. Make sure all the paneer cubes are coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the paneer.
2. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.
3. Once the paneer has marinated, thread it onto skewers along with the bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, alternating between each ingredient. This will ensure even cooking.
4. Grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or use cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the skewers onto the greased basket, making sure they do not touch each other.
5. Cook the paneer tikka in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.
6. Once the paneer is golden brown and the vegetables are tender, remove the skewers from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serving and Enjoying Paneer Tikka
Now that your paneer tikka is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a couple of ways you can serve it:
– Serve the paneer tikka skewers as an appetizer or starter. You can sprinkle some chaat masala and squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on top for an extra tangy flavor. Garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
– Alternatively, you can remove the paneer tikka from the skewers and use it as a filling for sandwiches, rolls, or wraps. Add some mint chutney and sliced onions for a burst of flavor.
Paneer tikka is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other dishes. It is a great option for vegetarians and is loved by both kids and adults alike. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve the same smoky and charred flavor of traditional paneer tikka without the need for a grill or oven.
In conclusion, making paneer tikka in an air fryer is not only easy but also ensures a healthier version of this classic Indian dish. With the right marinade and proper cooking technique, you can enjoy the same flavors and textures with the added convenience of using an air fryer. So why not give this delicious recipe a try and delight your taste buds with homemade paneer tikka?