▶ Watch Siddhi make it
Paneer Fingers, step by step on video
See how the crushed paneer dough should feel, how to roll the fingers smooth, and the light golden colour to fry them to.
6:56 · Recipe video · Cooking with Siddhi
Paneer Fingers, also called paneer fries or cottage cheese fries, are a unique party snack and a kids favourite. Paneer is crushed with a little maida and salt, mixed with chilli flakes, chaat masala and coriander, rolled into fingers and shallow fried until light golden.
Because I use crushed paneer instead of paneer sticks, even people who do not usually like paneer enjoy these. You need just six ingredients.
Every recipe on Cooking with Siddhi is cooked in my own kitchen before it goes live.

Why you will love these paneer fingers
- Just six ingredients: paneer, maida, coriander, chilli flakes, chaat masala and salt.
- Loved by paneer skeptics: crushed paneer gives a soft, different texture.
- Party and kids snack: easy finger food for any get-together.
- Shallow fried: cooked in a pan until light golden.
Ingredient notes
- Paneer: use 250 g, crushed in a mixing jar with the flour and salt.
- All-purpose flour: it binds the paneer. If the mixture still feels moist, add a little more.
- Chilli flakes and chaat masala: they give the fingers their spicy, tangy taste.
- Coriander: 1/3 cup, finely chopped, for freshness.
Paneer Fingers Recipe
Soft, spiced fingers of crushed paneer with chilli flakes, chaat masala and coriander, shallow fried until light golden. A quick party and kids snack.
Ingredients
- 250 g paneer (cottage cheese)
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida), plus extra if needed
- 1/3 cup coriander, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- Oil for shallow frying
Instructions
- Crush the paneer. In a mixing jar, add the paneer cubes, all-purpose flour and salt to taste and crush them together. If the paneer mixture still has more moisture, add a little more all-purpose flour.
- Add the flavours. Take the mixture out into a bowl, spread it a little and sprinkle the chilli flakes, chaat masala and finely chopped coriander.
- Mix. Mix all the ingredients well.
- Shape the fingers. Take a small amount of the paneer dough in your palms and roll it into a smooth oval or finger shape. Make the rest the same way.
- Heat the oil. Heat oil in a pan for shallow frying.
- Fry. Once the oil is sizzling hot, fry the paneer fingers on a medium flame until light golden. Drain the extra oil on tissue paper and serve.
Nutrition Facts
3 servings per recipe
Serving size1 serving (⅓ recipe)
| Nutrient | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Total Fat 5 g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat 2 g | 10% |
| Cholesterol 14 mg | 5% |
| Sodium 403 mg | 18% |
| Total Carbohydrate 25 g | 9% |
| Dietary Fibre 4 g | 14% |
| Total Sugars 4 g | |
| Protein 16 g | |
| Vitamin A 2445 IU | |
| Vitamin C 149 mg | 166% |
| Calcium 406 mg | 31% |
| Iron 12 mg | 67% |
| Potassium 1313 mg | 28% |
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Values are approximate and calculated from the ingredients listed. The actual amounts depend on the brands you use and how much oil the paneer fingers absorb while frying.
Recipe by Siddhi Panchal.
Tips for perfect paneer fingers
- If the crushed paneer feels moist, add a little more all-purpose flour so the fingers hold their shape.
- Roll each finger smooth between your palms.
- Wait until the oil is sizzling hot, then fry on a medium flame until light golden.
What to serve with Paneer Fingers
Serve them hot as a party snack or a kids snack. For a starter platter, add my Crispy Potato Balls, Veg Kabab and Chinese Pakoda.
Paneer Fingers FAQs
Why use crushed paneer instead of paneer sticks?
Crushed paneer gives a softer, different texture, so even people who do not usually like paneer enjoy these fingers.
What if the paneer mixture is too moist?
Add a little more all-purpose flour until the mixture holds together.
Are paneer fingers deep fried?
No. They are shallow fried in a pan on a medium flame until light golden.
How many ingredients do I need?
Six: paneer, all-purpose flour, coriander, chilli flakes, chaat masala and salt, plus oil for frying.
How many does this recipe serve?
It serves 3, at about 199 kcal per serving.
More recipes
Find more starters in our Appetizers collection, or browse every recipe.
