Air Fryer Sweet Chili Paneer

These paneer bites are the most phenomenal appetizer with a perfect balance of sweet flavor with a spicy kick. This easy airfryer recipe can be made anytime and requires only six ingredients!

Paneer is a protein rich semi-soft, non-melting Indian cheese and is most loved by kids as well as adults. Paneer can be made into delicious curries and appetizers. A tasty, dreamy, paneer curry along with tandoori roti or naan makes the occasion special. Marinated paneer cubes can be grilled for a delicious appetizer. The marinade adds huge flavors whether it is Malai Paneer Tikka, Grilled Cilantro Lime Paneer, or Tandoori Paneer Tikka. 

Why does this recipe stand out?

This recipe is inspired by one of the popular frozen foods that I buy now and then for my kids’ sudden cravings while grocery shopping. Well, seeing food can make you hungry. Though the traditional ones are deep fried, this recipe utilizes airfryer which helps in reducing the fat content and promotes a healthy snacking. This recipe is also quick to make for entertaining your guests even at the last minute. Have you tried Air Fryer Buffalo Paneer Bites? These are just as tasty as this sweet chili paneer bites.

To make this delicious airfryer paneer, the following six ingredients are required

Paneer - Good quality paneer with no potato starch or xanthan gums is my favorite. Any brand of your choice would work.

Sweet Chili sauce - This sauce gives the flavor dimension to this paneer. 

Bread crumbs - This recipe uses plain breadcrumbs. Homemade or store bought ones can be used.

Ginger - Gives phenomenal flavor bite and has health benefits.

Garlic - Aromatic bulb that enhances flavor.

Oil - Spraying a little oil gives the perfect crispy texture outside in this airfryer version. A little is enough as the airfryer version reduces the oil as well as calorie content in this appetizer.

Variations/Substitutions

Garlic powder and powdered ginger can also be added instead of fresh ginger and garlic, although the fresh ones give ultimate flavor and aroma. If preferred, flavored bread crumbs can be used. Adding garlic powder to the breadcrumbs would boost the aroma and flavor, and cayenne or pepper flakes can be added for an extra spicy kick.

How long does this take to make? 

This recipe is SO easy to make. Not much of chopping or prep work is involved. Chopping ginger, garlic, and cubing paneer doesn’t take more than 5-7 minutes. Marinating the paneer in sweet chili sauce is optional. Anywhere between 5 minutes to 24 hours works. In under 30 minutes, this can be served for 10-12 guests.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 36 pieces in total and could easily serve 12 with a 3 per serving portion size. The portion size can be increased or decreased. Whether you are making this for your family or for entertaining, these bites are so addictive that you’ll require to make more of these rather than reducing the portions. This recipe can be scaled up or down as per requirement.

What to serve with?

These paneer appetizers are simply out of the world! The soft and chewy paneer with a crisp bread coating with sweet and spicy flavors are incredible! They can be had as such or could be served with extra sweet chili sauce. A little of the same marinade mixture can be served as a dipping sauce as it has the extra ginger and garlic flavors. 

Ingredients

Serves 10-12

Paneer - 14 oz

Sweet chili sauce - 2/3 cup

Ginger - 1 tbsp, finely chopped 

Garlic- 1 tbsp, finely chopped 

Breadcrumbs- 1 cup

Oil spray

Method

Add the sweet chili sauce, ginger, and garlic to a bowl and mix.

Add the paneer pieces, gently toss well to coat the paneer with the sauce. At this point of time, this can be refrigerated for uptown 24 hours.

Coat the paneer pieces with breadcrumbs and arrange in a single layer on a lined tray. Spray with oil.

Air fry at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until it gets crispy.

Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with the marinade or sweet chili sauce.