


Toss the fried tofu with the crispy garlic and chiles, salt, five-spice powder, and pepper, and sichuan peppercorn or seasoning mix, if using. Whether you deep fry or pan fry, you’ll want to quickly stir fry the chili pepper slices and minced garlic in a skillet to brown them. Flip and cook to golden brown on the second side. Add the tofu cubes and cook until they are golden brown on the bottom. To pan fry, put just about half an inch of oil in a skillet and heat over medium high heat until it shimmers. Pan frying or shallow frying the tofu is also an option. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the tofu from the oil and set on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Cook, turning over with chopsticks or tongs, until the tofu pieces are golden brown all over, about 2 or 3 minutes. When the oil begins to shimmer, drop in the tofu cubes. Yes! The recipe is basically the same for air fried tofu and deep fried tofu, only instead of putting the coated tofu cubes into the air fryer, you’ll cook them in hot oil on the stovetop.įor deep fried tofu, heat a few inches of oil (use a neutral flavored, high smoke point oil like peanut, safflower, avocado, canola, etc.) in a deep, heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Toss the crispy fried tofu pieces with chile slices, green onions, and salt and pepper seasoning mix.Ĭan I make deep fried Salt and Pepper Tofu?.Spray or brush the tofu pieces with oil (please see the section on oil sprays and air fryers below!).Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Air fryer tofu how to#
Drain the tofu (see below for more information on how to do this.).You can scroll there or use the “jump to recipe” link at the top if you don’t want to read the helpful information and tips include in the post.) To get tofu cubes that are nicely browned and crisp on the outside, there are a few steps you need to follow (Please note: the complete recipe, with ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, is included in the recipe card at the bottom of this page. How do I make this crispy air fryer tofu? You can buy Szechuan peppercorns online or in most Asian markets. I use Szechuan peppercorns in my Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles, Szechuan Shrimp, Chinese Salt and Pepper Wings, and Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. The spice causes a tingly, mouth-numbing sensation that many people find appealing. They have a unique flavor-floral, citrus-y, and a bit hot. Sichuan peppercorn or Szechuan peppercorns are called “flower pepper” in Chinese. Softer tofu varieties, like soft tofu or silken tofu, are delicious in other dishes, but the firmer tofu holds together better for this type of dish. I like to use firm or extra-firm tofu for this salt and pepper tofu recipe. Sichuan peppercorns (optional) or Szechuan Pepper Salt seasoning mix.Oil for spraying, spritzing, or brushing.
Air fryer tofu full#
Here are the ingredients (note that the full list with measurements in included in the recipe card below). The only specialty ingredients are Chinese Five Spice (this can be substituted with individual spices) and Szechuan peppercorn, which is optional. I love this recipe because it uses just a few ingredients that you probably already have around the house. Cleanup is easier, too! What ingredients do I need for salt and pepper air fryer tofu? The result is super flavorful and healthier than deep fried. Why should I air fry tofu?Īir frying tofu gives you crispy, crunchy tofu bits without having to use a ton of oil or creating the mess that goes along with deep frying. And because it is cooked in the air fryer, it is lower in calories and easier to cook. This vegetarian version of Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu is perfect when I want those flavors and textures, without the meat. Salt and Pepper Calamari or Salt and Pepper Shrimp are also popular. Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken is just as delicious and a bit healthier and easier to make at home than the deep fried version. Deep-fried Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings is a favorite Chinese restaurant takeout dish. I love the Cantonese-style salt-and-pepper preparation using any type of protein. Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu is so delicious, it will make even non-believers into tofu lovers! It’s crispy tofu cubes tossed with spicy chile peppers, crispy garlic, and a sprinkling of flavorful spices.
