Golden and crispy Paneer Fingers, coated with spiced batter and deep-fried to perfection, served with a side of chutney for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Looking for a delicious, crispy snack that will leave everyone wanting more? These Paneer Fingers are the perfect treat! With a crunchy outer coating and soft, flavorful paneer on the inside, they’re the ideal appetizer or party snack. Coated with a spicy batter and a flavorful breadcrumb-peanut mixture, then fried to golden perfection, these paneer fingers are sure to become a favorite at your next gathering. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get frying!

This was inspired by my Paneer Spring rolls on this site, and pairs well with this Green Chutney.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Storage
Top Tip
Related
Pairing
Recipe Card
Paneer Fingers | Crispy Paneer Snack

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Paneer Fingers recipe, I've selected simple and flavorful ingredients that come together perfectly to create a delicious snack. The combination of paneer and a spiced batter gives the fingers their unique texture and taste, while bread crumbs create that satisfying crunch. Adding peanut powder enhances the flavor and gives the coating a nutty richness, which pairs beautifully with the soft paneer inside. The spices like red chili powder and garam masala elevate the overall taste, making every bite irresistible.

Paneer
Maida (all-purpose flour)
Corn flour
Pepper powder
Salt
Water
Bread crumbs
Peanuts
Red chili powder
Coriander Powder
Oil for frying

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

I used a store-bought paneer bar to make these paneer fingers. Thaw the paneer bar and cut it into vertical pieces, approximately 2 inches in length.

Sprinkle red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt over the paneer pieces, mix well, and let them marinate for 15 minutes.

Take a bowl and add maida, corn flour, pepper powder, and salt. Gradually add water, stirring continuously to form a thick paste.

Ensure the consistency is not too runny, as it should coat the paneer pieces well. Dip each paneer piece into the prepared batter, ensuring an even coating.

Spread the bread crumbs on a flat plate. Grind the peanuts in a mixer until they form a fine powder.

Combine the ground peanut powder with the bread crumbs and set it aside for coating. Take each batter-coated paneer piece and roll it in the breadcrumb-peanut mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Place the coated paneer fingers on a plate and repeat the process for the remaining pieces.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan for frying. Once the oil is hot, add 5-6 paneer fingers at a time and fry them over medium heat until golden and crispy.

Gently turn the fingers to ensure even frying on all sides. Once they turn golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

The crispy, spicy, and delicious paneer fingers are ready to be enjoyed hot with tomato ketchup or mint chutney. Enjoy the burst of flavors!

Hint: For an extra crunch and flavor, try adding some crushed cornflakes or poha to the breadcrumb and peanut mixture. This will give your Paneer Fingers an even crispier texture and a delightful taste!

Substitutions

Here are some great substitutions you can try for the this recipe:

For Corn Flour: You can substitute with rice flour for a crispier texture.
For Paneer: If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, try using tofu instead of paneer.
For Peanuts: If you have a peanut allergy, use cashew powder or almond powder for a similar nutty flavor.
For Maida (All-purpose flour): You can substitute with whole wheat flour or chickpea flour for a healthier option.
For Deep Frying: Instead of deep frying, you can pan-fry the paneer fingers with a little oil for a lighter version.

These swaps will still keep the dish flavorful and delicious while allowing you to adjust to your dietary preferences!

Variations

Here are a few variations you can try to give your Paneer Fingers a unique twist:

Spicy Paneer Fingers: Add extra green chili or chili flakes to the batter and breadcrumb mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Cheese Stuffed Paneer Fingers: Stuff the paneer slices with a small piece of mozzarella cheese before coating and frying for a gooey, cheesy center.
Herb Paneer Fingers: Mix finely chopped cilantro, mint, or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh, herby flavor.
Baked Paneer Fingers: For a healthier version, skip the frying and bake the coated paneer fingers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Vegetable Paneer Fingers: Add finely grated vegetables like carrot or zucchini to the batter for a nutritious twist.

These variations will allow you to customize the dish to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Storage

Storage for Paneer Fingers:

In the Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, place the cooled paneer fingers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
Freezing: To freeze the paneer fingers, place them in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you're ready to eat, just bake or fry them straight from frozen.

By storing them properly, you can enjoy these crispy delights even later!

Top Tip

Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.

Paneer Fingers | Crispy Paneer Snack