The Recipe · No.969 · Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka, and where to source it

Paneer Tikka — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Paneer Tikka Indian 5best2buy.com

Use besan-thickened yogurt and do not over-marinate the paneer. A spoon of roasted chickpea flour makes the coat cling and char; leave paneer in acidic yogurt too long, though, and it turns rubbery and crumbly.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook15 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineIndian
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Paneer
Cut into big cubes; firm fresh paneer holds up on the skewer.
12 oz
Local / market
Greek yogurt
Thick and strained so it clings through the char.
3/4 cup
Local / market
Besan
A spoon of roasted chickpea flour thickens the marinade and helps it grip.
1 tbsp
Local / market
Ginger-garlic paste
The aromatic base of the marinade.
1 tbsp
Source it →
Tandoori spice
Garam masala with Kashmiri chili for color and warmth.
1 tbsp
Local / market
Bell peppers and onion
Cut into squares to alternate on the skewer.
2 peppers, 1 onion
Local / market
Lemon and kasuri methi
Lemon in the marinade, crushed dried fenugreek for aroma.
1 lemon, 1 tsp
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerGrillSheet pan
The Method
  1. Toast the besanDry-roast the besan a minute until nutty so the marinade does not taste raw.
  2. Mix the marinadeCombine yogurt, besan, ginger-garlic, tandoori spice, lemon, and crushed kasuri methi.
  3. MarinateCoat the paneer and vegetables and chill 30 minutes to an hour, no longer.
  4. SkewerAlternate paneer, pepper, and onion on skewers.
  5. Char and serveGrill or broil at high heat, turning, until the edges char, then finish with lemon and chaat masala.
The Toolkit

Metal skewers · Grill · Mixing bowl

Straight Answers
Can you make Paneer Tikka in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Paneer Tikka? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Paneer Tikka ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Paneer Tikka gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Paneer Tikka vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.969