Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu
This crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu offers a delightful combination of healthy and convenience, making it a great appetizer.
You might want to try this easy tofu recipes, tofu and mushroom stir fry, tofu green bean stir fry, and tofu adobo.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- This air fry tofu cooks quickly and perfect for busy weeknight.
- Air frying requires less oil/little oil compared to traditional deep-frying, making it a healthier alternative while achieving a crunchy result.
- This crispy air fryer tofu recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation.
- Easy recipe with few ingredients needed.
- It's vegetarian and vegan-friendly recipe.
Ingredients
Here are the lists of ingredients in making crispy salt and pepper tofu in air fryer:
- Tofu: You can use firm tofu or extra-firm tofu for better texture. A great source of protein.
- Cornstarch: To coat the tofu for crispy texture. You can also use potato starch instead.
- Salt: You can use sea salt, kosher salt or traditional salt for a slightly different flavor.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for more robust flavor. You can also substitute it with white pepper.
- Garlic Powder: This is added for tofu seasonings, for a garlicky flavor.
- Paprika: For deep flavor.
- Onion Powder: It adds a subtle savory flavor.
- Oil: You can brush or cooking spray with oil like canola, vegetable oil, or sesame oil.
- Spring Onions: For toppings.
- Chili: Red or Green chilies works great.
Please see recipe card below for exact measurements.
How to make Salt and Pepper Tofu Air Fryer Recipe
Step 1. Prepare the tofu. Press tofu to remove excess water or moisture. Cut tofu block into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2. Coat with corn starch. Toss cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 3. Spice Mix. In a small bowl mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder until well combined.
Step 4. Season: Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 5. Air Fry: Place seasoned tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with oil and air fry for 10-15 minutes until brown, flipping the tofu halfway through.
Step 6. In a preheated wok, add the oil and sauté aromatics over medium heat for a minute.
Add the crispy tofu. Sprinkle in the remaining of the seasoning mix. Toss to combine for 30 seconds.
Garnish with chopped green onion or cilantro for added freshness.
What can you serve with Salt and Pepper Tofu
You can serve crispy salt and pepper tofu with steamed rice, you can toss in salad, can be added in stir fry veggies or noodles.
Pair with a perfect dipping sauce, like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Cooking Tips
Making salt and pepper tofu in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior without deep frying. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
- Press the tofu to remove excess water, it helps in achieving a firmer texture and better crispiness. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes.
- Toss the tofu cubes in a light coating of cornstarch. This helps in creating a crispy exterior when air-fried.
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the tofu.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd to make sure each piece gets crispy, and they don't stick together.
- I like to finish by sauteing minced garlic and toss crispy tofu in a wok for a deep flavor.
Storage
Store leftover cooked tofu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to get the outsides nice and crispy again.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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Complete Recipe
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Wok
Ingredients
- 1 package extra-firm tofu or firm tofu cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- oil for spraying
- 1 piece red chili sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 stalks green onion
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess water or moisture. Cut tofu block into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder mix until well combined.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes. Toss to coat evenly and saving ¼ of seasoning for later.
- Place seasoned tofu pieces in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Note: Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd to make sure each piece gets crispy, and they don't stick together.
- Spray with oil and air fry at 400℉ for 10 minutes until brown, flipping the tofu halfway through.
- In the meantime, chop the spring onions, garlic, and chili pepper in a bowl. Reserve some spring onions and chili pepper aside for garnish.
- In over medium heat wok, sauté garlic, chili pepper and green onion until fragrant. Add crispy tofu and sprinkle the remaining seasoning and toss to combine for 30 seconds. Garnish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Press the tofu to remove excess water, it helps in achieving a firmer texture and better crispiness. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes.
- Toss the tofu cubes in a light coating of cornstarch. This helps in creating a crispy exterior when air-fried.
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the tofu.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd to make sure each piece gets crispy, and they don't stick together.
- I like to finish by sauteing aromatics and toss crispy tofu in a wok for a deep flavor.
