Get ready to transform ordinary tofu into a restaurant-worthy dish that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with mouthwatering flavor! This Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu is about to become your new obsession - a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious recipe that proves plant-based cooking can be just as exciting and satisfying as any meat dish. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Drain the tofu block and press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform coating mixture.
- Gently toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly and lightly coated. Shake off any excess coating.
- Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
- Spray or brush the tofu cubes with remaining vegetable oil to help them crisp up and achieve a golden color.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check the tofu periodically. The cubes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Once done, carefully remove the tofu from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve hot as an appetizer, side dish, or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pressing the tofu is crucial - remove as much moisture as possible to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Use firm tofu for the best texture and structure during air frying.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure each tofu cube gets crispy.
- Shake the basket midway through cooking to promote even browning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or chili flakes to the cornstarch coating.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the perfect crispy texture.
- Experiment with dipping sauces like soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or sriracha for added excitement.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 157kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
