Name: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
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

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.

air fryer tofu pieces served in a round plate

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.

A female hand is holding crispy air fryer tofu piece using chopsticks and dipping in to dipping sauce

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)

Two chopsticks are placed on the plate next to easy air fryer tofu pieces

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.

tofu cubes on the chopping board to prepare best air fryer tofu

Tofu cubes are marinating in the bowl with ingredients such as soy sauce, oil and spices to make marinated tofu air fryer

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.

marinated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket

super crispy air fryer tofu pieces in the air fryer basket ready to serve

crispy air fryer tofu served with sriracha mayo

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.

a female hand is dipping an easy air fryer tofu piece in the mayo

Other Air Fryer Recipes

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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