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.

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
• 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

Directions

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.
3. 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.
4. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Once done, remove the air-fried tofu and set it aside.
5. 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.
6. Add the onions and peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
7. 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.
8. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Lower the heat.
9. 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.
10. Garnish with scallions and serve hot.