Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Crispy Tofu recipe delivers perfectly crunchy tofu bites without the mess of deep frying. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s great as a snack, salad topping, or protein-packed addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Press the tofu for 30 minutes using a tofu press. Alternatively, wrap the tofu in a clean tea towel, place it on a plate, and top with a heavy skillet to press out excess liquid.
2. Step 2: After pressing, drain any liquid, pat tofu dry, then slice into small cubes by cutting the block in half widthwise, then into long strips, and finally cubing each strip.
3. Step 3: Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir gently to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder over the tofu. Stir gently again to coat all pieces.
5. Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange tofu in a single layer with space around each piece to allow air flow. Work in batches if needed.
6. Step 6: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, flipping tofu halfway through. Check for desired crispiness and cook longer if needed, checking every 1–2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Serve the crispy tofu immediately for best texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate tofu in soy sauce and sesame oil for up to 30 minutes before coating with spices and cornstarch.
• Try adding smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky, spicy twist.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these tofu cubes can also be baked at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store cooked tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to help restore crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make tofu soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or medium tofu for this recipe?

Extra firm tofu works best for air frying because it holds its shape and crisps up well. Softer tofu tends to be too delicate and may fall apart during cooking.

Do I need to press the tofu before cooking?

Yes, pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu crisp up better in the air fryer and improves the texture overall.

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

This Air Fryer Crispy Tofu recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy tofu cubes with a flavorful seasoning blend. Using simple pantry staples like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and onion powder, this easy-to-make tofu is pressed, marinated, coated in cornstarch, and air fried to crispy perfection with minimal oil. It’s a healthier alternative to frying and perfect for adding plant-based protein to any meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
• Total Time: 45-49 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu

• 1 pound extra firm tofu

Marinade and Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Press the tofu: Press the tofu for 30 minutes using a tofu press. If you don’t have a tofu press, wrap the tofu block in a clean tea towel, place it on a plate, top with a heavy skillet, and let it sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare tofu cubes: Drain off any released liquid, pat the tofu dry, then slice it into small cubes. Cut the block in half widthwise, then slice into long strips, and finally cube each strip evenly.
3. Marinate the tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Gently stir to coat all pieces evenly without breaking them apart.
4. Season and coat: Sprinkle cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder over the tofu. Stir gently again to ensure each cube is well coated with the seasoning and cornstarch mixture.
5. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tofu cubes in an even layer, making sure to leave space around each piece to allow air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
6. Air fry the tofu: Cook the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through to promote even crisping. Check the tofu at the 10-minute mark and continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments if more crispiness is desired.
7. Serve immediately: Once crispy and golden, remove the tofu from the air fryer and serve right away for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Pressing tofu is essential to achieve a crispy exterior; don’t skip this step.
• Feel free to add your favorite spices such as smoked paprika or chili powder for extra flavor.
• Use an oil spray to lightly coat the air fryer basket and tofu for crispiness without deep frying.
• This recipe works great as a protein topping for salads, grain bowls, or stir-fries.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Keywords: crispy tofu, air fryer tofu, vegan tofu recipe, healthy tofu, crunchy tofu, plant-based protein