How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

This Air Fryer Tofu recipe is so delicious and easy to make in just 10 minutes! It's perfectly crisp on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside. Toss it into a big salad or grain bowl for a boost of plant-based protein.

There are so many ways to cook tofu, from pan fried tofu and deep fried to oven baked tofu, stir fried, and shaved tofu. But the easiest, fuss free way to make crispy tofu at home is in the air fryer. Tofu is a quick and healthy ingredient making it a popular choice for meal prep and weeknight dinners. There's no sticking, no oil splashing, no pots and pans, and practically zero hands on time.
Just like my crunchy vegan chicken nuggets and Italian Crusted Tofu this is one of the best tofu recipes for beginners - so easy!

What is an air fryer?: I'm sure you've heard the buzz - who hasn't! Air fryers are compact, countertop, convection ovens. They use little or no oil to get food nice and crisp by forcing hot air to circulate all the way around the food. There are lots of sizes and styles of air fryers at every price range. This air fryer is similar to mine (which I love!).

Crispy Tofu Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this easy air fryer tofu recipe:

• Tofu: Extra firm tofu is the best choice for this recipe because of the low water content which is important for a golden crispy tofu exterior.
• Soy sauce and chili sauce (sambal oelek): Infuse a savory, spicy flavor to the tofu. Use gluten free soy sauce or tamari (or reduced salt soy sauce) as needed to suit special diets and allergy preferences.
• Seasonings: I like garlic/onion powder, pepper, and nutritional yeast to build more layers of flavor.
• Oil: Use any oil you have on hand (eg. olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil). Oil heats to a much higher temperature (than water) which helps create the nice crispy tofu exterior.
• Cornstarch: For crunch! Cornstarch helps remove moisture from the tofu surface and produces a thin, crispy, dry crust locking the juices in the tofu for a crispy coating - just like searing does.

Find the complete measurements and recipe below.

Substitutions & Variations

• Oil options: If you're watching your oil intake or follow an oil-free diet, skip the oil and make this air fryer tofu oil free. The tofu is still very flavorful with a firm, tasty crust. Alternatively, you can spritz the tofu cubes with a light layer of cooking spray rather than adding the oil to the tofu marinade.
• Nutritional yeast: The nutritional yeast is optional (not at my house!). It adds a lovely cheesy, umami flavor. Add the nutritional yeast after the marinade ingredients, but before the cornstarch so each piece gets coated before the cornstarch is added.
• Tofu seasoning ideas: This basic air fried tofu recipe takes on any seasoning - we like KFC tofu nuggets (like popcorn chicken!). Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, sage and onion seasoning, smoky BBQ or Indian spices, all work. You decide what flavor you're in the mood for!

Do I need to press the tofu?: Extra firm tofu is already pretty dense and firm (however, brand to brand it does vary). I don't press my extra firm tofu - just a quick squeeze and pat dry. Anything less than extra firm tofu does need to be pressed for the crispiest tofu IMO. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a towel and stack a couple heavy cookbooks on top.

How to Make 10 Minute Air Fryer Tofu

Here's how to cook crispy Air Fryer Tofu in under 10 minutes at home. It's one of the best ways to cook tofu, and is so simple to make:

1. Prepare the tofu: Once the tofu is patted dry (or pressed), cut or break the tofu into bite size pieces - roughly 1" cubes.

2. Season the tofu: Toss the tofu cubes with the oil and all the tofu seasonings (except the nutritional yeast and cornstarch) in a large bowl until all the pieces are well coated.
3. Add the coating: Sprinkle the tofu with nutritional yeast first (if using) - shake/gently stir. After that, sprinkle with cornstarch and toss until all the pieces are completely coated (no dry spots).

4. Time to cook: Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave some space around each piece for the crispiest edges. In my air fryer, I cook two batches (they're quick!). Air fry the tofu at 380º F for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Shake the basket a couple times so the tofu cooks evenly on all sides.
5. Let's eat!: Enjoy your air-fried tofu as is or serve it with your favorite dipping sauce.

Expert Tips for Crispy Tofu

If we were making this easy air fried tofu recipe together, these are some of the tips I would share with you:

• Best tofu to use: Extra firm tofu is the best choice for this recipe. It's very dense with low water content (most of the pressing has already been done for you). Firm tofu works, but needs to be pressed first. You can press the tofu a day or two ahead and then wrap it in paper towels and place in a plastic bag in the fridge until ready to use. Don't use silken or soft tofu for this recipe.
• Don't crowd the air fryer: Cook the tofu in two batches if you have a smaller air fryer. The hot air needs to touch all surfaces of the tofu to make it crisp.
• Extra crispy tofu: Add a light spritz of cooking spray when you shake the tofu for extra crispiness. Optional!

• Tofu Sizes: The ~1" tofu cubes in this recipe are pretty standard, bite-size pieces. However, if you are trying to stretch one block of tofu or you're sprinkling it on pizza or salad, try the smaller cubes. Cook the smaller tofu at 370ºF for 6-7 minutes. Shaking half way through.
• How long to cook tofu in the air fryer: Overcooked tofu is rubbery and the next day it's dry and tough. For tender, crisp tofu, I recommend not going too hot or too long (under 10 minutes). The size of the tofu cubes and the type of air fryer impacts the cook time.
• Personal preference is key! Do you prefer tofu rare, medium or well done? Air fry tofu a little longer for a firmer texture or a little shorter for a tender texture. Taste as you go to determine the perfect tofu texture for you!

Storing & Reheating Tofu

• Storing Tofu: Air fried tofu keeps well in the fridge all week in an airtight container making it perfect for meal prep!
• Reheating Tofu: Leftover tofu is incredible at room temperature or straight out of the fridge. However to reheat it, pop it into the air fryer at 400º F for 1 or 2 minutes, warm it in the microwave or in a toaster oven.

Is tofu an acquired taste? Maybe! In my many years of experience making, eating, and serving tofu, I find people's tofu taste buds change over time. They start off skeptical (or hating it), then begin to enjoy tofu (on the well done side) eventually moving to liking/loving a juicier more tender tofu. If you're a tofu newbie, this air fryer tofu recipe is a great place to start. Try the Tofu Noodle Bowl with spicy peanut sauce next - after that, there's no turning back. Trust me!

Ways to Serve Air Fryer Tofu

With such amazing flavor and texture, air fryer tofu is one of the best plant-based proteins to add to tacos, bowls or meal-size salads. Make your own salad or check out my How to make an Epic Salad post for some pointers and tips.

This crispy tofu would also be amazing in any of these recipes:

• as a snack straight out of the air fryer
• serve as an appetizer with dipping sauces like sweet and spicy tahini or peanut hoisin sauce
• bump up the plant protein in vegan burrito bowl or grain bowls
• as a filling or topping for vegan tacos, pizza or wraps
• as a salad topper it adds heft to Thai crunch salad or crunchy Asian cabbage salad

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you love this air fryer tofu recipe, here's more tasty air fryer recipes to try next:

• Ultimate Vegan Grilled Cheese with spicy ketchup
• Italian Crusted Tofu (2 ways!)
• Extra Crispy Chickpeas
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Air Fried Falafel
• Air Fryer Refrigerator Biscuits

Did you make this 10 Minute Air Fryer Tofu recipe? Please leave a rating and comment to let me know how it turned out. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more vegan content.
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