Crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

You don't have to go out to get delicious, restaurant-style tofu! Make this delicious air fryer salt and pepper tofu in under half an hour.

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air fryer salt and pepper tofu in a bowl with green onions on top

Table of Contents

🔪 Ingredients and substitutions
🥣 How to make air fryer salt and pepper tofu
⭐️ Helpful tip
🫙 Storage directions
💡 Frequently asked questions
More air fryer tofu recipes
📖 Recipe

Y'all, I am obsessed with salt and pepper tofu! And this air fryer version is so quick and easy to make! No need to fry in inches of oil. This comes out crispy and flavorful with just a little bit of oil for moisture and to help the seasonings stick!

If you don't have an air fryer, you can pan fry your salt and pepper tofu instead. I've included those directions below, as well, in case you need them.

tofu, oils, spices, and soy sauce in bowls on a wooden cutting board

🔪 Ingredients and substitutions

tofu - Use firm or extra firm tofu, and make sure to press it for 10 minutes before slicing and using.
oil - We're using a mix of toasted sesame oil and olive oil to help the cornstarch and seasonings stick to the tofu and keep the tofu moist during cooking.
cornstarch - This helps the seasonings stick and helps the tofu get a nice, crisp outside. You can use potato starch or tapioca starch instead, if needed.
salt and pepper - The name says it all!
garlic powder - To give the tofu a little umami boost.
soy sauce and green onions - For topping. You'll also use a little bit of soy sauce to flavor the tofu before coating.

🥣 How to make air fryer salt and pepper tofu

Mix together the oils and the teaspoon of soy sauce, then toss well with the tofu.

Mix together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then toss the tofu in the cornstarch mixture, coating well.

Arrange the tofu in your air fryer basket, spreading it out as much as possible. Air fry at 375° F for 10 minutes, then shake the basket well and air fry for five to 10 more minutes, or until the tofu turns a beautiful golden brown.

Serve topped with a little bit of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onion.

image collage showing the tofu tossed in oils and soy sauce, adding the cornstarch and the tofu after tossing in the cornstarch, and the cooked salt and pepper tofu in the air fryer basket

If you're making this on the stove top, heat two tablespoons of toasted sesame oil and two tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat, making sure that the pan is hot before adding the tofu.

To check, wet your fingers under the tap, and flick a few drops of water into the oil. If it sizzles off immediately, the pan is ready. Add the tofu to the pan, making sure that the pieces don't overlap.

Cook the tofu for six to seven minutes, until you can see that the bottoms are golden brown. Use a spatula to flip, and cook for another six to seven minutes, so it browns on the other side.

Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels or a clean cloth napkin to drain for a few minutes, then serve immediately topped with a little bit of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onion.

⭐️ Helpful tip

Please don't skip tossing the tofu with oil before air frying. The oil helps it get browned and crispy without drying out.

🫙 Storage directions

Leftovers will keep for three to four days in the fridge.

Reheat in the toaster oven or the air fryer. I don't recommend microwaving, because it will be mushy.

💡 Frequently asked questions

Why isn't my tofu crispy in the air fryer?

You may have crowded the basket. You don't want your tofu pieces to overlap too much in the air fryer basket. They just won't crisp up properly that way. You may also just need to cook for a few minutes longer! Air fryers can vary a lot in efficiency, which can mean a longer cooking time.

Do you have to press tofu before air frying?

Not always, but it will give you that super firm, restaurant-style texture.

How do I serve salt and pepper tofu?

Air fryer salt and pepper tofu is great over rice or noodles! Serve it with your favorite veggie side like steamed broccoli or sautéed frozen broccoli, sautéed spinach, sesame kale, or air fryer frozen cauliflower.

More air fryer tofu recipes

📖 Recipe

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

by Becky Striepe

You don't have to go out to get delicious, restaurant-style tofu! Make this delicious air fryer salt and pepper tofu in under half an hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 block extra firm tofu cut into 1" cubes
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
more soy sauce and green onion for topping

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Instructions

Mix together the oils and the teaspoon of soy sauce, then toss well with the tofu.
Mix together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then toss the tofu in the cornstarch mixture, coating well.

Air fryer directions

Arrange the tofu in your air fryer basket, spreading it out as much as possible. Air fry at 375° F for 10 minutes, then shake the basket well and air fry for 5 to 10 more minutes, or until the tofu turns a beautiful, crispy, golden brown.
Serve topped with a little bit of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onion.

Stovetop directions

Heat 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat, making sure that the pan is hot before adding the tofu. To check, wet your fingers under the tap, and flick a few drops of water into the oil. If it sizzles off immediately, the pan is ready. Add the tofu to the pan, making sure that the pieces don't overlap.
Cook the tofu for 6 to 7 minutes, until you can see that the bottoms are golden brown. Use a spatula to flip, and cook for another 6 to 7 minutes, so it browns on the other side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels or a clean cloth napkin to drain for a few minutes, then serve immediately topped with a little bit of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onion.

Video

📝 Notes

Nutritional information doesn't include the oil to pan fry, since the air fryer method doesn't use it.

Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the toaster oven or the air fryer. I don't recommend microwaving, because it will be mushy.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 6g (2%)Protein: 8g (16%)Fat: 4g (6%)Saturated Fat: 1g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 544mg (23%)Potassium: 167mg (5%)Fiber: 0.3g (1%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 33mg (3%)Iron: 1mg (6%)

Keywords air fryer salt and pepper tofu

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