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

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.

Video

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