Air-Fried Salt And Pepper Tofu: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Salt and pepper tofu is a staple Chinese dish that can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less oily alternative to deep-fried tofu. The tofu is seasoned and fried until crispy, and tossed with scallions, chilis, and garlic with a salt and pepper seasoning mix. The tofu can be served as a snack or a quick meal and is perfect for vegetarians or those looking to incorporate more tofu into their diet.

Choosing the right tofu

Firmness

The most important factor is the firmness of the tofu. For air fryer salt and pepper tofu, it is best to use extra firm or firm tofu. These types of tofu have a lower liquid percentage, allowing them to hold their shape better during the cooking process. They also tend to have a higher protein content and a denser texture, making them ideal for frying. Softer varieties, like silken tofu or soft tofu, are not suitable for this recipe as they are more delicate and may fall apart.

Pressing and Draining

Before cooking, it is essential to press and drain the tofu to remove excess moisture. This step helps to improve the tofu's ability to absorb seasonings and promotes a crispier texture. You can use a tofu press or place the tofu between cutting boards or plates with a heavy weight on top to press out the water. The pressing process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your preference.

Brining

Brining the tofu in a saltwater solution for about 10 minutes is another effective way to enhance its crispiness. This technique seasons the tofu while also drawing out moisture, resulting in a crispier exterior when cooked.

Coating

Coating the tofu cubes in a starch, such as cornstarch, tapioca starch, or potato starch, before air frying helps create a crunchy exterior. Make sure to coat each piece evenly and shake off any excess starch for a satisfying crunch.

Oil Spray

Using an oil spray, such as avocado oil spray or another neutral oil spray, is recommended for air fryer salt and pepper tofu. Spraying the air fryer basket and the tofu cubes generously with oil helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning. If using a basket-style air fryer with a nonstick basket, avoid using cooking sprays with propellants, as these can damage the coating. Instead, opt for a spray oil without propellants or use a refillable oil mister.

Preparing the tofu

Firstly, select the right type of tofu. It is recommended to use extra firm or firm tofu for this recipe. These varieties have lower moisture content and hold their shape better during frying. Softer tofu, like silken or soft tofu, is not suitable as it may become mushy.

Next, drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This step is important to achieve a crispy texture. Place the tofu on a cutting board or plate, wrap it in paper towels, and put something heavy on top to gently press out the water. Let it press for at least 15-20 minutes, or even up to an hour if you have the time.

Now, it's time to cut the tofu into cubes. Place the block of tofu on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into your desired size. A standard size is around 1-inch cubes, but you can go for slightly larger or smaller pieces if you prefer.

After cutting, it's time to season the tofu. In a mixing bowl, combine seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper. You can also add in a little starch (like cornstarch, tapioca starch, or potato starch) to help create a crunchy exterior. Give the tofu cubes a generous toss in this seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated.

Once the tofu is seasoned, it's ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the tofu pieces in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. This may require cooking in batches. Spray or brush the tofu with a little more oil for an even crispier texture.

Finally, close the lid and cook the tofu for around 15 minutes. You may need to flip the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed to reach your desired level of crispness.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, crispy salt and pepper tofu ready to be tossed with your favourite aromatics and served hot!

Air frying the tofu

Before air frying, the tofu should be cut into cubes. The size of the cubes can vary, but they should be around 1-2 cm or 1 inch. The tofu should also be patted dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help it crisp up.

Next, the tofu cubes should be seasoned. This can be done by tossing them in a mixture of spices and starch. The exact mixture will vary depending on the recipe, but it often includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cornstarch or potato/tapioca starch. The tofu should be evenly coated in the spice mixture.

Once the tofu is prepared, it's time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, and then place the tofu in a single layer, making sure the pieces are not touching. Spray the tofu with oil, and then air fry for around 10-15 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through. The tofu is done when it is golden brown and crispy.

After air frying, the tofu can be tossed with additional ingredients such as sliced chilis, green onions, and garlic. It can also be served with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce or spicy sriracha mayo.

Stir-frying aromatics

Firstly, you will need to chop the spring onions, garlic, and chilli pepper into small pieces. You can also mince or finely chop the garlic, depending on your preference. Set aside a small portion of the spring onions and chilli pepper for garnish. It is important to note that you can adjust the spiciness of the dish by removing the seeds from the chilli pepper or opting for a milder variety, such as a red bell pepper.

Next, heat a small amount of oil in a pan or sauté pan over medium heat. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or any other neutral oil of your choice. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped aromatics to the pan. Sauté or stir-fry them for about 30 seconds to one minute, or until they become fragrant. This process releases the flavours and aromas of the ingredients, enhancing the taste of the final dish.

At this stage, you can also add other spices and seasonings to the pan, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Chinese five-spice powder. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences. Stir or toss the aromatics with the seasonings to ensure they are well-coated.

Once the aromatics are cooked to your desired level, you can add the air-fried tofu to the pan and combine them with the aromatics and seasonings. Toss or stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to ensure the tofu is evenly coated.

Finally, transfer the stir-fried tofu and aromatics to a serving plate. Garnish with the reserved spring onions and chilli pepper for a pop of colour and extra flavour.

This stir-frying technique is a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavours of your salt and pepper tofu dish.

Serving suggestions

Salt and pepper tofu is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack or Appetizer:

• Enjoy the tofu as a crispy snack on its own.
• Dip the tofu in a sweet chilli sauce or other dipping sauces like Chinese garlic chilli sauce, Hoisin sauce, or Taiwanese shacha sauce.

As a Main Course:

• Serve the tofu with rice and a side of vegetables, such as steamed jasmine rice and easy Chinese vegetables, or a chopped kale salad.
• Make a poke bowl by serving the tofu on steamed white rice with fresh veggies and an Asian salad dressing.
• Create a tofu bowl with other ingredients like avocado salsa, steamed rice, and veggies.
• Toss the tofu with spicy peanut noodles or veggie stir-fries like garlic green beans or Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce.
• Have it with Asian cucumber salad or Chinese smashed cucumber salad for a light and refreshing meal.

As a Side Dish:

• Serve the tofu as a side with a dipping sauce like spicy sriracha mayo.
• Pair it with Asian-style slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad.

In Other Dishes:

• Add the tofu to soft shell tacos with avocado salsa.
• Toss it through a stir-fry at the end.
• Use it as a topping for dishes like stir-fries, curries, or nourish bowls.

Frequently asked questions