Air Fryer Tofu is ideal for busy weeknights and anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying protein option. It delivers a crunchy exterior and tender inside without deep frying. This recipe is vegan, dairy-free, and high in protein, making it a great choice for a variety of diets. Plus, the air fryer speeds up the cooking process and keeps cleanup simple.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
extra-firm tofu cornstarch or arrowroot powder soy sauce or tamari olive oil or sesame oil garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika (optional) black pepper salt (if needed)
Directions
Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes or bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, toss the tofu with soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle in the cornstarch and gently toss until all the tofu pieces are evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure pieces don’t touch for optimal crisping.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately or toss with sauces like teriyaki, buffalo, or sweet chili for added flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 people as a main dish or 4 as a side. Prep time: 10 minutes (plus pressing time) Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes (not including tofu pressing)
Variations
Sweet & Spicy: Toss finished tofu in a mix of maple syrup and sriracha for a sweet heat finish.
BBQ Tofu: Coat with your favorite BBQ sauce after cooking for a smoky twist.
Lemon-Herb: Add lemon zest and dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the seasoning mix.
Curry-Flavored: Add curry powder to the marinade for an Indian-inspired flavor.
Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce or tamari.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until warmed and crispy again. You can also reheat in the oven or a skillet. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the tofu and reduce the crispiness.
FAQs
What type of tofu is best for air frying?
Extra-firm tofu is best. It holds its shape and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Do I need to press the tofu?
Yes. Pressing removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu get crisp and absorb more flavor.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Yes. You can skip the oil, but the tofu may be slightly less crispy. Cornstarch still helps create a crunchy texture.
How do I keep the tofu from sticking?
Make sure your air fryer basket is clean and lightly sprayed with oil before adding the tofu.
Can I use flavored tofu?
Yes. Pre-marinated or flavored tofu can work well, just adjust the seasoning as needed.
Can I freeze cooked tofu?
Cooked tofu can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.
What sauces go well with air fryer tofu?
Try teriyaki, peanut sauce, buffalo sauce, soy-ginger glaze, or sweet chili sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
How do I get the tofu extra crispy?
Make sure the tofu is well-pressed, use cornstarch, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cooking a bit longer can also help.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
It’s vegan. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Tofu is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy crispy plant-based protein in just minutes. With a perfectly crisp coating and customizable flavors, it’s a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a quick dinner, this tofu recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Air Fryer Tofu is a crispy, golden, and protein-packed dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for bowls, salads, wraps, or dipping. It uses minimal oil but delivers maximum crunch, making it a healthy and delicious plant-based option.
Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes or bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, toss tofu with soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), pepper, and salt (if needed).
Sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tofu is golden and crispy.
Serve as is or toss with your favorite sauce such as teriyaki, buffalo, or sweet chili.
Notes
Extra-firm tofu works best for crispiness and shape retention.Pressing the tofu is essential for the best texture and flavor absorption.Cornstarch helps achieve a crispy outer layer even with little or no oil.Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.Customize flavors with sauces or seasonings after cooking.
