Air fryer recipe · Starters
Crunchy Paneer Popcorn Bites
Bite-sized breadcrumb-crusted paneer nuggets that pop with cheesy, spiced crunch.
- 22 minTotal time
- 190°CAir fryer
- 5Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 250kcal
- 16.0 gprotein
- 16.2 gcarbs
- 13.6 gfat
- 1.1 gfibre
Per serving, about 5 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- Paneer (small cubes)250 g
- Breadcrumbs1 cup
- Maida (all-purpose flour)3 tbsp
- Paprika1 tsp
- Oregano & chilli flakes1 tsp
- Milk (for slurry)4 tbsp
Method
Cube and season
Cut the paneer into small bite-sized cubes and toss with a pinch of salt and the paprika so the seasoning reaches into the pieces. Keep the cubes the same size so they all cook and crisp evenly.
Set up a coating line
Whisk the maida with milk into a smooth dipping slurry, and mix the breadcrumbs with oregano, chilli flakes and salt in a second bowl. This wet-then-dry order is what builds the crunchy popcorn crust.
Double-coat the bites
Dip each cube in the slurry, then roll it firmly in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing so they stick. For extra crunch, dip and crumb a second time to build a thicker, sturdier shell.
Mist and space out
Spray the crumbed bites well with oil so they brown like deep-fried popcorn. Spread them in a single layer with gaps, since crowded pieces steam each other and the crust turns soft instead of crisp.
Air-fry till crisp
Air-fry at 190°C for 11 min, shaking the basket halfway, until the crust is golden and crunchy. Shaking tumbles the bites so every side crisps. Serve hot in a paper cone with garlic mayo.
