This 15 Minutes Easy Paneer tikka in air fryer is a quick, healthy, and delicious Indian snack made without a tandoor or grill.
It’s juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and perfect for your tea-time snack or party starter menu. (step-by-step-recipe-video)
About Paneer Tikka in Air Fryer:
Paneer tikka is one of the most loved Indian starters. But traditional paneer tikka often needs a grill, tandoor, or oven.
This version skips all of that, and uses the air fryer instead. It gives you that beautiful smoky flavor with crisp edges in under 15 minutes.
This easy air fryer paneer tikka recipe uses minimal oil, is easy to make, and works great for weekend cravings, get-togethers, or even kids’ lunchboxes.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy paneer tikka, a tandoori-style snack, or just an easy paneer tikka recipe, this version checks all the boxes.
Serving Suggestion:
Paneer tikka tastes best when served hot with:
Mint coriander chutney
Lemon wedges and sliced onions
A sprinkle of chaat masala on top
You can also serve it as a filling in wraps or roll it up in a roti for a delicious lunchbox meal.
Storage Suggestion:
Marinated paneer can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Cooked paneer tikka can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the air fryer at 180°C for 4–6 minutes. (but fresh paneer tikka tastes best)
Avoid reheating in the microwave – it may turn rubbery.
Pro Tips:
Use thick curd (preferably hung curd) for a creamy marinade that sticks well.
Spray or brush oil lightly for that crispy finish.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the pieces in a single layer.
Why You Should Make this Tandoori Paneer in Air Fryer:
No grill or tandoor needed
Ready in just 15 minutes
Uses very little oil
Crispy and juicy just like restaurant-style tikka
Great vegetarian protein snack
Looking for Some More Recipes Like this Healthy Paneer Tikka:
Check out some of the best paneer recipes on my Blog:
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Basic Ingredients Used to Make Air Fryer Paneer Tikka:
Paneer: Paneer is the main ingredient in this recipe. Use fresh and firm paneer so it doesn’t break while cooking. It soaks up all the flavours from the marinade.
Curd: Curd makes the marinade creamy and helps all the spices stick to the paneer. It also keeps the paneer soft from inside.
Ginger Paste and Garlic Paste: These add strong flavour to the tikka and also help in digestion. Ginger gives a bit of heat and garlic adds a nice aroma.
Turmeric Powder: Adds colour and has natural health benefits. It also gives a mild earthy flavour.
Salt: Brings out the taste in the whole recipe. Adjust as per your taste.
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: Gives a nice red colour without making it very spicy. It makes the tikka look just like the restaurant-style ones.
Garam Masala: A blend of Indian spices that gives warmth and desi flavour to the paneer.
Chaat Masala: Adds a tangy and chatpata taste. It balances the creamy and rich flavours of paneer.
Kasoori Methi: Dried fenugreek leaves give a nice aroma and make the tikka taste more like the ones from restaurants.
Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and also helps the paneer soak up the flavours better.
Green Capsicum: Adds colour, crunch, and a slightly sweet taste. Goes well with paneer.
Onion: Onion gives a little sweetness and turns nicely roasted in the air fryer. It balances the dish well.
Paneer Tikka in Airfryer
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain curd or yogurt full fat
- 1/2 tbsp ginger paste
- 1/2 tbsp garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chaat masala powder
- 1 tbsp kasoori methi dried fenugreek leaves
- 1 lemon juiced
- 500 gm paneer cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 green pepper medium, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion medium, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
Marinating and Preparing Skewers
- In a medium-sized bowl add curd, ginger, garlic, turmeric, salt, red chili powder, garam masala, and chaat masala. Crush the dried fenugreek leaves on the palm of your hands and add them to the bowl. Add lemon juice and mix all the ingredients to make the marinade.
- Add paneer, capsicum and onions to the marinade and mix everything together coating the paneer and veggies well with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and allow it to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes which prevents them from burning.
- Thread the Paneer and peppers into the skewers alternating the paneer, peppers, and onions. (If you do not have skewers you can also cook the paneer and veggies directly in the air fryer, oven or grill).
Air Frying Paneer Tikka
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Line 4 to 5 skewers and spray over lightly with oil. Cook for 15 minutes at 360°F (180° C).
- Turn the skewers, spray lightly with oil and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately with chutney fresh lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About this Easy Paneer Tikka Recipe:
Can I use frozen paneer for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw it completely and soak it in warm water for 10–15 minutes. This will make it soft again and help it absorb the marinade well.
How long can I keep the marinated paneer in the fridge?
You can keep the marinated paneer in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just store it in an airtight container.
Can I bake it instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake the paneer tikka at 200°C in a preheated oven for 15–18 minutes. Flip once halfway through to cook evenly.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild spice. If you’re making it for kids or want it less spicy, you can reduce the red chilli powder.
Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
Yes, tofu works as a good vegan option. Just use firm tofu and press out extra water before marinating.
How do I get the smoky tandoori flavour without a grill?
You can hold the paneer skewers over the gas flame for a few seconds after air frying. This gives a light smoky flavour, just like tandoori dishes.
My Recommended Product:
If you like Paneer tikka and make it more often then I would suggest the below mention product for you.
I only recommend products I’ve personally used or truly believe in for home cooking.
You can even check out my PAGE on Amazon, where you will find my favorite kitchen tools, Appliances, Accessories, and more HERE.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission.
Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.
I am an independent blogger and the reviews are done based on my own opinions. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
- Philips Airfryer HD9200/90 (Large, 4.1 L) lets you cook great tasting food with up to 90% less fat*
- Patented Rapid Air technology with unique starfish design pan ensures evenly fried results without flipping the food.
- Fry. Bake. Grill. Roast. And even reheat!
- 60 minutes timer with auto off. Wide temperature control from 80°C to 200 °C.
- Extra-long 1.8 m cord length for easy placement in your kitchen.
- Dishwasher-safe and Easy-to-Clean.
- Not just fries, now make aloo tikkis, roast chicken, grilled vegetables, chocolate cakes, muffins and many more dishes.
- Download the NutriU app from Google Play Store or Apple App store to discover hundreds of Indian and Global recipes; Philips is Indiaâ€s No.1 air fryer brand (Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Appliances 2022E
- Suitable for gifting on Diwali and other special occasions.
You Might Also Want to Check Out:
Paneer Biryani Recipe
KADAI PANEER RECIPE
Palak Paneer Recipe
Matar Paneer Recipe
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