Do I need to press the tofu first?

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.

Can I use a different type of tofu?

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.

Why isn't my tofu getting crispy?

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.

Can I make this in a regular oven?

Yes, but the results won't be quite as crispy. Go to my Baked Tofu recipe.

This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Is My Weeknight Hero

Name: Air Fryer Tofu (Easy & Crispy!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 15-ounce block extra-firm tofu (see Notes); 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

Air Fryer Tofu (Easy & Crispy!)

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5 from 1 review

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.

Author: Sonja Overhiser
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

Scale

1 15-ounce block extra-firm tofu (see Notes)
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 (or 20 minutes for a double recipe in a large air fryer, shaking every 5 to 7 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.)

Notes

Doubling this recipe: I often double this recipe for my family of four: we eat a lot of it! This doubles easily and can be cooked at the same time in a 6-qt air fryer. Cook for 20 minutes, shaking every 5 to 7 minutes. Important: Not all of the pieces will be as crispy as the others, but for our family it’s worth it for the ease.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/crispy-air-fryer-tofu/