Super crunchy salt and pepper airfryer tofu bites - the perfect high protein snack
Super crunchy salt and pepper airfryer tofu bites - the perfect high protein snack is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Verna on YouTube.
Prep: 18 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $8.08 total, $4.04 per serving
Ingredients
- 14 oz Firm Tofu (pressed to remove excess water, cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 4 cups Water (for boiling tofu)
- 1 tsp Salt (for boiling water)
- 3 tbsp Corn Flour (sifted, for coating)
- 2 tsp Salt & Pepper Seasoning (1 tsp salt + 1 tsp white pepper, can use pre‑made blend)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil such as canola or grapeseed)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced thinly, both white and green parts)
- 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a mild heat)
Instructions
Press and Cube Tofu
Remove the tofu from its package, drain, and press between two plates with a weight for about 5 minutes to remove excess moisture. Then cut the block into 1‑inch cubes.
Time: PT5M
Boil Tofu in Salted Water
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, add 1 tsp salt, then gently add the tofu cubes. Boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain and Pat Dry
Drain the tofu in a colander and pat each piece dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels until no surface moisture remains.
Time: PT5M
Light Seasoning
Place the tofu cubes in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp white pepper, tossing gently to coat.
Time: PT1M
Coat with Corn Flour
Add 3 tbsp sifted corn flour to the seasoned tofu and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Time: PT2M
Air Fry Tofu
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispness.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Aromatics
While the tofu cooks, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced green onions, and optional red pepper flakes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Sauté Aromatics
Continue to sauté the aromatics for another 2 minutes until they are golden and aromatic.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑High
Combine Tofu and Aromatics
Add the air‑fried tofu cubes to the pan, toss quickly to coat with the aromatics, and cook for 1 minute to let the flavors meld.
Time: PT1M
Final Seasoning
Sprinkle the remaining salt & pepper seasoning over the tofu, give a final toss, and transfer to a serving plate.
Time: PT0.5M
Serve
Serve the crunchy salt and pepper tofu immediately while hot and crispy.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 18 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein
Allergens: Soy, Corn
Last updated: April 15, 2026








