Air fryer tofu is super crispy outside, tender and chewy in the middle, perfectly seasoned, and cooks in just 11 minutes! A delicious, meat-free meal-prep protein for salads, wraps, noodles, and more!
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Tofu
Achieving super crispy tofu without a heap of oil was always a tricky feat until the air fryer came along! The same way it provides almost deep-fried results for fries, cauliflower wings, and potato chips, air fryer tofu is almost unbelievably crispy outside with a tender, chewy middle. All with less than a tablespoon of oil!
Learning how to air fry tofu is easily the quickest and most simple way to prepare this crispy meat-free protein, too. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and 11 minutes of cooking time, this air fryer tofu recipe produces consistently deliciously flavored and textured results every time.
Plus, with the method sorted, you can easily swap the seasonings/ tofu marinade to your liking. You don’t have to worry about soggy, bland, or otherwise lackluster tofu again!
The Ingredients
- Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu or high-protein tofu (which is extra, extra firm) for the best results. Firm tofu might also work, but don’t use softer varieties (or silken tofu).
- Cornstarch: Or arrowroot/ potato starch lightly coats the tofu for a crispy outer shell.
- Soy sauce: This provides saltiness with a boost of umami. Use regular or reduced-sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos/ tamari work if you’re gluten-free.
- Sesame oil: A small amount of toasted sesame oil adds toasty, nutty, deliciousness. Other oils work too (like olive oil/ avocado oil).
- Seasonings: Just a few simple pantry staples are all you need.
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Ground ginger (omit if you’re not a ginger fan)
- Smoked paprika
- Sea salt (adjust the amount to taste)
- Cooking oil: To spray the air fryer basket. Avoid cooking sprays like PAM, which may damage the non-stick coating.
You can optionally garnish the crispy tofu with lightly toasted sesame seeds/peanuts and green onions.
Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.
How to Cook Tofu in an Air Fryer
- First, press the tofu for 15 to 30 minutes either with a tofu press or by wrapping it in a kitchen towel then placing something heavy on top (like a heavy skillet and/or several books).
- Then cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and transfer it to a medium bowl.
- Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and all the seasonings, and toss carefully to thoroughly coat the cubes. Then sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss once more.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and then spread the seasoned tofu cubes across the basket, ensuring they’re in a single layer with space between each piece for airflow.
- Air fry the tofu at 400 °F/200 °C for about 11 minutes, shaking the basket after 5-6 minutes.
Air fryers can vary slightly, so I recommend checking it at 10 minutes. It may take anywhere between 10-13 minutes total for your desired crisp level.
What to Serve With Crispy Tofu?
With its simple ingredients list and method, this air-fried tofu makes for a delicious ‘all-purpose’ main protein to add to dozens of meals. Here is just a little serving inspiration for you:
- Dipping sauce: Enjoy air-fried tofu with your favorite dipping sauce as a snack. I.e., yum yum sauce, ketchup, vegan mayonnaise, sweet chili, garlic sauce, vegan ranch dressing, etc.
- Stir-fries: Both veggie-based stir-fries and noodles, like vegan lo mein or spicy sriracha noodles.
- Carbs: Like a side of noodles, quinoa, rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice.
- Vegetables: Like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, Brussels sprouts, etc.
- Salads: Alongside or as a crispy salad topper for a light but hearty meal.
- Pasta: Crispy tofu makes the perfect meal topper for simple pasta dishes like mushroom and leek pasta, easy lemon pasta, and gluten-free gnocchi. It also works with cold dishes, like pasta salad or orzo salad.
- Bowl meals: Like a salad bowl, grain bowl, or Buddha bowl.
- In wraps: Such as tacos, burritos, fajitas, lettuce wraps, and more.
Storage Instructions
Make ahead: Once pressed, you can leave the marinated tofu up to a day in advance in an airtight container in the fridge.
Store: The texture of air fryer tofu is crispiest straight from the air fryer. However, leftovers will store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Freeze: Flash freeze the tofu pieces spread across a baking tray, then store in a Ziplock for up to 3 months. Just note that upon thawing, the texture of the tofu changes, becoming ‘meatier’/chewier.
Reheat: My favorite way to reheat the tofu cubes is back in an air fryer at 375F/190C for several minutes, as it will help to bring back some of the crispiness. A skillet with a little oil will also work.
Recipe Notes
- Press the tofu: This is important for ridding it of excess liquid, so it can soak up the soy sauce/marinade and become super crispy
- Slice the tofu evenly: This will ensure it cooks evenly, too.
- For more flavor: Allow the tofu to soak up the soy sauce for 15-20 minutes before cooking (up to a day in advance).
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the foods they’re cooking. If you don’t leave space, the tofu won’t cook evenly, with some parts remaining soft/soggy.
- The cooking time may vary: This is because air fryer models may vary. As a general guideline, check between 10-13 minutes for your preferred result.
- Experiment with seasonings: I.e., add chili/cayenne pepper for heat, nutritional yeast for a nutty, cheesy flavor, dried herbs (like Italian seasoning), or even prepared seasoning blends like taco seasoning, Cajun spice, or curry powder, etc. Marinades also work (marinate first, then dust with cornstarch).
FAQs
Do I need to press the tofu before air frying
It’s technically possible to air fry tofu without pressing it first, but it won’t become as crispy. Unpressed tofu also won’t soak up the marinade as easily.
Do I need to freeze tofu before using it?
Freezing tofu then thawing it releases heaps of moisture and creates a ‘meatier’ texture that will soak up flavors better and become even crispier. However, it’s not necessary for this air fry tofu recipe unless you’d prefer to do so.
Do I need to use oil for air fryer tofu?
Technically no, but just a little sesame oil will go a long way to making super crispy tofu with added flavor depth.
More Tofu Recipes
Also, make sure to check out my 41 Best Vegan Air Fryer Recipes.
If you try this crispy air fryer tofu recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan #elavegan—I love seeing them.
Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block (12 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 1 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce, or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- You can watch the video in the post for visual instructions.First, press the tofu for 15 to 30 minutes either with a tofu press or by wrapping it in a kitchen towel then placing something heavy on top (like a heavy skillet and/or several books).
- Then cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and transfer it to a medium bowl.
- Add tamari, sesame oil, and all the seasonings, and toss carefully to thoroughly coat the cubes. Then sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss once more.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and then spread the seasoned tofu cubes across the basket, ensuring they’re in a single layer with space between each piece for airflow.
- Air fry the tofu at 400 °F/200 °C for about 11 minutes, shaking the basket after 5-6 minutes.Air fryers can vary slightly, so I recommend checking it at 10 minutes. It may take anywhere between 10-13 minutes total for your desired crisp level.
- Serve with Yum Yum sauce or any dipping sauce of choice. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically
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Ela,
Would you bake these at same temperature 400? I don’t have an air fryer and would like to try baking these. Looking forward to trying these out. Your recipes always look awesome!
Yes, that is correct. But it will take longer, about 20-25 minutes. 🙂
can this be baked in the oven?
Yes, absolutely, but it will take longer, about 25 minutes. 🙂
Made this tonight and it was delicious. Definitely will make this again and again!!
So happy to hear that, Jessica! Thanks for your great feedback. 🙂