Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
Crispy, golden Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Tofu tossed in a bright, zesty sauce made with fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper. This easy air fryer tofu recipe is packed with flavor, totally plant-based, and ready in minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anyone who loves crispy air fryer tofu!
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 144kcal
Equipment
- bowl
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block extra firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon, zest 3 lemons
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Lemon pepper sauce
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 lemons juiced, about ¼ cup
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place tofu in the tofu press and press for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove from the press and cut into cubes.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F–400°F
- Add the cubed tofu to a bowl along with one tablespoon lemon zest, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cornstarch. Toss well to combine.
- Placed the tofu in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F–400°F (199°C–204°C). Spray the basket with oil and arrange the tofu in a single layer to promote air circulation. Air fry for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- While the tofu cooks, add the vegetable broth and cornstarch to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine, then add the remaining sauce ingredients (lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and ground pepper).
- Add the sauce to the pan and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Once the sauce thickens. Toss with air-fried tofu over steamed rice and your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
Video
Notes
- Don’t skip pressing the tofu—this is key for crispy results
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed
- Want extra heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil
- For see-through glaze-style sauce, add a splash of water to thin it slightly
Nutrition
Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 958mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg