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air fryer palak paneer kofta
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Air Fryer Palak Paneer Kofta Recipe

Paneer-stuffed spinach and potato kofta balls cooked in the air fryer instead of deep frying, served with a smooth onion, tomato and cashew gravy.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: air fryer palak paneer kofta, palak paneer kofta, paneer kofta curry, shaam savera kofta
Author: bhavana bhatia

Equipment

  • sauce pan
  • Blender
  • Air fryer

Ingredients

For the Spinach Kofta

  • 4 cups baby spinach blanched and drained, about 1 cup puree
  • 1 cup boiled potato mashed
  • ¼ cup red lentil flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon red chilli powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder

For the Paneer Center

  • ¾ cup grated paneer
  • ¼ cup boiled potato mashed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons cornflour for coating

For the Gravy

  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1- inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 cups roughly chopped onion 1 medium onion
  • 2 teaspoon chopped ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 cups roughly chopped tomatoes about 3 medium tomatoes
  • 4 cashews
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ⅓ teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder or as per taste
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ to 1 cup water as required

Instructions

Prepare the Spinach Layer

  • Blanch the baby spinach in boiling water for a few minutes. Drain well and allow it to cool.
  • Blend the spinach with salt, garam masala, red chilli powder and cumin powder to make about 1 cup spinach puree.
  • Combine the spinach puree with 1 cup mashed boiled potato and ¼ cup red lentil flour.
  • Cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring regularly, until the mixture becomes thick enough to shape.
  • Turn off the heat and cool completely.

Make and Shape Koftas

  • Combine ¾ cup grated paneer with ¼ cup mashed potato, salt and garam masala.
  • Divide the paneer mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each into a small ball.
  • Divide the cooled spinach mixture into 8 equal portions.
  • Flatten one spinach portion in your palm and place a paneer ball in the centre.
  • Bring the spinach mixture around the filling and seal completely.
  • Shape into a smooth ball and lightly roll in cornflour.
  • Repeat to make palak paneer kofta balls.
  • Freeze for 2 to 4 hours, or until firm.

Air Fry the Kofta Balls

  • Preheat the air fryer to 180°C / 355°F for 10 minutes.
  • Arrange the frozen kofta balls in a single layer.
  • Spray lightly with oil.
  • Air fry at 180°C / 355°F for about 10 to 14 minutes, until firm and lightly browned.
  • Check after 10 minutes and cook a little longer if required.
  • Remove carefully and keep separate from the gravy until serving.

Prepare the Kofta Curry

  • Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a pan.
  • Add cumin seeds, bay leaf and cinnamon.
  • Add onion, ginger and garlic. Cook until the onion starts to soften.
  • Add tomatoes and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft.
  • Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder and garam masala.
  • Add cashews and cook briefly, then turn off the heat.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly and blend until smooth.
  • Return the puree to the pan and add ½ cup water initially.
  • Simmer until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency, adding more water if needed.
  • Pour the hot gravy into the serving dish and add the air-fried kofta balls just before serving.

Notes

 
Drain the blanched spinach very well before blending. Excess water can make the kofta mixture too soft.
Cook the spinach, potato and lentil flour mixture on low heat until thick enough to shape. Cool it completely before making the koftas.
Freeze the shaped kofta balls for 2 to 4 hours before air frying. This helps them hold their shape.
Air fryer cooking time may vary slightly by model. Check the koftas after 10 minutes and cook until firm and lightly browned.
Keep the air-fried koftas separate from the gravy until serving so they do not become too soft.