Salt and Pepper Tofu in Air fryer

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu is deliciously crunchy and tasty appetizer. I love garlic and pepper. They elevate any dish. In this recipe, they work so well to provide flavor to tofu.

I made this dish dry and did not toss in flavoured oil or any sauce. This salt and pepper tofu worked so well both as an appetizer or a nice plant-based protein main.

You must also try these other flavourful tofu recipes: tofu manchurian, Buffalo tofu in air fryer, Teriyaki tofu, Tandoori tofu, tandoori soya chaap, Kung pao tofu and air fryer tempeh.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love it when I can get perfectly crispy tofu that is melting soft inside. This salt and pepper tofu is exactly that dish.

The flavours are bang on. Besides which the recipe is so easy even for newbies.

It is also a great source of plant-based protein which is non greasy and tasty. Ticks all the boxes.

Ingredients

Tofu: I have used a block of extra firm tofu here.

Seasonings: I have used pepper, chilli flakes, minced garlic and salt to season the outer coating.

Cornstarch: For a crunchy coating 3 tbsp. of cornstarch is used.

Olive oil: Olive oil helps adhere the coating nicely to the tofu and also gives it a golden appearance.

Parsley: I used chopped parsley for garnish.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is slightly spicy with the punch of pepper and chili flakes. Feel free to adjust the heat to your taste by using less or more of the ingredients.

If you don’t have minced garlic, you can use garlic powder. I would suggest not skipping garlic, as it really elevates the taste.

You can also use soy sauce in the recipe. Or prepare a serving dip with soy sauce and some sweet chili sauce.

This recipe is dairy free.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve air fryer salt and pepper tofu as an appetizer. It tastes so good. Serve with a dip or dipping sauce of choice.

You can have it as a main by serving with a salad and some fried rice or noodles.

These are also perfect in salads as a nice crunchy protein element.

Instructions

I have used firm tofu here as that works well and does not come apart during air frying. It is important to press the tofu really well so that there is no moisture.

This is important for making crispy tofu. Press between paper towels or kitchen towels till tofu is dry.

Then cut into cubes. Add cornstarch, pepper, minced garlic, chilli flakes and salt to the tofu cubes.

Toss them well till each cube is coated. Now add olive oil to the tofu and mix well.

You will have a thick cornstarch coating on tofu that adheres well. Meanwhile, preheat air fryer at 180C or 360F for 5 minutes.

Place tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and shut the basket.

Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 180C or 360F till the tofu cubes are nice and crispy. We don’t want to overcook the tofu so that it becomes rock hard. Just a nice crispy outside and soft inside is what I aim for.

Do shake the basket and spray/brush oil midway during air frying for golden tofu.

Once done, remove salt and pepper tofu onto a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.

Expert Tips

1. Make sure that the tofu is really dry before you toss it in cornstarch and seasonings. This is important for it to get crispy.

2. Do not overcrowd the basket when placing tofu cubes. Let there be no overlap.

3. Do not overcook the tofu or it becomes very hard.

4. Use firm or extra firm tofu as that will crisp up nicely while not falling apart during air frying.

5. You can store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for upto two days. Reheat in air fryer to recrisp and serve.

Here’s the recipe card

📖 Recipe Card