Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy texture with minimal oil.
Quick and easy—ready in about 20 minutes.
Works with any seasoning or sauce, from Asian-inspired to spicy or smoky.
High in protein and suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets.
Great for meal prep, bowls, or healthy snacking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Firm or extra-firm tofu
Olive oil or sesame oil
Cornstarch (for crispiness)
Soy sauce or tamari
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Optional: paprika, chili flakes, or your favorite seasoning blend

Directions

Press the tofu
Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object (like a pan or cutting board) on top for 10–15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Cut into cubes
Slice the tofu into even bite-sized cubes (about 1 inch).
Season and coat
In a bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with a drizzle of oil, soy sauce, and seasonings. Add cornstarch and toss again until the cubes are evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 190 °C (375 °F) for about 3–5 minutes.
Air fry the tofu
Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if needed).
Cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through. The tofu should be golden and crisp on all sides.
Serve
Enjoy immediately, or toss with your favorite sauce such as teriyaki, buffalo, sweet chili, or peanut sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3–4
Prep time: 10–15 minutes (including pressing)
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: ~25–30 minutes

Variations

Spicy tofu: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or sriracha before air frying.
Garlic sesame: Toss cooked tofu with sesame oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
BBQ tofu: Brush tofu cubes with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Sweet chili tofu: Coat tofu with sweet chili sauce after air frying for a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Asian-style: Add ginger powder, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 180 °C (350 °F) for 3–5 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving—it will soften the texture.

FAQs

What type of tofu works best?

Firm or extra-firm tofu works best since it holds its shape and crisps up well.

Why press the tofu?

Pressing removes extra moisture, which helps it get crispy instead of soggy.

Can I skip the cornstarch?

Yes, but the tofu won’t be as crunchy. Cornstarch gives it that crispy, golden coating.

Do I need to use oil?

A small amount helps with crispiness, but you can skip it for an oil-free version (expect a slightly drier texture).

Can I use flavored tofu?

Yes—marinated or pre-seasoned tofu works well, but adjust added seasonings to taste.

Can I air fry frozen tofu?

Yes, but it should be thawed and pressed first. Frozen tofu becomes spongier and absorbs sauces well.

Why did my tofu stick to the basket?

Ensure you preheat the air fryer and use a light oil spray on the basket or the tofu cubes.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Use more cornstarch, make sure tofu is very dry before coating, and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Can I add sauce before air frying?

It’s better to toss tofu with sauce after air frying, as most sauces can burn or prevent crisping.

What can I serve with air fryer tofu?

It’s great with rice, stir-fried vegetables, noodle bowls, wraps, or as a protein-rich topping for salads.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Tofu is a versatile, high-protein dish that’s crispy, customizable, and ready in minutes. With simple seasoning and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll get perfectly golden bites every time—ideal for healthy meals, snacks, or meal prep.

Air Fryer Tofu

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Air Fryer Tofu is a crispy, golden, and flavorful protein option made with minimal oil. Perfect for vegan or vegetarian meals, it’s crunchy on the outside and tender inside—great for salads, stir-fries, or dipping sauces.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings
Category: Main Dish, Side Dish, Snack
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Press the tofu: Drain and wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top and press for 10–15 minutes to remove excess water.
Cut into cubes: Slice the tofu into even 1-inch cubes.
Season and coat: In a mixing bowl, toss tofu cubes with oil, soy sauce, and seasonings. Add cornstarch and gently mix until evenly coated.
Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Air fry the tofu: Arrange cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Serve: Enjoy plain or toss with your favorite sauce such as teriyaki, sweet chili, BBQ, or peanut sauce.

Notes

Pressing the tofu is key to achieving crispiness.
Cornstarch creates a light, crunchy coating—don’t skip it if you want a crispy finish.
For oil-free tofu, skip the oil but expect a slightly drier texture.
Use parchment liners or spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
For extra flavor, toss tofu in sauce right after cooking while it’s still hot.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (about 150 g)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 0mg