Paneer Popcorn | Paneer Nuggets

Paneer Popcorn is a crunchy and crispy snack. This makes a perfect tea time snack or as an appetizer. It is also called as paneer bites or paneer nuggets. Paneer Popcorn Recipe with step by step pictures and video.

Paneer Popcorn is one the snack recipes that I wanted to try since a long time.Paneer Popcorn or Nuggets as it is popularly called is very crispy and loved by all especially kids.

About Paneer Popcorn

Paneer Popcorn is paneer bites as its small in size you can just pop it at one go. Paneer is spiced first then dipped in batter finally coated with bread crumbs along with crushed cornflakes. So that makes it crispy and crunchy too. Paneer Popcorn has a crusty outer with soft paneer inside making it perfect for snack time as its delicious and addictive too.

One of the best thing about this paneer nuggets is you can coat the paneer pieces and keep in fridge well ahead of time, then take it out and deep fry it as and when needed.

This is completely vegetarian and eggless too. I have used wheat flour replacing maida for health reasons but it is your personal preference. You can use either maida with cornflour or wheat flour with cornflour there is no much difference in nuggets.

Paneer Popcorn Ingredients

• Paneer : Always use soft fresh paneer. If using frozen then thaw it for a while keep immersed in hot water for 10 misn then go ahead with the recipe.
• Flour batter : I used wheat flour and cornflour along with salt and water. Make sure the batter is slightly runny enough to coat the paneer pieces.
• Spices : Use spice powders according to your spice lvel. The measurement I have given is mildy spicy to suit kids too.
• Cornflakes, Breadcrumbs : I used a combination of breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes to get the perfect crispy outer layer.

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How to make Paneer Popcorn

1.Take a 200 gms cube of paneer.

2.Cut into small bite sized cubes.Set aside.

3.Add all the ingredients listed under ‘to marinade’.

4.Mix it well. Set aside.

5.Add cornflakes ot a mixing bowl.

6.Pulse it in mixie few times to get a coarse mixture like this.

7.Now add breadcrumbs.

8.Mix it well.

9.Add the ingredients listed under ‘For the batter’. Mix this well first.

10.Then add water little by little mix it well to form a slightly runny batter.

11.Dip each paneer piece into the batter coat well.

12.Then immediately add it to the cornflakes breadcrumbs mixture.

13.Coat it well like shown below.

14.Repeat to finish. You can refrigerate it for a while and ten deep fry as and when needed also.

15.Heat oil it should be medium hot, not smoking hot. Add prepared paneer pieces few at a time. Do not turn over for few seconds.

16.After 2 seconds flip over and fry.

17.Fry until golden brown. Repeat to finish.

18.Crispy golden paneer nuggets ready to serve!

Serve with tomato sauce or ketchup.

Expert Tips

• Always choose soft fresh paneer.You can also use homemade paneer.
• First marinating in spices then coating with flur, breadcrumbs gives it a nice flavour when you bite inside also.
• Do not cut into big pieces,make it bite sized only.
• Though you can use just breadcrumbs for outer crust, the combination of cornflakes with breadcrumbs makes it perfect just as in restaurants.

Variations

• You can use wheat flour or maida as per your preference.
• You can replace cornflakes with oats. Just pulse it well then use it. Use quick cooking oats.
• Replace paneer with tofu or gobi or even chicken.
• Add more spice if you like it more hot and spicy.
• Always fry in batches for even frying.

FAQ’s

1.What is Paneer Popcorn?

Paneer Popcorn is paneer bites marinated in spices then coated with a flour batter finally dipped in breadcrumbs, cornflakes mixture and deep fried. It is a crunchy snack loved by all especially kids.

2.Is Paneer Popcorn and Paneer Nuggets same?

Yes both paneer popcorn and paneer nuggets are same just the name differs?

3.How to make Paneer Popcorn ?

• Chop paneer into bite sized pieces
• Then marinate in a basic spices mixture.
• Coat the paneer in a thin flour batter.
• Finally dip it in breadcrumbs, cornflakes mixture.
• Deep fry until golden.

4.Can we bake Paneer Popcorn ?

Yes you can. Preheat oven at 200 deg C. Line a baking sheet on the tray, arrange the paneer after coating and bake in preheated oven for 12-15 mins or until the edges turn golden.Turn in between for even baking. Brush oil if its too dry.

5.Can I tawa dry Paneer Popcorn?

Yes you can tawa fry or shallow fry it as per your liking. Add little oil to a flat skillet or tawa, add paneer pieces in batches and toast until crisp.

6.Can I use airfryer to make Paneer Popcorn ?

Yes you can. Set the temperature to 190 deg C and bake in airfryer for about 15 mins or until crisp turn it halfway for even baking.

7.Can I freeze these paneer bites?

Yes you can coat the paneer pieces with breadcrumbs – cornflakes mixture and freeze it in a ziplock. When you need them, thaw it first then deep fry.