Crispy air fryer salt and pepper tofu made with less oil! Easy recipe using firm tofu, garlic, and spices—perfect for a quick, tasty and high protein meal.

air fryer salt and pepper tofu recipe

Air fryer salt and pepper tofu is a crispy, flavorful dish made with firm or extra-firm tofu, tossed in aromatic spices like white pepper and Sichuan peppercorns, then cooked to golden perfection with minimal oil. It’s a lighter, healthier take on the classic Chinese favorite—delivering crunch and bold flavor without deep frying. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or protein-packed main, this easy tofu recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

If you love easy air fryer recipes, check out my Air fryer Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites, and Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings.

air fryer salt and pepper tofu recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Less oil, more crunch: Using an air fryer means you get that satisfying golden brown exterior with far less oil than deep frying methods.
  • Packed with flavor: A punchy mix of white pepper, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and fresh green onions transforms humble tofu cubes into an irresistible snack or appetizer.
  • Fast and fuss-free: This recipe takes less than 20 minutes to cook.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make the best Salt and Pepper Tofu:

easy salt and pepper tofu recipe

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to Make Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

easy salt and pepper tofu recipe
  1. Prep the Tofu: Pat the tofu with paper towel and place something heavy on top to press out excess fluid. Then cut into even cubes.
easy salt and pepper tofu recipe
  1. Coat the Tofu: Gently toss tofu with cornstarch, salt, and white pepper, until each tofu cube is evenly coated.
how to make crispy air fryer salt and pepper tofu
  1. Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 380F. Place tofu in the air fryer basket in a single later. Spray or brush with cooking oil.
how to make crispy air fryer salt and pepper tofu
  1. Cook for 10 minutes. Then flip the tofu, spray more coil and air fry for another 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
how to make the best salt and pepper tofu

Step 5: In a cooking pan, add 1 tbsp of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, green onion, and chili pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.

air fryer salt and pepper tofu recipe

Step 6: Toss the crispy tofu into the pan and mix with the aromatics.

    How to Serve Salt and Pepper Tofu

    Sprinkle spice mix on top of the tofu. Serve immediately and enjoy!

    Spice mix for Sprinkling:

    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp white pepper
    • 1/4 tsp Chinese Five Spice Powder
    • 1/4 tsp Sichuan Peppercorn Powder
    air fryer salt and pepper tofu recipe

    Substitutions

    • Firm Tofu – Use only firm or extra-firm tofu for the best result. Silken or soft tofu is not recommended for this recipe as it is too delicate.
    • Cornstarch – you can also use potato starch
    • Sichuan Peppercorn – If you can’t find Sichuan peppercorn, you can substitute with chili powder or black pepper.
    • Thai Chili Pepper – you can also use regular chili pepper or jalapenos. If you don’t like spicy, then you can use red bell pepper.

    Equipment

    Air Fryer

    How to Store and Reheat

    To Store: Let tofu cool completely, and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    To Reheat: Air fry at 375F for 5-6 minutes until crispy.

    Top Tips for Success

    Dry tofu well: Removing excess moisture is the best way to get crisp edges.

    Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Keep a single layer to allow airflow.

    Shake the basket: This helps all sides coat and crisp up evenly,

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    air fryer salt and pepper tofu recipe
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    Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe

    Crispy air fryer salt and pepper tofu made with less oil! Easy recipe using firm tofu, garlic, and spices—perfect for a quick, tasty and high protein meal.
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Drying Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
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    Ingredients
     

    • 14 oz firm or extra firm tofu
    • 4 tbsp cornstarch, or potato starch
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp white pepper
    • Cooking spray
    • 1 tbsp neutral oil
    • 3 clove garlic, minced
    • 2 green onion, chopped
    • 4 Thai chili pepper, chopped, use ½ red bell pepper if you don't like spicy

    Spice mix

    Equipment

    Instructions
     

    • Drain and pat the tofu dry with paper towel. You want to make sure the tofu is as dry as possible so you get the crispy texture. Place paper towel under and on top of the tofu block, then place a baking sheet on top of that. Place some heavy objects on top of the baking sheet to press down the tofu. Let stand for at least 30 minutes.
    • Cut the tofu into cubes, then pat them dry again with paper towels.
    • Preheat the air fryer to 380℉.
    • In a large plate or bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Add cubed tofu and gently toss until all sides are coat evenly.
    • Place tofu in the air fryer basket in a single later. Spray or brush generously with cooking oil.
    • Cook for 10 minutes. Then flip the tofu, spray more coil and air fry for another 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
    • In the meantime, heat 1 tbsp of neutral oil in a cooking pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, green onion, and chili pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
    • Toss the crispy tofu into the pan and mix with the aromatics.
    • Sprinkle the spice mix on top, then serve immediately.
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