Air fryer recipe · Snacks
Crispy Air-Fried Paneer Pakora
Golden besan-clad paneer fritters with a crackly crust and a soft, melting centre.
- 25 minTotal time
- 200°CAir fryer
- 3Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 375kcal
- 25.4 gprotein
- 12.6 gcarbs
- 24.7 gfat
- 2.0 gfibre
Per serving, about 3 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- Paneer (thick fingers)250 g
- Besan (gram flour)6 tbsp
- Rice flour1 tbsp
- Red chilli powder1 tsp
- Ajwain (carom seeds)1/2 tsp
- Oil (for brushing)2 tsp
Method
Cut the paneer
Slice the paneer into thick finger-sized batons so they hold their shape and stay juicy. Pat each piece dry with a kitchen towel so the batter clings instead of sliding off.
Make the batter
Whisk besan, rice flour, chilli powder, ajwain and salt with just enough water to form a thick, clingy batter that coats the back of a spoon. Rest it five minutes so the besan hydrates and fries up crisper.
Coat each piece
Dip every paneer baton fully in the batter, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Roll lightly in a pinch of dry rice flour for an extra-crunchy shell.
Preheat the basket
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush the basket with oil so the pakoras release cleanly. Arrange the coated batons in a single layer with gaps between them for even airflow.
Air-fry until golden
Brush the tops with a little oil, then air-fry at 200C for 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the crust is deep golden and crisp. Serve hot with green chutney.
