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crispy salt and pepper on a serving plate with chopsticks

Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Kristel Mae Baclaan
This crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu offers a delightful combination of healthy and convenience, making it a great appetizer.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Air Fryer Recipes, Appetizer
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 3 servings
Calories 108.7 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 108.7kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 10.5gFat: 2.6gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 474.8mgPotassium: 298.8mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 2.4gVitamin A: 306.7IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 57.2mgIron: 2mg
Keyword crispy air fryer salt and pepper tofu, salt and pepper tofu air fryer
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