Savory Paneer Puff Pastry Turnovers - Air Fryer
User Reviews
4.9
Savory Paneer Puff Pastry Turnovers - Air Fryer
Description
The recipe starts by preparing a paneer filling where cumin seeds are tempered in ghee or oil, followed by sautéing onions until golden and tomatoes until thickened. Ground turmeric, cayenne, garam masala, and salt are added for seasoning, then paneer is incorporated and cooked until soft and combined.
Frozen puff pastry squares are thawed and filled with the paneer mixture at the center. The pastry can be brushed with beaten egg white for glaze and sprinkled with optional nigella seeds before cooking. Baking at 400°F or air frying produces flaky, golden turnovers with a savory filling that contrasts the crisp pastry exterior.
These turnovers serve well as a snack or appetizer and can be prepared ahead by stuffing and freezing before cooking. The filling also works as a standalone dish served with bread or flatbreads like roti or naan.
For egg-free glaze, melted butter or olive oil can be used. Thaw frozen turnovers partially before baking to ensure crisp, flaky pastry without melting too quickly.
Ingredients
- 6 quares puff pastry
- 1 egg to brush for a glaze, white
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds optional, aka Kalonji
For Paneer Filling:
- 200 gm paneer mashed or cubed (homemade or store bought, or cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds aka Jeera
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 tomato diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste, or red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala adjust to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Paneer Filling:
- Remove the frozen puff pastry sheets from the freezer and let them thaw while you prepare the filling.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds to it. When the seeds start to change color in about 30 seconds, add the diced onions. Cook the onions for 3-4 minutes stirring frequently till they start to turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, until they form a thick mixture with the onions.
- Add the salt, turmeric, red chili powder and garam masala. Mix well.
- Add the paneer and mix with the onion tomato masala. Cook for 3 minutes until the paneer becomes soft.
- The paneer filling is ready. You can also enjoy this as paneer bhurji or scramble along with roti or naan.
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- If baking in oven, preheat oven to 400°F.
- Spread the puff pastry squares on a parchment paper on a baking sheet. Place the paneer filling at the center of the puff pastry square. Make sure the paneer filling is at room temperature when filling in the puff pastry.
- Gently fold it and pinch to the other side to make a triangle. All the edges should be closed. Use a fork to seal the edges well.
- Beat the egg white. Brush the egg whites on the top side of the stuffed puff pastry. Sprinkle some nigella seeds to get the perfect looking puff!
- If using an oven, bake for 12-15 minutes until the paneer puff's are golden browned.
- If using an air fryer, place 2 stuffed puff pastries into the air fryer basket. Bake at 390°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip the puffs at about 7 min.
- Remove the puff pastries from the oven/air fryer into a serving dish and let them cool for couple of minutes. Enjoy with a dip or chutney and a cup of hot tea.
Notes
- Paneer can be mashed or cubed according to preference.
- Skip egg wash by brushing turnovers with melted butter or olive oil for a glaze.
- To prepare ahead, stuff pastries and freeze; thaw before cooking but keep pastry cool for best puff.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 355 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 355kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 28mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 317mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 95mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 240IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 3.5mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 168mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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