Step by Step Method to Prepare Paneer Pakora

The recipe for paneer pakora is beautifully straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Marinating the Paneer.

For Amritsari Paneer Pakora you will marinate the paneer. It definitely enhances the flavor. However you can skip this step if you want to just make simple Paneer Pakora.

Begin with preparing the Paneer by cutting it into 1 inch cubes or strips. Next in a flat plate add the lemon juice, half of kashmiri red chili powder, half of kasuri methi, half of the garlic paste and salt. Mix the marinate well and coat the paneer on each side and leave it aside for 15 mins.

Step 2: Making the Batter

In a medium bowl, add the besan, rice flour, remaining kashmiri chili powder, remaining karuri methi, turmeric, coriander powder, carrom seeds, salt and remaining garlic paste. Mix the ingredients before you start adding water.

Gradually start adding the water and whisk until you get a thick batter until dropping consistency.

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Step 3: Coating the Paneer

The trick to make sure the batter sticks to the paneer if to double coat the paneer, once with dry flour and second time by dipping it in the batter.

In a plate mix 2 tbsp besan and 1 tbsp rice flour and coat the paneer on all sides.

At this point you can decide if you want to fry or air fry the paneer pakora. If frying begin heating the oil for frying and if air frying line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to avoid the batter mess.

Once coated dip the paneer in batter making sure all sides of paneer are evenly coated with the batter.

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Step 4: Cooking the Paneer Pakora

Frying : start frying once the oil is hot and pakora get crispy and golden brown on medium heat.

Air fryer paneer pakoras : spray cooking oil on the coated pakoras and place the pakoras in the air fryer basket in rows and columns and air fry at 350F for 8 mins. After 8 mins flip the side gently and air fry for another 2 mins until you get the perfectly crispy and golden brown texture.

Baked Paneer Pakoras : Bake at 400 F for 10-15 mins until the edges turn crispy golden brown. Flipping them half way through.

Step 5: Serving the Paneer Pakora

Serve your freshly-cooked, piping-hot paneer pakora garnished with chaat masala. To enhance the flavor, it can be accompanied by green chutney, tomato ketchup, or a cup of masala chai.