Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu

5 from 1 vote

This is my go-to tofu recipe. It's simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast, and can be made in the oven or air fryer.

Prep Time10

Cook Time18

Oven Baking Time35

Total Time30

Course: Sides

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 142kcal

Preheat the oven to 400F. Press the tofu for 5-10 minutes using a tofu press or by weighing it down with a heavy skillet.
Using clean hands, tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces or slice into 1-inch cubes.
Add 1 tablespoon of oil and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to a large bowl. Add the tofu, tossing to coat with a spatula. Sprinkle with the nutritional yeast and black pepper, tossing to coat again.
Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (optional, but keeps tofu from sticking to the baking sheet). Evenly space the tofu so that it's not overlapping.
Bake at 400F for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway way through. I sometimes bake it up to 40 minutes for ultra-crisp tofu. It's ready when golden, crispy on the outside, and still soft inside.

Using clean hands, tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces or slice into 1-inch cubes.
Add 1 teaspoon of oil and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to a large bowl. Add the tofu, tossing to coat with a spatula. Sprinkle with the nutritional yeast and black pepper, tossing to coat again.
Transfer the tofu to the air fryer basket. Evenly space the tofu so that it's not overlapping.
*I do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe - if preheating your air fryer, check the tofu at 15 minutes*. Air fry at 375F for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu is ready when golden, crispy on the outside, and still soft inside.

Tofu: Firm, extra-firm, or super firm work. Super firm tofu does not need to be pressed.
Air fryer vs oven: I prefer the air fryer method because it's quicker. The air fried tofu also has a slightly more "dehydrated" texture and a chewier texture.