Name: Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Tofu
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 14 oz. block of organic extra firm tofu, excess water drained; 1 tbsp olive oil ((plus more for greasing the air fryer)); 2 tbsp non-GMO cornstarch; 3/4 tsp fine sea salt or kosher salt; 1/2-3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper ((use white pepper instead if preferred))

This easy-to-make salt and pepper air fryer tofu is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This gluten-free and vegan tofu recipe requires just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes of cooking time to make. Dip it into some sweet chili sauce for a tasty appetizer or pair it with rice and veggies for a quick and delicious dinner.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Inactive Prep Time (to press tofu) 15

Total Time 35

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overhead of tofu in a bowl with toothpicks in some of the pieces.

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Salt and pepper tofu in the air fryer for the win
Why air fry tofu?
Ingredients you'll need for crispy air fryer tofu
How to make this air fryer salt and pepper tofu recipe
Ideas for serving
Storing and reheating
More air fryer recipes
Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Tofu

overhead of salt and pepper tofu in orange bowl with some serving toothpicks.

Salt and pepper tofu in the air fryer for the win

Are you a fan of crispy deep fried salt and pepper tofu but would love if it could be made with less oil?

Then, you've come to the right place!

Because now you can make crispy tofu using just a little oil compared to deep frying, all thanks to...

...the magic of the air fryer...[fading]...air fryer [fading]...air fryer [silence].

tofu on wooden board with dipping sauce serving toothpicks in the background.

Why air fry tofu?

An air fryer allows you to "fry" foods with little to no oil.

It works by circulating hot air around the food to cook it rather than submerging it in hot oil as is done with deep frying.

Of course, the food is not really being "fried" since it's not being submerged in in oil, but it does achieve the crispiness that we know and love about fried food.

It also allows you to cook items you would normally roast in the oven, such as broccoli or asparagus, while using less oil and not having to turn on your oven.

overhead of tofu on wooden board with side of dipping sauce.

The air fryer is also great for cooking your favorite frozen foods, such as sweet potato fries, tater tots, waffle fries, and more.

It's so versatile, you can even use it to make baked goods.

Two pieces of tofu on a serving toothpick about to dip into dipping sauce.

Ingredients you'll need for crispy air fryer tofu

Extra-Firm Tofu - Of the different types of tofu, I find the extra firm tofu holds up best in the air fryer. I recommend using an organic variety. Some of my favorite brands are Nasoya, 365 Everyday Value, Earth Grown and Greenwise.
Olive Oil - Because this recipe is made in the air fryer, you only need 1 tablespoon of oil for this dish which is much less compared to the amount needed when using a deep fryer, wok or shallow frying in a skillet. You can substitute avocado oil if you prefer.
Cornstarch - I prefer to use a non-GMO brand.
Fine Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper - You can use white pepper if preferred.

See ingredient quantities in the recipe card.

Overhead of tofu on wooden board with toothpicks inserted into a few of the pieces.

How to make this air fryer salt and pepper tofu recipe

Press the tofu

First, open the package of tofu and carefully remove the block, draining off the excess liquid.

If you have a tofu press, you can use it to press your block of tofu by following the instructions that come with your press.

This is the tofu press I have. I've been extremely happy with it and how quickly and easily it works to remove water from the tofu.

If you are using a tofu press, you will only have to press your tofu for 15 minutes for this dish.

Of course, you can also press your tofu without using a special press by using the kitchen towel/heavy pot method.

Place the tofu block in the center of an absorbent, clean kitchen towel on a sturdy plate on a flat surface.

Wrap the tofu with the towel.

Place a heavy object, such as a large pot or some books on top to press tofu.

Large pot on top of towel-wrapped tofu block on a plate

When using this method, you will have to press the tofu slightly longer for this recipe, about 20 minutes.

Prepare the tofu

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper and set aside.

Cornstarch, salt and pepper mixed together in small bowl

Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

tofu cut into 1-inch cubes on wooden cutting board

Add the tofu pieces to a mixing bowl.

Add olive oil to to the tofu.

Use a silicone spatula or your hands to coat the tofu with the olive oil.

Add the cornstarch mixture.

Use a silicone spatula or your hands to coat the tofu with the cornstarch mixture.

Preheat the air fryer

If you are using the Ninja air fryer that I have, be sure to insert the crisper plate first.

Other brands may have a similar crisper plate/tray insert, while others may not.

Lightly grease the bottom of the crisper plate or air fryer basket with olive oil or a non-aerosol, propellant-free olive oil spray.

The air fryer should be preheated for 3 minutes at a temperature of 390° F prior to cooking the tofu.

Air fry the tofu

After preheating, add the coated tofu cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Tofu added to air fryer basket with crisper plate inserted

Air fry the tofu at 390° F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket 3-5 times throughout cooking.

Cooked tofu in air fryer basket after air frying

Ideas for serving

This crispy salt and pepper tofu pairs perfectly with steamed rice and veggies for a quick and easy dinner.

It tastes great topped with scallions too!

Tofu in orange bowl topped with scallions.

It also makes a great appetizer when served with a side of sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Dipping a piece of tofu into sweet chili sauce with a serving toothpick.

Storing and reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days

You can pop the tofu back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed throughout or even the oven or toaster oven to reheat it.

You can also eat the tofu cold if you'd like, but it won't be crispy anymore.

Tofu on wooden board with serving toothpicks in some and side of dipping sauce.

More air fryer recipes

Print Recipe Save Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Tofu

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan

Keyword air fryer, gluten free, gluten free vegan, tofu, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Inactive Prep Time (to press tofu) 15

Total Time 35

Servings -6 (depending whether using as main or appetizer)

Calories 140kcal

Author Sherri Hall

Ingredients

14 oz. block of organic extra firm tofu, excess water drained
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing the air fryer)
2 tablespoon non-GMO cornstarch
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
½-3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (use white pepper instead if preferred)

Instructions

Press the tofu using a tofu press or the kitchen towel/heavy object method. See notes below for pressing instructions without a tofu press. Depending on the method used, the tofu will need to press for 15-25 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, salt and pepper (use ½-3/4 teaspoon pepper depending on your taste preference) and set aside.
Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and add to a mixing bowl. Add olive oil to to the tofu. Use a silicone spatula or your hands to coat the tofu with olive oil. Add the cornstarch mixture. Use a silicone spatula or your hands to coat the tofu with the cornstarch mixture.
If the air fryer you have comes with a crisper plate/tray or something similar, insert it into the air fryer basket. Lightly grease the bottom of the crisper plate or air fryer basket with olive oil or a non-aerosol, propellant-free olive oil spray. Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at a temperature of 390° F prior to cooking the tofu.
Add the tofu and air fry at 390° F for 15 minutes until desired crispiness is reached, shaking the basket 3-5 times throughout cooking.

(Please refer to the post above for instructional photographs and other helpful information for this recipe)

Suggested Equipment/Tools

Tofu Press

Air Fryer

Notes

To press the tofu without a tofu press: Place the block of tofu in the center of a clean, absorbent kitchen towel on a sturdy plate. Wrap the tofu with the towel. Place a heavy object, such as a large pot or some books on top of the tofu. Please note that the item(s) you use will get wet.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You can pop the tofu back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed throughout or even the oven or toaster oven to reheat it. You can also eat the tofu cold if you'd like, but it won't be crispy anymore.

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Information shown should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Nutrition

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Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Tofu

Salt and pepper tofu in the air fryer for the win

Why air fry tofu?

Ingredients you'll need for crispy air fryer tofu