Air Fryer Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka brings together cubes of firm paneer, spiced yoghurt and chunky vegetables for a vegetarian skewer with the charred edges and tangy seasoning associated with tikka-style cooking. The yoghurt marinade helps the cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, ginger and garlic cling to the paneer, while red onion and pepper soften and blister alongside it. Using the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) gives a practical route to browning without a grill, making this well suited to a quick appetiser, party platter or light meal with lemon wedges and fresh coriander.
Cuisine style Indian tandoori-style vegetarian starter
Spice level Medium
Cooking style Minimal cleanup • Crowd-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Spiced yoghurt marinade: Thick yoghurt helps the ginger, garlic and ground spices cling to the paneer for a well-seasoned coating.
  • Fast tikka-style cooking: A short marinade and the high heat of the air fryer create browned edges without needing a tandoor or grill.
  • Paneer and vegetables cook together: The paneer turns lightly charred at the edges while the onion and pepper soften enough to give each skewer a balanced bite.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler tikka: Use a little less garam masala and keep the sweet paprika for colour and warmth without adding extra heat.
  • For more heat: Add a pinch of chilli powder or cayenne to the marinade if you prefer a sharper, hotter finish.
  • Finish with brightness: A squeeze of lemon and fresh coriander at the end lifts the spices and keeps the dish from feeling heavy.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose firm paneer: Firm paneer holds its shape better on skewers and is less likely to crumble when turned.
  • Use thick yoghurt: A thicker yoghurt clings to the paneer more effectively, helping the coating brown rather than slide off.
  • Cut vegetables chunky: Larger pieces of onion and pepper cook at a similar pace to the paneer and are easier to thread securely.

Texture tips

  • Leave space for browning: Keep a little room between the paneer and vegetables on the skewers so hot air can circulate properly.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Starting at 200°C (390°F) helps the marinade set quickly and encourages lightly charred edges.
  • Stop once lightly charred: Paneer can become firm if cooked too long, so remove the skewers as soon as the edges are browned and the vegetables are tender.

Authenticity notes

  • Tikka-style cooking: Paneer tikka is traditionally cooked on skewers at high heat, giving the cheese and marinade a lightly charred surface.
  • Air fryer adaptation: The air fryer offers a convenient home version, using circulating heat to brown the paneer without a tandoor.
  • Classic finishing touches: Lemon and fresh coriander are simple, familiar finishes that sharpen the rich, spiced paneer.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. In a mixing bowl, grate the ginger and crush the garlic, then stir into the yogurt with the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, sweet paprika, fine sea salt and sunflower oil until smooth.
  2. Cut the paneer into bite-size cubes. Add to the bowl and turn to coat well, then marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Cut the red onion into chunky pieces and the red pepper into large squares. Thread the paneer and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even browning.
  4. Heat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Air-fry the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway, until the paneer has lightly charred edges and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Cut the lemon into wedges and roughly chop the fresh coriander. Serve the paneer tikka hot, scattered with coriander and squeezed with lemon.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes so they do not scorch in the air fryer.
  • Avoid overcrowding the basket: cook in batches if needed so the paneer browns rather than steams.
  • For best texture, remove the skewers as soon as the edges are lightly charred; overcooking can make paneer firm.

Substitutions

  • Replace Yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade that clings more easily.
  • Replace Sweet paprika with smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 3 to 5 minutes until piping hot, and add the fresh coriander after reheating.

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Air Fryer Paneer Tikka
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 40min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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