Crispy paneer finger is a delicious and easy Indian snack made with paneer, which is coated in a batter, then rolled with breadcrumbs and fried until golden crispy. These paneer fingers make a perfect starter, evening snack and can be enjoyed with mint chutney, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise or any dip of your choice.
Paneer Fingers Recipe
This recipe is inspired by chicken fingers but used paneer to make a delicious vegetarian version. You can deep fry the paneer for a crispy texture or air fry them for a lighter version.
About Paneer Fingers
Crispy paneer fingers is an easy and delicious starter made using paneer. The recipe is super easy to make and can be prepared in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
You can deep fry the paneer fingers for a crispy texture or air fry them with little oil for a healthy version. The spice level can also be adjusted based on your taste, making it mild for kids or spicy for adults.
I like to marinate paneer with some chilli powder and salt to flavour it. you could add some lemon juice also. You could dip the paneer pieces in egg also, but I thought of making it entirely vegetarian.
Start by coating the marinated paneer with a batter made using flour, cornstarch, garam masala powder, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste and salt. Now coat them with breadcrumbs and fry until golden and crispy. I prefer using panko breadcrumbs.
Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium, which makes these fingers a tasty snack. Serve them hot with mint chutney, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise or enjoy simply with tea. You can add them to wraps or sandwich as well.
They are perfect for parties, evening snacks or kids lunch boxes. You can also replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version.
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Ingredients
- Paneer : Use store bought or homemade paneer. Cut them into finger sized strips or stick for making crispy paneer fingers.
- Spices : Chilli powder and garam masala powder are added to paneer and batter.
- Ginger garlic paste : Ginger garlic paste adds spicy aroma.
- All purpose flour and cornstarch: These both are used in batter. It helps the breadcrumbs stick well to the paneer.
- Bread crumbs : You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko crumbs for extra crispiness.
- Oil : Oil used for deep frying the paneer. Use any neutral cooking oil of your choice.
Step by Step Pictures
1)Cut paneer into fingers like shape. Add in red chilli powder, salt, garam masala powder and mix well. Set aside.
2)Take plain flour, cornstarch, ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, salt and water in a bowl and make it into a thick batter. Dip paneer in this batter.
2)Take breadcrumbs in a bowl. Take each batter coated paneer piece, roll it in the breadcrumbs really well.
3)Place this in a plate and chill in the fridge for 30 mins.
4)Heat oil for deep frying, drop the paneer pieces one by one till golden brown and crispy.
5)Strain using a slotted spoon and keep it on some paper towel to remove excess oil.
6)Serve hot with ketchup.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh and firm paneer so it stays in shape while coating and after frying.
- Cut the paneer into equal sized strips to make sure all the fingers cook evenly.
- Add water little by little while making the batter. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, not too runny or too thick.
- Don't overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry the paneer fingers in batches for an even crispy texture.
- For a healthier version, air fry the paneer fingers by brushing or spraying a little oil on them until they turn golden and crispy.
Storage and Serving
Store the leftover paneer fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days. Reheat them in an air fryer to bring back the crispy texture. You can freeze the coated, uncooked paneer finger for up to a month.
Serve the paneer fingers hot and fresh for the best crispy texture. Pair it alongside with mint chutney, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise or your favorite dip.
FAQ
Q. Can I make paneer fingers in an air fryer ?
Absolutely ! Preheat the air fryer to 180 degree celsius. Brush or spray cooking oil on the paneer finger and air fry them till crispy golden. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Q. Can I use tofu instead of paneer ?
Yes, you can replace paneer with tofu for a healthy vegan option.
Q. Why is my coating not sticking to the paneer ?
This usually happens when the batter is too thin. Make sure the paneer is dry and the batter is slightly thick so the breadcrumbs stick well. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the paneer for a better coating.
📖 Get Recipe
Paneer Fingers Recipe (Kids Friendly Paneer Fingers)
Equipment
Ingredients
For Marinating Paneer
- 200 grams Paneer
cut into fingers like shape
- 1 teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder
- 1 teaspoon
Garam Masala Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
For Batter
- ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
- ½ cup Water or as needed
For Coating and Frying
- 1½ cups Bread Crumbs I used Panko
- Sunflower Oil for Deep frying
Instructions
- Cut paneer into fingers like shape. Add in red chilli powder, salt, garam masala powder and mix well. Set aside.
- Take plain flour, cornstarch, ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, salt and water in a bowl and make it into a thick batter. Set aside.
- Take breadcrumbs in a bowl and set aside.
- Now to assemble the paneer. Take each paneer piece, dip it into the batter, roll it in the breadcrumbs really well. Place this in a plate and chill in the fridge for 30 mins.
- Heat oil for deep frying, drop the paneer pieces one by one till golden brown and crispy.
- Strain using a slotted spoon and keep it on some paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot with ketchup.
Nutrition
Tried this Recipe
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Priti
Looks so yummy dear....just so tempting
Chitra
easy crispy snack...kids would lovee it....
Deeksha
yummy snack...
Torviewtoronto
delicious looking paneer looks wonderful
Vimitha Anand
Yum yum... Would love to have that crispy fingers with tangy tomato ketchup...
sangee vijay
crispy and yummy paneer fritters...so good and looks more tempting...super recipe...can u pass some fingers to me ...very irrestible love to have with tomato sauce..
Indie.Tea
What an indulgent snack! Looks like it would be a great appetizer too...
Biny Anoop
wow great starters...easy and simple as well
yummychunklet
Why have I never thought of making crispy paneer fingers?? These look so tasty! Thanks for the recipe!
Choclette
Love the sound of these paneer fingers - they'd make great party food. Lots of delicoius looking recipes on your blog.
schmetterlingwords
Paneer fingers - yummy as a starter! Sure winner!!
kothiyavunu.com
looks abslty yummy..This is my daughter's fav..I too have one waiting in my draft folder..will post sometimes.
Swathi
Paneer fingers looks delicious, Nice recipe.
Anna Johnston
So beautifully done, looks wonderfully crispy too.
Krishnaveni
Hi, thanks for visiting my space, paneer fingers are really great, a cool recipe for kids, like it
Priya
Omg, they were addictive..
kaveri
crisp and golden paneer fingers looks yummy....great party sanck for kids...
Simcha
They look great! I used to do that to tofu cubes and fingers and make a pho satay sauce out of peanut butter - they loved it.
Rekha shoban
perfect paneer fingers!!looks crispy!
Charles
Wow, this looks great - I love paneer, but I can never see where I can buy it in France 🙁
Food Glorious Food!
Thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 You have a really wonderful space here! Following you for more great ideas!
Rosita Vargas
Hola me encantó tu receta es muy buena y exquisita ,muy lindo plato,me gustan tus recetas y me quedo en tu blog,cariños te invito a mi cocina,muchos abrazos.
Mary
What a lovely recipe. These look delicious and I know my family would love them. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Priya (Yallapantula) Mitharwal
Very beautifully done, love your step by step pics.
Pam
They look perfectly crispy and delicious.
swapna
Crispy and yummy....
Mugdha
Yum yum... Would love to have the crispy fingers..:)
Faith
These look incredible! I really love their crispy coating...I'd love to give them a try!
Nirmala's kitchen
Looks very yummy!!!
Mahek
Hi
Thanks for visiting my blog
This seems to be a great recipe
I will definitely try it out..
padus kitchen
sooo yummy. i am going to try.
chitra
soo yummy.iam gonna to try
katta shiva
Hmmmmmm yummyyyyyyy.....!
Linu Sunish
thanks alot for this recipe
Linu Sunish
thanks alot for this recipe. actually i was waiting for the fingerfood updates. thanks alot dear.
Shafna Ashmi
Thank u for this recipe.I made this for my sis-in-law & niece who are fond of paneer... They loved it.
sombrero
Yummy..somehow never thot of making these..just slipped my mind. Thx so much 🙂
Anonymous
Hi arthi, can v use soya paneer?? Will the tastes differ
Aarthi
@Anonymousu can use soy paneer
Archana Nitin
Just tried it now ... It had come out awesome... Just loved eating it.
Anonymous
Aarti.. Do u have maid..? how do u manage to cooking, washing dishes and cleaning kitchen with ur 2yrs old child.. For me its horrible..
Aarthi
@AnonymousNo i dont
Anonymous
Can we use potato instead ?
Aarthi
@Anonymousyes u can use
rashmivasudevan
My fly njoyed these paneer fritters thanks for sharing appreciate ur great wrk
Anonymous
Chill for 30 minutes
This means in freezer or fridge compartment?
Great recipe.
Thanks.
Aarthi
@Anonymousyou can put it in fridge or freezer
Krishna Janmashtami
Thank you for this interesting article..
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saranya
Hi Aarthi, You are one of my inspiration. Don't think that I am saying this for your excellent recipe. I am inspired about your passion.