I make tofu in the air fryer in 10 minutes that is amazingly crunchy outside with the perfect texture inside. I use a coating of cornstarch which gives super crispy results without being chewy.
This is a naturally vegan recipe that you can adapt with different flavourings or keep plain and use in your favourite recipes.

This Air Fryer Tofu recipe will convert any tofu sceptic. It's the perfect side dish or can be incorporated into so many recipes.
I love using the air fryer to make tofu rather than baking in the oven or deep-frying. It takes so much less time and the results are just as good, if not better! With air frying, the tofu becomes crunchy on all sides without having to turn.
Tofu has been advertised as a meat substitute but actually, it is so much more than that! It has the ability to soak up the wonderful flavours that it is cooked it.
I regularly make this Tofu and Coconut Curry with Mango Chutney and Burnt Garlic Fried Rice with Tofu.

Air Fryer Tofu Ingredients
Variations on flavour and substitutions provided below
Extra firm tofu - drained, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
Cornstarch - a cornstarch coating helps get the tofu extra crispy
Soy sauce - use light or dark soy sauce
Sesame oil - sesame oil otherwise another oil such as olive oil is a good alternative
Paprika - use smoked or hot
Garlic powder - alternatively, use fresh minced garlic. You can optionally also add in onion powder
Black pepper or white pepper
Salt to taste
Air Fryer Tofu without cornstarch
If you do not want to use cornstarch, you can also use rice flour, tapioca flour, all purpose flour.
Alternatively, skip the flour altogether but this may lead to a slightly different texture.
Gluten-free option
Use tamari instead of soy sauce which contains gluten. Tamari is easy to find in grocery stores or online. Tofu is naturally gluten-free as is cornstarch.
Flavour variations
You can change up the flavours based upon the dish you will serve or add the tofu too.
Stick to tofu, cornstarch (or alternative) and a neutral flavoured oil. You can then build on the seasoning.
- taco seasoning
- italian seasoning
- rosemary and garlic
- indian flavoured (use curry powder or individual spices such as red chilli powder and ground cumin)

How to press tofu
Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and for improved firm texture.
- Using a tofu press - I use tofuture
- Manual pressing with weights - drain the excess water and lay on top of plenty of paper towels. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel and place an even weight on top - a good example is a cast-iron skillet or a flat baking tray with a weight on top. Let it press for around 30-60 minutes.
- Freezing the tofu - freeze the tofu and allow it to thaw overnight or in the microwave. The defrosting process releases moisture and leads to firmer tofu
- Microwave - microwave the tofu to remove excess moisture quickly and then press with a method from above
How to air fry tofu - step by step instructions
Add tofu cubes into a large bowl. Ensure to cut them equal sized for even cooking.
Add all the seasoning ingredients of your choice.
Toss in cornstarch (or alternative if using).
If you have the time, set the tofu aside in the tofu marinade for 30 minutes to soak up the flavours.


Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket keeping some gaps in between to allow the air to circulate around all sides of the cubes.
Air Fry the tofu at 400 F or 200 C for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Do not crisp up the tofu in the air fryer too much as it will become more crispy as it cools - you do not want it to become tough and chewy
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches.



Serving Suggestion
Enjoy air-fried tofu as it is with a dipping sauce or add it to recipes.
Dipping sauces for air fryer tofu:
- sour cream and chive dip
- tamarind sauce
- basil sauce
- yogurt garlic sauce
- in buddha bowls with rice, veggies and green onion
- add it to a stir fry such as this Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles, or Instant Pot Chow Mein
- use it to top salads and soups
Storage
Store leftover air fryer tofu in the fridge in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer to get it crispy again on a lower temperature to prevent burning.

Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Beet Chips
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Corn on the Cob in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Fajitas
- Parmentier Potatoes
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 400 gram firm tofu extra firm tofu block
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch or alternative or omit totally
- 1 tablespoon oil I used sesame but you can use any other
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce use tamari to keep it gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Press the 400 gram firm tofuand then cut into 1 inch cubes.
- Add tofu cubes into a large bowl.
- Add all the seasoning ingredients of your choice. 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and black pepper, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Toss in 2 tablespoon cornstarch (or alternative if using).
- If you have the time, set the tofu aside in the tofu marinade for 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket keeping some gaps in between to allow the air to circulate around all sides of the cubes.
- Air Fry the tofu at 400 F or 200 C for 8-10 minutes or until crispy.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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Chelsea says
This recipe really covers it ALL and leaves all the details anyone could need to make sure their tofu turns out great...these little bites of deliciousness are PERFECT and I love that there are so many different ways to flavor them.
Alison Corey says
I'm always on the lookout for quick and tasty vegan recipes. This crispy tofu in the air fryer looks like it'll be a game-changer for my weeknight dinners.
Anjali says
My tofu turned out perfectly using your air fryer method!! It was so much healthier than deep frying the tofu but tasted just as good!
dina and bruce says
We used Tamari and this was so tasty!
Sophie says
your Super Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe is a game-changer! It's perfectly crunchy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside!
Kushigalu says
This air fryer tofu looks so crispy and delicious. Thanks for sharing.