Crispy Paneer Bites with Green Chutney (Air Fryer Recipe)

These crispy paneer bites are the ultimate vegetarian snack — cheesy, crunchy, and bursting with flavour. Each bite is stuffed with fresh green chutney and coated in a golden cornflake crust, then air-fried until perfectly crisp.
Whether you’re hosting guests, looking for a party appetiser, or just craving a savoury snack, these bites are quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Best of all? You only need 20 minutes and your air fryer to make them!

Servings: 25 bites
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Appliance: Air fryer

Ingredients

For the Green Chutney:

• 40 g fresh mint leaves
• 20 g coriander leaves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp amchoor (optional)
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 cm piece of ginger
• 1 green chili
• ½ red onion
• 1 tbsp water
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp salt

For the Paneer Bites:

• 500 g paneer
• 120 g flour
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp amchoor powder (optional)
• 4 cups crushed cornflakes
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp water
• Cooking spray (as needed)

Preparation Method

1. Make the green chutney: Add all chutney ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt if needed. Set aside.

2. Slice the paneer: Place the paneer on a cutting board with the short side toward you. Slice lengthwise into two thin slabs, then turn and cut into 2 mm thick strips.

3. Assemble the paneer sandwiches: Take one strip of paneer, spread a small amount of chutney on top, then place another strip on top to create a sandwich. Repeat with all strips.

4. Set up the coating stations: In one bowl, mix the flour, cumin, salt, and amchoor. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with 2 tbsp of water. Place the crushed cornflakes into a third bowl.

5. Coat the paneer bites: Dip each sandwich into the flour, then the egg wash, and finally the cornflakes. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Set aside and repeat with all pieces.

6. Air fry until golden: Place the coated paneer bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
Set the air fryer to 180°C and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through for even crisping. They should be golden brown and crunchy when done.

Serving Suggestions
Serve the paneer bites hot with your favourite dipping sauce — like extra green chutney, tamarind sauce, mint yogurt, or spicy mayo.