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These Grilled Paneer Tikka Sliders are a fusion favorite – layered with smoky air-fried paneer tikka, sautéed peppers, and onions, a layer of spicy cilantro chutney, and melty cheese. Each bite is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

A hand holding a bite of the paneer tikka slider dipped in green chutney.

I’m always looking for creative ways to bring Indian and global flavors together, and sliders are the perfect way to do that. When it comes to sliders, paneer is a no-brainer – it’s hearty, satisfying, and soaks up flavor beautifully.

I love how air-frying paneer in a tandoori marinade transforms it, just as it does in my Paneer Tikka Rice Bowls. For this recipe, I wanted to recreate those same bold, smoky flavors in slider form.

If you love Indian-inspired paneer dishes, you’ll also enjoy my Paneer Tikka Quesadillas, Paneer Kathi Roll, and Hariyali Paneer Tikka – all guaranteed crowd-pleasers!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for paneer tikka sliders and veggies.

Paneer – I used store-bought paneer for this recipe. There is no need to soak the paneer beforehand. Feel free to use tofu instead of paneer – works great.
Bread – I used Royal Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls, but feel free to use their sweet buns, or even brioche slider rolls.
Cheese – I love Pepper Jack cheese for this recipe, but feel free to use cheddar, Colby Jack, or any cheese that melts well.
Yogurt – For the marinade, use full-fat regular whole milk yogurt. I don’t recommend using dahi or low-fat yogurt.
Tandoori Spice – You’ll need tandoori spice for when you grill the bread with butter. I love Rani’s Tandoori Masala.
Cilantro Chutney – Use my recipe for making cilantro chutney in advance or the same day. Alternatively, you may also use store-bought chutney.

*See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.*

Let’s Make Paneer Tikka Sliders

Marinate & Air Fry Paneer

Add yogurt and spices in a bowl to prepare the tandoori marinade.

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients listed under the Tandoori Marinade below in a bowl, including yogurt, oil, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and spices. Whisk well.

Step 2. Cube paneer so you end up with 32 smaller cubes.

For paneer tikka sliders, add cubed paneer to the tandoori marinade and mix.

Step 3. Add cubed paneer to the marinade and combine well. Cover with a plastic wrap. Marinate and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

For paneer tikka sliders, air fry paneer and place over parchment paper.

Step 4. Place the paneer in an air fryer at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. Flip paneer over and air fry for another 4 minutes at 400 degrees.

Prepare Veggie Mix

Saute garlic and green chilies in oil on a castirion skillet.

Step 5. Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium heat. Once hot, add oil, followed by garlic and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds.

Add bell peppers and onions on a castirion skillet.

Step 6. Next, add chopped red & green bell peppers. Do NOT season with salt yet. Sauté for 5 minutes on medium heat until they are translucent.

Add onions to the bell peppers in a castiron skillet.

Step 7. Add red onions and season with salt. Sauté for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Bell peppers and onions are sauteed and browned in a cast-iron skillet.

Step 8. Once the veggies are cooked, this is what you should have. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Assemble & Grill Paneer Tikka Sliders

Step 9. Heat up the same skillet, add a teaspoon of butter followed by tandoori masala (store-bought works). Saute for 15 seconds.

Add slider buns face side down over tandoori spiced butter.

Step 10. Place the slider buns face down over the butter. Grill for a couple of minutes on each side.

Grill slider buns on the other side on a cast-iron skillet.

Step 11. Flip and grill on the other side for 2 minutes.

Spread green chutney on both sides of the buns.

Step 12. Reduce the heat to low-medium. Spread coriander chutney on both sides face side up.

Step 13. Top with 2 cubes of air-fried paneer on each slider.

Step 14. Top each slider with a spoonful of veggies.

Top with Pepper Jack cheese over veggies.

Step 15. Now, add a square piece of sliced cheese – I used Pepper Jack.

Step 16. Close the bun.

Cover and grill on both sides of slider.

Step 17. Cover the slider with a lid and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes. Turn off the stove.

Paneer Tikka Sliders with chutney, paneer, veggies, and cheese ozzing out with green chilies & chutney in the background.

Step 18. Once done, the cheese should be melted, and your paneer tikka sliders are ready.

Recipe Tips

Time Saver – Prepare the marinade and marinate the paneer for 30 minutes. During the wait time, saute your bell peppers and onions.
Veggie Mix – For the best results, use a cast-iron skillet to saute the veggies. Also, cook down the veggies on medium heat so they brown.
No Air Fryer? – If you don’t have an air fryer, you can saute the paneer in a pan, preferably nonstick, for 5 minutes. Don’t overcook or else the paneer will get rubbery.
Grill up to 4 sliders at one time – You can make up to 4 sliders at one time. Just increase the amount of butter and tandoori masala used.
Make Ahead – You can marinate paneer up to 24 hours in advance, sauté the veggies, and make the cilantro chutney the day before to save time.
Baking Option – For a softer slider, bake at 350°F for 15–25 minutes. For a crispier slider, stick with stovetop grilling as suggested.
Vegan Option – For a vegan option, use tofu instead of paneer. Also, use non-dairy cheese and butter.
Gluten-free Option – Use gluten-free slider buns.

Serving Suggestion

Serve paneer tikka sliders with cilantro chutney, ketchup, or sweet & sour maggi. You may also serve with a side of masala chips.

Storage

Place the sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate. Once you’re ready to eat, grill them or bake them.

Paneer Tikka Sliders featuring a bite of the sandwich with a green chili in the background.

Tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment & rate this recipe. That would mean so much to me. If you’re on Instagram, please tag me so I can see your creations. I’m happy to share and mention you. Thank you!