Air Fried Salt and Pepper Tofu
This recipe is from my Essential Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook, and was originally shared (with permission of course!) on my friend Ricki Heller’s website. However, as she’s now focusing on new exciting thigs (such as helping potential authors “find their books” she’s letting me use her cute photos of the recipe here - as well as removing it from her old website. Thanks, Ricki!
And now for this recipe I could not live without!!
OK that’s a smidge dramatic. I would likely survive - but not happily. I rely WAY too much on this tofu recipe, and use it multiple times a week. It’s even good on its own for a high-protein snack!
I’ve always loved the idea of salt and pepper tofu, but every time I’ve had it in restaurants, it’s felt so decadent due to the excessive oils and refined flours they typically use. I was completely delighted–and still am–about this healthy version, because it’s so easy to prepare and is absolutely delicious. This is one of those dishes I make constantly (sometimes daily!) because it’s just so satisfying and versatile.
You can eat it plain, alongside some rice and veggies, or on top of a stir-fry noodle dish. It’s even great as a way to convert salads into main dishes. I personally use chickpea flour to make this, but you can experiment with other varieties (in equal measure) if you prefer.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup (60 ml) chickpea flour
1/4 cup (60 ml) arrowroot flour or cornstarch (I use arrowroot)
1 tsp (5 ml) fine sea salt
1 tsp (5 ml) granulated garlic
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) freshly grated black pepper
1 (15-oz or 450 g) package tofu, firm or extra-firm
Cooking oil spray (I use avocado oil)
Spicy sauce or other sauce, as desired
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, arrowroot, salt, garlic, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Cut the tofu into cubes (no need to press–if it’s a bit watery, that’s fine!). Place the cubes into the flour mixture. Toss well to coat. Spray the tofu with oil and toss again. (The spray will help the coating better stick to the tofu).
Spray the air fryer basket with the oil. Place the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may have to do this in 2 batches, depending on the size of your appliance) and spray the tops with oil. Fry for 8 minutes. Remove the air fryer basket and spray again with oil. Toss gently or turn the pieces over. Spray with oil again and fry for another 7 minutes, or until golden-browned and very crisp.
Serve immediately with your sauce of choice. Makes 4 servings (unless you’re me, because gimme all of it)
Per serving: 148 calories; 5 g fat; 0g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 473 mg sodium; 14g carbohydrates; 1g fiber; 11g protein.