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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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.
🔪 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.
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
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.
Not always, but it will give you that super firm, restaurant-style texture.
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
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
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.
Karol
Hi, thanks for this! Love your recipes...
I wonder if there is a typo here, since 1 teaspoon of each liquid is very little total liquid to cover for a full block.
Becky Striepe
No typo! It's just a tablespoon of liquid (3 teaspoons) total to coat lightly. I like to just sprinkle it on, then toss gently to coat.
Lisa
This was so yummy! I've never quite been able to get a nice crisp like this on tofu, but this recipe is so easy and gives a perfect light crunch!
Becky Striepe
I love hearing that, Lisa! So glad you enjoyed it.
The vegan 8
Love how simple and flavorful this is! I love recipes with a good dose of pepper, too!
Becky Striepe
I feel like salt and pepper deserve more love! Haha
Jenny
Hmm I think my favourite tofu recipe is thinly sliced and lightly fried with salt, pepper and black salt for a sort-of eggy sandwich. Salt & pepper tofu comes a very close second, though!
Becky Striepe
Ooh yum! Eggy tofu is so good!
Sarah
Our current fave is your BBQ Tofu! Seriously—we've made it twice in the last 2 weeks. SO good!
Becky Striepe
Yum!
Eve B.
I enjoy tofu almost everyday for dinner with garlic, powdered ginger, paprika, cayenne, tamari and sesame oil. I have yet to use a tofu press, and look forward to the possibilities....thanks!
Becky Striepe
Oh you'll love it, especially with all of those good spices to soak in!
Ginny McMeans
How exciting! A new cool tool and it presses tofu. Thanks and your recipe sounds so good!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Ginny!
Vegan Heaven
I think I really need a tofu press! This looks so delicious, Becky. :-)
Heather
I need a tofu press!! spicy almond butter tofu with eggplant is a favorite. This salt and pepper tofu sounds good too!
Linda @ Veganosity
I need that press! What a great kitchen tool. And that crispy tofu looks AMAZING!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes
Tofu presses are such a great thing to have in the house! Looks awesome! Definitely a recipe I need to try ;)
Becky Striepe
Seriously. I'm using mine to prep some tofu for lunch as I type this!
Patty T
I love to marinate tofu and then bake it. It can be used in stir fries, salads, or just over rice.
Becky Striepe
Yum!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I love your air fryer tofu recipe. I'm excited to try this salt & pepper tofu!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Amy. Enjoy it!
Tyme
Another great recipe from Glue & Glitter! Can't wait to try this. Surprisingly, I have these ingredients on hand.
Becky Striepe
Oh yay! Enjoy it!
Sue
Recipe says to stir in ginger. How much?
Becky Striepe
Whoops! That should say black pepper. A holdover from an earlier experiment with the batter. Thank you for pointing that out - I updated the instructions!
Janet Colonna
My favorite tofu recipe is a fried tofu with an orange ginger sauce. It's what's for lunch today. I think I'll try your recipe next. Thanks!
Becky Striepe
Oh yum. Orange ginger sauce sounds like a delight!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
Ooh, I really need a tofu press! I'm traditional, my favorite tofu recipe is stir fry! Oh, I do love homemade dairy-free feta, too!
Becky Striepe
Mmm tofu feta is so good!
Hannah Teson
Simple crispy tofu is my favorite! This looks like the perfect meal :)
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Hannah! <3
Dianne
Oh my goodness! This looks like my kinda tofu. I love all of the tofu recipes you create!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Dianne!
Terri Cole
Barbecue tofu is my favorite. My current tofu press is "Passionate Vegetarian" by Crescent Dragonwagon. (The heaviest book on my shelf!)
Becky Striepe
Haha yes! That book is gigantic!
Jenn
I have thought about getting a press many times. I use a plate weighted down with bags of dried beans. Not exactly the most stable thing, but it works. LOL! I am in love with tofu...I will never understand the tofu haters...they just don't know how to cook it (which isn't hard!). Love this simple version...it would go with everything!
Becky Striepe
I agree, Jenn. Tofu is the best! My 3yo loves it, even uncooked with a little soy sauce on top.
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
That tofu press looks amazing! I currently use a pile of cook books but have many dangerous toppling incidents so perhaps I should invest in a press! My favourite tofu recipe is my Sticky Chili Ginger Tofu. I could eat it everyday!
Your salt and pepper tofu looks pretty darn delicious too though!
Becky Striepe
Oh yeah- I've definitely had some near disasters with homemade pressing solutions. That chili ginger tofu sounds ah-mazing!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
I don't have a press but I bet it works fab!! Love the simple yet yumminess of this.
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Sophia!
Cadry
This sounds like a perfect weeknight meal - especially with some steamed broccoli on the side. It just goes to show you can get a lot of flavor without too much fuss!
Becky Striepe
I agree! Sometimes simple is the best.
Linda Weinberger
I definitely have to get this easy tofu press
Pressing between 2 plates was my method but usually my tofu crumbled into pieces.
Becky Striepe
Yes! That happens to me with the plate method sometimes, too.
Aimee
Looks delicious, Becky!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Aimee!
M.C.
Chewy tofu is my favorite! I love chopping it up over a salad or slicing lengthwise for a taco or wrap with my favorite sauce (buffalo!).
I second the need to press the tofu for texture - this is the key to cooking tofu that many people I know skip. I'm going to have to check out one of these EZ Tofu Presses. Much better than the leaning tower of cookbooks method I usually use.
Thanks for the recipe!
Becky Striepe
Enjoy it! Yeah, I love my press. It really makes a world of difference.