Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

With an irresistible, crispy tofu crust and a soft, pillowy interior, this Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu (椒鹽豆腐) will be your go-to Chinese vegan dish. It’s savoury, crispy and tasty especially with fresh jasmine rice.

I love my air fryer. This small appliance offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying without compromising on taste and texture. So grab your air fryer and make this crispy, savoury goodness of salt and pepper tofu!

Looking for More Chinese Recipes? Check These Out!

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What is Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu?

Also known as 椒鹽豆腐, this vegan recipe features a double cooking method. First, cook the tofu in an air fryer until golden and crispy. Not only do you save time by cooking the tofu in the air fryer, you also reduce the intake of calories vs deep frying. Next, stir fry some aromatics. I use garlic and green onion with a splash of colour from diced red peppers. Then, I toss the tofu into the pan. The result is an irresistible, crispy tofu crust and a soft, pillowy interior with the classic flavour of Chinese salt and pepper seasoning.

Here’s Why You Will Love Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

• It’s Vegan: Sometimes I am craving a meatless meal. This is one of them!
• Healthier Alternative: By using the air fryer instead of deep frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil used in the cooking process, making it a healthier option.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures an even and crispy exterior on the tofu cubes while keeping the insides soft and moist.
• Simple: You can make this recipe regardless of your cooking skill level. It’s very easy to make.

Equipment and Tools to Make Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air Fryer

Cutting board and knife

Large bowl

Measuring spoons and cups

Frying pan

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

Medium firm tofu: This is the best tofu texture for this dish.

Salt and water: Soaking the tofu in this salty water is the key to making it crispy.

Red pepper, garlic and green onions: The key is pairing the tofu are these aromatics. The red pepper gives it a pop of colour.

Garlic salt and white pepper: White pepper is a must-have in my kitchen. It has a sharp, spicy, and smoky flavor that is perfect for adding a clean and light spiciness without overwhelming the dish.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…

• Use a different texture of tofu. Firm or extra firm tofu gives a more robust bite.
• Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or jalapenos.
• Experiment with other spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Chinese five-spice powder to introduce different flavour profiles.
• Add some fresh cilantro to brighten the dish.
• If an air fryer isn’t available, bake the tofu in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Make Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

To make Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu, simply…

Prepare the Tofu: Mix salt in water and stir until dissolved. Soak the cubed tofu in salted water for 10 minutes.

Air Fry the Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Line the air fryer with the tofu in a single layer without over crowding. Spray oil on top of tofu. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip. Spray oil again then air fry for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Stir fry: Add a little oil to your pan over medium heat, stir fry the garlic for 30 seconds. Add in red pepper and green onions and stir fry for another 30 seconds. Add in air fried tofu and season with garlic salt and a few dashes of white pepper. Mix altogether.

Serve: Turn off heat and plate. Be sure to get all the little bits to the plate. Optional, garnish with freshly chopped spring onions or cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: If you have any leftover tofu, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this.

Reheating: To reheat the tofu, air fry for 6 minutes or pan fry until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it will lose its crispiness and becomes soggy.

Make Ahead Options

You can soak the tofu in the salty water up to 24 hours in advance.

Cut the garlic, green onion and red pepper ahead of time and store in an air tight container up to 3 days in advance.

Recipe Tips

Preheat the air fryer before adding the tofu. This ensures they start cooking immediately and promotes crispiness.

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Tofu should be placed in a single layer with some space between each piece for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.

The tofu is best eaten day of because it is nice and crispy.

Serve this dish with freshly steamed jasmine rice and Easy Chinese Vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu taste like?  The tofu has an irresistible, crispy crust with a soft, pillowy interior combined the classic flavour of Chinese salt and pepper seasoning.

What is the best way to get my tofu crispy in the air fryer? Soaking the tofu in a brine solution will not only crisp up the tofu, it will also give it some seasoning. Pat dry or press to soak up the excess liquid if you desire.

What goes well with Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu? I serve my tofu with jasmine rice and Easy Chinese Vegetables or Chinese Braised Mushrooms.

Is Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu healthy? By using the air fryer instead of deep frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil used in the cooking process, making it a healthier option. Plus, my version does not use any corn starch.

Hungry for More Air Fryer Recipes?

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Air Fryer Corn Riblets

Lastly, if you make my Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.