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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Published: Jun 11, 2021 · Modified: Dec 11, 2022 by Julia · This post may contain affiliate links · 21 Comments

    15-Minute Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Chinese salt and pepper tofu recipe is the perfect vegetarian/vegan meal for those looking for something quick, easy, and protein-rich.

    salt and pepper tofu

    Similar to my salt and pepper shrimp recipe, we use the same simple seasonings. However, instead of frying the tofu in a pan, we coat it in some cornstarch and put it in the air fryer. How's that for easy? Almost no clean up necessary either (I like to line my air fryer with aluminum foil!). Throw the tofu over a bed of rice or a crispy Asian salad and you're set! If you want to have the salt and pepper tofu as a simple snack, eat it with a sweet chili sauce dipping sauce.

    Jump to:
    • Best tofu to use for frying or baking
    • How do I prep tofu for air frying or baking?
    • How do I air fry tofu?
    • Salt and pepper tofu ingredients
    • How to make salt and pepper tofu
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Best tofu to use for frying or baking

    Buying tofu can be overwhelming, there's silky, soft, firm and extra firm. Each has its benefits for different types of dishes.

    Silken or soft tofu is bested used for stews, soups or stir-fries such as this vegetarian mapo tofu. Firm or extra firm tofu is great for baking or frying because of the lower liquid percentage. Firm tofu is great for absorbing flavors and is an amazing meat substitute for those looking to adopt a plant-based diet such as this vegan gochujang crispy baked tofu. For this air fryer salt and pepper tofu recipe, we'll be using firm or extra firm tofu.

    How do I prep tofu for air frying or baking?

    In order to get tofu to crisp, whether in the air fryer or in the oven, you want to ensure that you're draining and pressing the tofu.

    To press tofu, place the tofu on a cutting board or a flat plate. Wrap it in paper towels. Place another plate over the tofu, and then place a heavy object on the flat surface to apply gentle pressure so the tofu releases water. I'll usually put a heavy-bottomed skillet on top as an appropriate weight.

    At a minimum, press the tofu for at least 15-20 minutes. However, I like to press the tofu for an hour and switch out the paper towel at the 30 minute mark.

    How do I air fry tofu?

    Air frying tofu is very similar to baking in that it uses more of a dry heat to cook food. However, since an air fryer is so compact and concentrated, it tends to cook in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, air fryers allow for easier clean up, especially if you line your air fryer with a small sheet of aluminum foil. Many people say that air frying is the healthier version of deep frying, but the air fry method definitely gives a different texture and flavor, which is why I believe it's more similar to baking. I've been using my Insignia air fryer for almost 3 years and love it!

    Similar to if you were to bake tofu in the oven, you want to flip the tofu to make sure each side is cooked evenly. I like to spray the foil with some cooking spray to ensure the tofu doesn't stick!

    Salt and pepper tofu ingredients

    Ingredients for salt and pepper tofu are so simple and can easily found in your home pantry!

    • Salt
    • Ground white pepper: If you don't have ground white pepper, you can sub with freshly ground black pepper.
    • Chinese five spice powder: You only need a pinch of Chinese five spice powder. Chinese five spice powder is a mix of star anise, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, and cloves. This will give the tofu a hint of richness and a kick!
    • Paprika: I like adding just slightly more heat by adding paprika. However, this spice is definitely optional if you're already adding the five spice powder and think that's enough of a kick.

    How to make salt and pepper tofu

    1. Drain and press tofu for at least 20 minutes. You want to ensure that you are removing as much water as you can for the most flavorful tofu.
    2. Cut tofu into 1 inch cubes. However, how you choose to cut your tofu is up to you! Smaller cubes means you get more flavor per surface area.
    3. Season with salt, ground white pepper, and Chinese five spice powder. You can also add paprika if you'd like more heat. Toss to coat evenly.tofu tossed in salt, pepper, and Chinese five spice powder
    4. Add in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, toss to coat evenly.
    5. Preheat your air fryer to 375F for 7-10 minutes. I like to line my air fryer basket with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Spray with vegetable oil so the tofu doesn't stick. Try to ensure that tofu pieces aren't touching or they won't cook evenly.salt pepper tofu in air fryer
    6. Air fry for 15 minutes. Shake up your tofu at the 7 minute mark so each side is evenly crisped.

    📖 Recipe

    salt and pepper tofu in blue bowl
    Print Pin
    5 from 19 votes

    Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

    A healthy and delicious crispy salt and pepper tofu recipe that is great for a snack in between meals or for a quick meal.
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Snack
    Cuisine Chinese
    Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 2
    Author Julia

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz extra firm tofu (cubed)
    • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • Vegetable oil spray

    Instructions

    • Drain and press firm tofu with a tofu press or between two plates. Slice tofu into 1 inch cubes.
    • In a bowl, season tofu with salt, pepper, Chinese five spice powder, and paprika. Toss so tofu is evenly coated.
    • Evenly coat tofu with cornstarch.
    • Set air fryer to 375° F degrees and air fry for 15 minutes. At 7 minute mark, toss the tofu so it's evenly toasted on each side.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Raquel says

      June 11, 2021 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great simple recipe! Love that I can make it in the air fryer too!

      Reply
    2. Ramona says

      June 11, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      This was a delicious recipe, I have never thought of adding the Chineese five-spice to it! I will be making this again and again. Thank you so much for sharing. Delish!

      Reply
    3. Audrey says

      June 11, 2021 at 5:12 pm

      This was perfect for our meatless Monday dinner!

      Reply
    4. Chef Dennis says

      June 11, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! I'm going to have this today!

      Reply
    5. Kristina says

      June 12, 2021 at 4:46 am

      5 stars
      This is a great idea! I've been needing ways to cook tofu now that my daughter is a vegetarian.

      Reply
    6. Oscar says

      June 12, 2021 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      These were amazing. I love air frying anything.

      Reply
    7. Addie says

      June 12, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      Love the salt and pepper flavors!

      Reply
    8. Elizabeth says

      June 12, 2021 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe! Will definitely be making again!

      Reply
    9. Angela says

      June 14, 2021 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      This is made so quick and easy in the air fryer. The texture comes out great.

      Reply
    10. Jessica Formicola says

      June 14, 2021 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      I like my tofu to be crispy, so I bet I would love this air fryer version! So great that it's done in only 15 minutes!

      Reply
    11. AISilva says

      June 14, 2021 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so great, thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    12. Brianna says

      June 14, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds delicious!

      Reply
    13. Brianna May says

      June 14, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe!

      Reply
    14. Teresa says

      June 14, 2021 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      I love air fried tofu! This looks great!

      Reply
    15. Addie says

      June 14, 2021 at 3:23 pm

      5 stars
      I love that this recipe uses the air fryer! So crispy and delicious.

      Reply
    16. Swathi says

      June 15, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      This air fryer salt and pepper tofu looks yummy

      Reply
    17. Ksenia says

      June 15, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious air fryer tofu!

      Reply
    18. Freya says

      August 24, 2021 at 10:10 pm

      5 stars
      The tofu came out so crunchy and full of flavour, it was delicious!

      Reply
    19. Barbara says

      November 21, 2021 at 1:06 pm

      Hi! I made this for dinner tonight. It came out so crunchy and so much flavor! Thank you for a delicious, healthy and easy recipe!

      Reply
      • Julia says

        December 12, 2021 at 12:37 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    20. Janet says

      October 23, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      This was great! I omitted the vegetable oil to save a few calories and added an extra teaspoon of cornstarch as well as I like extra spicy so I assed about 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and it came out crunchy and delicious. Thanks for the healthy and tasty recipe!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm J! I'm a marketer by day, food photographer and recipe-tester by any other time available. The Floured Camera was born from my need to make quick, delicious, and (sometimes) healthy dishes for when I'm craving my favorite Asian childhood dishes!

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