Air-Fryer Paneer Tikka
Smoky, charred chunks of paneer marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and air-fried to golden perfection. This lighter take on the classic tandoori starter is ready in under 30 minutes, with all the bold flavors of a traditional clay oven but none of the excess oil.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Prepare the hung yogurt.
Place yogurt in a muslin cloth or fine sieve set over a bowl. Let it drain for 15 minutes to remove excess whey and get a thick, creamy base for the marinade.
TIPThick yogurt ensures the marinade clings to the paneer. If short on time, use Greek yogurt straight away. - mix · ~2 min
Make the spiced marinade.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hung yogurt with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, amchur, salt, and 1 teaspoon oil. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- mix · ~10 min
Coat the paneer and vegetables.
Add the paneer cubes, bell pepper squares, and onion layers to the marinade. Gently fold everything together until each piece is evenly coated. Cover and rest for 10 minutes so the flavors soak in.
TIPHandle the paneer gently — it can crumble. A silicone spatula works best for folding. - assemble · ~3 min
Thread the skewers.
Alternate threading the marinated paneer, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for air circulation. Pack them snugly but not squashed.
- other · ~5 min
Preheat the air fryer and arrange the skewers.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the skewers in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Brush lightly with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil.
- other · ~10 min
Air-fry the paneer tikka.
1.Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 6 minutes.2.Open the basket, gently rotate the skewers, and brush any dry spots with leftover marinade or oil.3.Air fry for another 4 minutes, or until the edges are charred and the paneer is golden.TIPDon't overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed. Crowding steams instead of charring. - garnish · ~1 min
Finish and serve.
Slide the hot paneer tikka off the skewers onto a plate. Sprinkle with chaat masala and a squeeze of lemon juice. Scatter chopped cilantro on top and serve immediately with mint chutney.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use thick Greek yogurt if you don't have time to hang regular yogurt for 15 minutes.
- 2Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before threading to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- 3Do not skip the 10-minute marinating rest — it allows the spices to penetrate the paneer.
- 4Leave small gaps between pieces on the skewer so hot air circulates and chars evenly.
- 5Brush any dry spots with leftover marinade or oil halfway through cooking for extra moisture.
- 6Serve immediately after sprinkling chaat masala — the citrusy tang fades if left too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Skip the final oil brushing and reduce oil in marinade to 1/2 tsp; the yogurt alone provides enough moisture for air-frying.
high proteinHigh-protein
Replace bell pepper and onion with extra paneer and broccoli florets for a protein-dense, low-carb version.
jainJain
Omit onion and garlic (use asafoetida instead of ginger-garlic paste) and substitute yogurt with thick plant-based yogurt to follow Jain dietary principles.
veganVegan
Swap paneer with firm tofu, use coconut or cashew yogurt, and replace honey-like sweeteners with maple syrup if needed.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Paneer provides complete protein with all essential amino acids, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Probiotic-Rich Marinade
Yogurt contains live cultures that aid digestion and gut health when consumed fresh.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Turmeric and ginger in the marinade offer curcumin and gingerol, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Low in Unhealthy Fats
Air-frying uses minimal oil compared to deep-frying, reducing overall fat content while retaining flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent shortcut since it's already thick and requires no draining.
