If you're looking for a healthy and delicious evening meal, then look no further than air-fried pesto-coated paneer. This dish is the perfect combination of crispy, crunchy paneer and aromatic basil pesto, and it's sure to satisfy your taste buds while also being good for you.

Paneer is a type of cheese that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is high in protein and calcium, making it an excellent addition to any diet. However, traditional methods of cooking paneer involve deep-frying, which can add unnecessary calories and fat to your meal. That's where air frying comes in. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture as deep-frying without all the added fat.

Also Read: Air Fryer 101: An Invention To Today's Healthy Cooking Trend

Basil pesto is also a great ingredient to use in cooking. It's made with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts (usually pine nuts or walnuts), which are all good for you in moderation. Basil is a great source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health, while garlic has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

One of the great things about air frying is that it allows you to enjoy your favourite foods in a healthier way. Instead of using excessive amounts of oil, air frying uses hot air to cook your food. This results in a crispy exterior and a tender interior, without all the added calories.

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Ingredients:

For the pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the paneer:

  • 200g paneer cheese, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons plain yoghurt

Method:

  • To make the pesto, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
  • With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is well combined and has a smooth consistency.
  • Set the pesto aside while you prepare the paneer.
  • In a bowl, mix together the plain yoghurt and 2 tablespoons of the pesto until well combined.
  • Dip each piece of paneer into the pesto mixture, making sure it's well coated.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
  • Place the paneer pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
  • Air fry the paneer for 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
  • Serve the air-fried pesto-coated paneer immediately with any additional pesto and some roasted vegetables, if desired.