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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Tofu

    Published: Jan 13, 2020 by Sherri Hall · This post may contain affiliate links.

    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 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Inactive Prep Time (to press tofu) 15 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    JUMP TO RECIPE
    overhead of tofu in a bowl with toothpicks in some of the pieces.
    Jump to:
    • 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.

    Tofu pressing in a tofu press

    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.

    Tofu cubes in a mixing bowl

    Add the cornstarch mixture.

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

    Tofu combined with 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

    • Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu
    • Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
    • Air Fried Eggplant
    • Air Fryer Home Fries
    • Vegan Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
    • 50 Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes
    • 55 Vegan Air Fryer Recipes
    overhead of tofu in a bowl with toothpicks in some of the pieces.
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    5 from 5 votes

    Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Tofu

    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. 
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan
    Keyword air fryer, gluten free, gluten free vegan, tofu, vegan, vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Inactive Prep Time (to press tofu) 15 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings 4 -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

    Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Fiber: 1g

    ©Watch Learn Eat. All content and images are copyright protected. Recipes and images are not to be used or republished without prior permission. If you adapt this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, and link back to this post for the original recipe.

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    1. Christie

      June 27, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      5 stars
      Yummmy I love salt and pepper anything so this would be a great idea for some tofu especially if it's made in the air fryer for that extra crisp!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        July 01, 2020 at 8:29 am

        Thanks Christie! The air fryer is so awesome, especially for tofu. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Deanna Myers

      January 17, 2020 at 4:17 pm

      Could you use Aquafina instead of oil to keep it oil free?

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        January 17, 2020 at 4:28 pm

        Hi Deanna! That is a great question. I actually haven't tried it but I do think using aquafaba in place of the oil might work. If you do give it a try, I would definitely shake the basket every three minutes to be sure the tofu isn't sticking or burning. It might take a few minutes less or longer too. I would love to know how it turns out. Feel free to report back if you do in fact give it a try. 🙂

        Reply

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    With a lifelong passion for cooking, I specialize in creating easy meatless meals that are omnivore-approved!

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