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5.0 from 3 votes

Chilli Tofu {Bold Flavors, Light Twist}

A light spin on Chilli Paneer by using tofu and air-frying to create crispy perfection—no deep frying needed! The result is a guilt-free, flavor-packed dish that’s every bit as satisfying as the original.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Calories: 208 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner

Ingredients

  • 1 pound extra firm tofu
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 green chili sliced
  • ½ cup white scallions chopped
  • 1 cup red onion cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 cup red pepper cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup green pepper cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup green scallions chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a weight on top (I like to use a stainless steel pot) to press out the excess moisture. Then, cut it into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine Kashmiri red chili powder, salt, black pepper, ginger paste, garlic paste, vinegar, water, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour. Add the tofu pieces and coat them well. Let the tofu marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
Air Frying Tofu (See notes for alternative)
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the tofu pieces in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd them for a crispy texture. Lightly spray oil over the tofu.
  2. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Once done, remove the air-fried tofu and set it aside.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. Heat oil in a medium pan. Add white scallions, ginger, garlic, and green chili, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns light golden and aromatic.
  2. Add the onions and peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, chili garlic paste, sugar, and water. Pour this into the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Lower the heat.
Final Step
  1. Just before serving, toss the air-fried tofu into the pan and cook until everything is heated through, taking care not to overcook the onions and peppers.
  2. Garnish with scallions and serve hot.

Notes

  • Baking Tofu:
  • Pan-Frying Tofu:
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  • Place the marinated tofu in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring not to overcrowd.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  • Add tofu pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy, flipping gently as needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories 208kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 0.03g Sodium 1855mg (77%) Potassium 475mg (14%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 1641IU (33%) Vitamin C 87mg (97%) Calcium 76mg (8%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 208

% Daily Value*

Calories 208kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 0.03g 2%
Sodium 1855mg 77%
Potassium 475mg 10%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 1641IU 33%
Vitamin C 87mg 97%
Calcium 76mg 8%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.