Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Name: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 oz extra-firm tofu, cubed; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp ground white pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; as needed olive oil spray; 2 green onions, sliced; 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside tofu cubes with a simple yet flavorful salt and pepper seasoning, perfectly air-fried for a healthy appetizer.

30 minEasyServes 4180 cal/serving

AsianAppetizerAir FryerVegetarianVeganLow CarbHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

14 oz extra-firm tofu, cubed
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
as needed olive oil spray
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1

Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu between paper towels and place something heavy on top for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
4

In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground white pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
5

Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture.
6

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with as needed olive oil spray.
7

Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. You may need to cook in batches.
8

Lightly spray the tofu with olive oil spray.
9

Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy on the outside.
10

Transfer the cooked tofu to a serving plate and sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional) if desired.
11

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

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Questions

What temperature does Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu cook at?

For Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu, the air fryer is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 2. The longest stretch at that heat is 15 minutes, in step 9. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time.

How do I know when Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until all pieces are evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture. Step 9: cook until the tofu is golden and crispy on the outside.

Do I have to press the tofu for Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu?

Step 1 reads: "Press 14 oz extra-firm tofu between paper towels and place something heavy on top for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture." Yes, if you want it to brown. Step 1 squeezes out water that would otherwise steam the surface and dilute the sauce.

What can I use instead of cornstarch in Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu?

The entry for Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu calls for 2 tbsp cornstarch. In its place: Use twice as much all-purpose flour and cook it a few minutes longer, or the same amount of arrowroot or tapioca starch.

Can I use a different firmness of tofu instead of tofu in Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu?

Go firmer, not softer. Extra-firm stands in for firm anywhere; anything softer breaks up when it is fried or stirred. Press it for 15 minutes either way. As written, the entry for Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu uses 14 oz extra-firm tofu, cubed.

Does Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu contain soy?

Yes: 14 oz extra-firm tofu, cubed. The full allergen list for this entry is soy. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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