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This easy crispy air fryer tofu takes just 15 minutes! It makes golden brown, seasoned cubes with tender centers: the perfect protein adder for bowls, salads, stir fries, and more.
Here’s one of my favorite weeknight hero recipes: crispy air fryer tofu! It’s funny to say this, because I actually used to be a skeptic of both the air fryer and tofu. But after developing dozens of tofu recipes, I’ve grown to love this healthy plant-based protein.
Now that I have an air fryer, I realize how clutch it is for weeknight proteins! This air fryer tofu is so fast and easy: you don’t even have to press it! Just slice into cubes, add a few seasonings, then air fry for 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tofu
I’m not exaggerating when I say this air fryer tofu is a weeknight hero in my house! It has saved the day so many times when we’re not sure what to make (that and my air fryer chicken). Here’s why I love it:
- It’s incredibly fast. Many tofu recipes call for pressing the tofu for 30 minutes. There’s no pressing needed here, and no pre-heating an oven! It’s just 15 minutes, start to finish.
- It’s crispy and delicious. The flavor is seasoned just right and it’s got a lightly crispy exterior.
- You can serve it in so many ways. This is the perfect plant-based protein to add to bowl meals, salads, soups, and more. (I love it with rice and steamed broccoli for a super easy meal).
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this basic recipe:
Extra-firm tofu: This is the only type that works for crispy air fryer tofu. The firmer texture and lower water content means better browning. Avoid any other type!
Cornstarch: Cornstarch forms a light shell that stays crispy even after the tofu cools down. (Arrowroot powder can work as a substitute).
Olive oil: Just one tablespoon helps the seasonings stick and helps with browning. You can substitute with avocado oil if you prefer.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory depth. I use regular soy sauce, but tamari works well for gluten-free.
Garlic and onion powder: These spices build a savory foundation without adding moisture.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tofu
After testing this recipe many times (with my husband Alex), here’s the way I like to make air fryer tofu:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Those 5 minutes of preheating actually do make a difference. The tofu hits the heat immediately, which jumpstarts the crisping process.
Step 2: Cut uniform cubes and pat dry. I slice my tofu block in half lengthwise first, then cut each half into 3/4-inch cubes. Try to make consistent sizes so everything cooks at the same rate. Place the cubes on a clean dish towel, then gently pat them with a second towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Mix the tofu and seasonings, then cornstarch. Gently toss so the tofu doesn’t break. Stir the seasonings first, then the cornstarch (so that it gets fully coated).
Step 4: Pour into the basket, making sure not to overcrowd: Spread the tofu in a single layer with a little breathing room between pieces. Crowded tofu steams instead of crisps. If you need to make a double batch, cook it in two rounds.
Step 5: Shake halfway through. At 6 minutes, I give the basket a good shake to rotate all the pieces. This makes sure all sides get evenly cooked.
Ways To Serve It
This crispy tofu is so versatile. My kids absolutely love it, and I enjoy that it’s a plant-based protein that’s hearty and satisfying (sometimes a huge pile of beans just doesn’t do it for me!).
- In bowls: Toss the tofu into a tofu bowl with rice, vegetables, and your favorite sauce. I love it with tofu fried rice or in a farro bowl with hummus dressing.
- Over salads: They’re great in a tofu salad, or with a Mediterranean pasta salad for a vegan protein boost.
- In stir fries: Try it in tofu broccoli stir fry or any of your go-to vegan dinner recipes.
- In sandwiches: Layer the crispy tofu onto a breaded tofu sandwich or wrap it in lettuce for quick lettuce wraps.
- In tacos: These cubes make great tofu tacos: just add toppings and a taco sauce.
- With noodles: Toss them with soba noodles or on ramen for added protein.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover air fryer tofu in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. It becomes less crispy in the refrigerator.
For the best results, reheat the tofu in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes: this is the easiest way to get it crispy again!
Dietary Notes
This air fryer tofu recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! That’s one of the best parts about this recipe. The quick pat-dry with dish towels removes enough surface moisture for the air fryer to work its magic. I’ve tested this extensively, and pressing doesn’t make a noticeable difference for this particular method.
Stick with extra-firm tofu for this recipe. Firm tofu contains too much moisture and won’t get as crispy. Silken tofu will fall apart in the air fryer.
The most common culprits are overcrowding the basket or skipping the cornstarch. Make sure you’re spreading the tofu in a single layer with space between pieces, and don’t skip the cornstarch: it’s what creates the crispy exterior.
Yes, but the results won’t be quite as crispy. Go to my Baked Tofu recipe.
Air Fryer Tofu (Easy & Crispy!)
Master crispy air fryer tofu in just 15 minutes with my easy recipe! These golden brown, seasoned cubes with tender centers make the perfect protein adder for bowls, salads, stir fries, and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce block extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes (slice the tofu in half lengthwise into two large rectangles first, then into cubes). Place the cubes on a clean dish towel, then gently pat them with a second towel to remove excess moisture.
- In medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Add the tofu to the bowl and gently stir until coated. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and stir until just coated. Dump the tofu into the air fryer basket and spread into single layer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until browned and crispy, shaking after 6 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. (To reheat: Use the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, or use an oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.)
More Tofu Recipes to Try
If you love this air fryer tofu, check out these other tofu recipes:
