Paneer is a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine, known for its versatility and ability to absorb flavors. While paneer is typically used in various curries and dishes, it can also be enjoyed in a roasted form, giving it a deliciously crispy texture. If you have an air fryer at home, you can easily roast paneer to perfection without any fuss. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and easy recipe on how to roast paneer in an air fryer.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– 200 grams of paneer (cubed)
– 1 tablespoon of oil
– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Preparing the Paneer
Start by taking the paneer cubes and placing them in a mixing bowl. Drizzle the oil over the paneer cubes and gently toss them to ensure even coating. The oil will help the paneer achieve a crispy texture when roasted.
Spicing it Up
In a small bowl, combine the red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful spice blend. Sprinkle this spice blend over the paneer cubes and toss them once again to ensure all the cubes are coated with the spices.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Now it’s time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the paneer cooks evenly and becomes nice and crispy.
Arranging the Paneer in the Air Fryer
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the spiced paneer cubes in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this may result in uneven cooking. If necessary, roast the paneer in multiple batches to ensure each piece gets cooked to perfection.
Roasting the Paneer
Close the air fryer and set the timer for 8-10 minutes. During this time, the paneer will be roasted to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the paneer and check its progress occasionally. Air fryers can vary in temperature, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired level of crispiness.
Flipping for Even Crisping
About halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the paneer cubes using kitchen tongs. This helps ensure that both sides of the paneer are evenly roasted and crisp. Close the air fryer and let it continue cooking until the time is up.
Garnishing and Serving
Once the paneer is roasted to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Transfer the paneer to a serving plate and garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves. The vibrant green color of the coriander adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted paneer makes for a delightful snack on its own, but you can also serve it as a side dish or use it as a scrumptious filling for wraps and sandwiches. Accompany it with a tangy mint chutney or a zesty yogurt dip for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Roasting paneer in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this beloved ingredient with a delightful crispy texture. With the simple recipe outlined above, you can easily achieve perfectly roasted paneer that is bursting with flavor. So, grab your air fryer, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious treat with this easy roasted paneer recipe!