Paneer Fingers Recipe (Fried Paneer Fingers)

Last Updated On: July 22, 2026 by Aarti

Crispy paneer fingers is a delicious and easy Indian snack made with paneer, which is coated in batter, then rolled in breadcrumbs and fried until golden crispy. These paneer fingers make a perfect appetizer, evening snack and can be enjoyed with mint chutney, ketchup, mayonnaise or any sauce of your choice.

Paneer Fingers Recipe

This recipe is inspired by chicken fingers but uses paneer to make a delicious vegetarian version. You can pan fry the paneer for a crispy texture or air fry it for a lighter version.

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About Paneer Fingers

Crispy paneer fingers are an easy and delicious appetizer made using paneer. The recipe is super easy to make and can be prepared in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

You can fry paneer fingers to get a crispy texture or air fry them in a little oil to get a healthy version. The level of spiciness can also be adjusted according to taste, it can be mild for children or spicy for adults.

I like to marinate the paneer with a little chili powder and salt to taste. You can also add lemon juice. You can also dip paneer pieces in egg, but I thought of making it completely vegetarian.

Start by coating the soaked paneer with a batter made from wheat flour, cornstarch, garam masala powder, chili powder, ginger garlic paste and salt. Now coat in breadcrumbs and fry until golden and crispy. I prefer to use panko breadcrumbs.

Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium, making these fingers a delicious snack. Serve hot with mint chutney, ketchup, mayonnaise, or enjoy simply with tea. You can also add it to wraps or sandwiches.

They’re perfect for parties, evening snacks, or kids’ lunch boxes. You can also replace the paneer with tofu for a vegan version.

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Ingredients

• Paneer : Use store-bought or homemade paneer. Cut it into finger-sized pieces or paste it to make crispy paneer fingers.
• Herbs and spices : Chilli powder and garam masala powder are added to the paneer and batter.
• Ginger garlic paste: Ginger garlic paste adds a spicy aroma.
• All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Both are used in the dough. This helps the bread crumbs stick well to the paneer.
• Bread crumbs : You can use regular bread crumbs or panko crumbs for extra crunch.
• Oil : The oil used to fry the paneer. Use a neutral cooking oil of your choice.

Step by Step Images

1) Cut the paneer into finger-like shapes. Add red chili powder, salt, garam masala powder and mix well. Set aside.

2) Take wheat flour, cornstarch, ginger garlic paste, chili powder, salt and water into a container, then make a thick dough. Dip the paneer in this mixture.

2) Take bread crumbs in a bowl. Take each piece of paneer that has been smeared with batter, roll it in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

3) Place on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

4)Heat oil for frying, add paneer pieces one by one until golden brown and crispy.

5) Strain using a slotted spoon and keep on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

6) Serve hot with tomato sauce.

Expert Tips

• Use fresh, firm paneer so that it holds its shape when plated and after frying.
• Cut the paneer into equal sized pieces to ensure all the fingers cook evenly.
• Add water little by little while making the dough. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, not too runny or too thick.
• Don’t overfill the pan when frying. Fry the paneer fingers in batches to get a crispy texture.
• For a healthier version, fry the paneer by smearing or spraying a little oil until it turns golden and crispy.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover paneer fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer to restore the crispy texture. You can freeze coated raw paneer fingers for up to one month.

Serve paneer fingers hot and fresh to get the best crunchy texture. Pair with mint chutney, ketchup, mayonnaise or your favorite sauce.

General Questions

Q. Can I make paneer fingers in air fryer?

Very ! Preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush or spray cooking oil on paneer fingers and air fry until golden. Flip it half way through so it cooks evenly.

Q. Can I use tofu instead of paneer?

Yes, you can substitute paneer for tofu for a healthy vegan option.

Q. Why is my coating not sticking to the paneer?

This usually happens if the batter is too runny. Make sure the paneer is dry and the batter is a bit thick so that the bread crumbs stick well. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the paneer for better coating.

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