Here’s a detailed recipe for crispy cottage cheese sticks (also called paneer fingers) that are crunchy on the outside and soft inside — perfect as an appetizer or snack.
🧀 Crispy Cottage Cheese Sticks (Paneer Fingers)
🛒 Ingredients
- 250 g paneer, cut into sticks
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup water (for batter)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- Oil for frying
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the batter
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornflour, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add water gradually to make a smooth, thick batter (not too runny).
2. Coat the paneer
- Dip each paneer stick into the batter.
- Roll it in breadcrumbs for a crunchy layer.
- For extra crispiness, double coat (dip in batter again, then breadcrumbs).
3. Fry
- Heat oil on medium flame.
- Fry sticks until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
4. Serve
- Serve hot with ketchup, mint chutney, or garlic mayo.
🌿 Variations
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or paprika to batter.
- Cheesy: Mix grated cheese into breadcrumbs.
- Garlic-Herb: Add oregano or thyme to breadcrumbs.
- Air Fryer/Oven: Spray sticks lightly with oil, air fry at 180°C for 10–12 mins, or bake at 200°C for 15–20 mins.
💡 Tips
- Use fresh, firm paneer to avoid breaking.
- Fry at medium heat so outside crisps while inside stays soft.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
I can also share a restaurant-style extra-crispy version that tastes like fast-food paneer fingers if you want. Do you want me to do that?
