Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu (Air Fryer or Baked)

Add this salt and pepper tofu recipe to your rotation of quick and delicious dishes like spicy Jamaican jerk tofu, crispy air fryer tofu with orange sauce, or cauliflower tofu stir fry with cumin.

• Easy prep and 35 minutes if you air fry tofu (and an extra 10 if you bake it).
• An oil-free recipe that lets the hot air of the air fryer or oven do the crisping.
• The salt and pepper tofu you love from Chinese restaurants made at home - without deep frying.

Firm or extra-firm tofu. Use a big block of tofu. Press for 10-15 minutes, then cube or slice as desired.

Chinese 5-spice. This unique spice blend of warming spices gives homemade vegan hoisin sauce a distinctive flavor too!

Cornstarch. The secret to making crispy, oil-free tofu is tossing tofu cubes with cornstarch. You can also use potato starch or tapioca starch. Arrowroot is another vegan option; however, I find it gets slightly sticky when mixed with sauce or other wet ingredients.

​White pepper. Ground white pepper is traditionally used in the spice mix. Use ground black pepper as a substitute.

Soy sauce. For gluten-free, use Tamari or coconut aminos.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

Make a Chinese 5-spice blend using:

1. 2 tablespoons anise powder (6 ground star anise)
2. 1 teaspoon ground fennel
3. 1 teaspoon ground Szechuan pepper (or white pepper)
4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
5. ½ teaspoon ground cloves

​Store any leftover spice mix in an airtight container or jar. Or whip up my delicious Asian kale salad. Yummy!

Step 1: Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place it between a plate with a weighted cutting board on top. Or use a tofu press.

Step 2: Make the spice mix. Pour half into a small bowl and mix with cornstarch.

Step 3: Cube the tofu and lay it on a large plate. Toss with lemon juice and soy sauce. Then, with the cornstarch mixture.

Step 4: Add tofu pieces to a preheated air fryer (oven instructions below).

Step 5: Saute green onions, chili, and garlic for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Fry tofu until firm and golden brown. (10-12 minutes total).

How to Bake Salt and Pepper Tofu

1. Prepare the tofu as directed. Preheat the oven to 425 F (220 C).
2. Add the tofu to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the tofu for 15 minutes, then flip.
3. Bake another 10-15 minutes until the tofu is firm and brown.

• Press tofu for 10-15 minutes to release excess moisture. This helps tofu absorb flavors and get firmer when you cook it.
• ​Give soft tofu a few extra minutes to press until the block is firm.
• ​Add the cornstarch right before baking. Use a spoon or your hands to toss the tofu so all the cornstarch is absorbed.
• ​Individual air fryers and ovens vary in temperature. For this reason, check the tofu periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.

I like to separate the tofu into equal portions and serve it over rice or noodles with cooked spring onions and pepper on top. Sprinkle with more of the spice mix. Toasted sesame seeds make a nice garnish if you want something extra.

Store leftover salt and pepper tofu in an airtight container. It will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

To reheat salt and pepper tofu, wrap it in foil and add it to a hot oven. Open the foil for the last few minutes to crisp it. Alternatively, add it to a preheated air fryer (425 F/ 220 C). Air fry tofu for 2-3 minutes. Check it after each minute so it doesn't get hard.

To prevent tofu from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer or parchment paper (if baking), first be sure you preheat. Gently test a tofu piece. If it sticks to the bottom, don't force it to flip. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, then try flipping it again.

Spicy Noodle Bowls with Baked Tofu Recipe

Savory Baked Tofu Bowls with Sweet Corn Relish

Crispy Vegan Buffalo Tofu

Vegan Sweet and Sour Crispy Tofu

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the newest recipes!