A healthy and delicious crispy air fryer Chinese salt and pepper tofu recipe perfect for a snack or for a quick meal.

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.
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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!

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.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, toss to coat evenly.
- 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.
- Air fry for 15 minutes. Shake up your tofu at the 7 minute mark so each side is evenly crisped.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu
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.
Raquel says
This is a great simple recipe! Love that I can make it in the air fryer too!
Ramona says
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!
Audrey says
This was perfect for our meatless Monday dinner!
Chef Dennis says
Yum! I'm going to have this today!
Kristina says
This is a great idea! I've been needing ways to cook tofu now that my daughter is a vegetarian.
Oscar says
These were amazing. I love air frying anything.
Addie says
Love the salt and pepper flavors!
Elizabeth says
Loved this recipe! Will definitely be making again!
Angela says
This is made so quick and easy in the air fryer. The texture comes out great.
Jessica Formicola says
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!
AISilva says
This looks so great, thanks for the recipe!
Brianna says
This sounds delicious!
Brianna May says
I love this recipe!
Teresa says
I love air fried tofu! This looks great!
Addie says
I love that this recipe uses the air fryer! So crispy and delicious.
Swathi says
This air fryer salt and pepper tofu looks yummy
Ksenia says
Delicious air fryer tofu!
Freya says
The tofu came out so crunchy and full of flavour, it was delicious!
Barbara says
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!
Julia says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Janet says
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!