Crispy Air Fryer Tofu [Air Fried Tofu in 15 Minutes]

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) package of extra firm tofu, heavily pressed and cut into ½-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons of soy sauce; ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, to taste

Crispy air fryer tofu is golden and super crispy in just 15 minutes of cooking time and practically as crispy as deep-fried with minimal oil!

completed Air Fryer Tofu plated against a light surface

Can You Air Fry Tofu?

It’s no secret that tofu CAN be tricky to prepare in a way that makes the most of this versatile ingredient. However, with lots of practice (like this pan-fried garlic tofu), it soon becomes second nature. Still, with new methods like this air fryer tofu recipe, it’s practically effortless to achieve perfectly flavorful crispy tofu with minimal effort and no previous experience with the ingredient!

Cooking tofu in an air fryer means using just a tiny fraction of the oil needed for deep-fryer versions, less ‘hovering’ than pan-fried versions, and half the time of oven methods. Yet the results lie somewhere between baked and deep-fried (aka super crispy!). Plus it's cooked in around the same time it would take to preheat the oven.

Thanks to its versatility, this air-fried tofu has become one of my ultimate simple go-to protein options. Enjoy it as a snack (child-approved, too!), toss into salads, wraps, curries, stews, stir-fries, serve with grains, and more! You can even meal prep these little air fryer tofu nuggets in advance and reheat them in just a few minutes!

The Ingredients

This basic air-fried tofu recipe requires just four pantry-friendly ingredients.

Extra-firm tofu: I recommend using organic, non-GMO extra-firm tofu. Firm tofu will also work, but don’t use any softer tofu.
Oil: Just a small amount of oil helps make the air fryer tofu super crispy. I used vegetable oil, but any oil with a high smoke point works (i.e., avocado oil).
Soy sauce: Will add umami depth and saltiness. Use light soy sauce if you’d prefer it to be less salty. Coconut aminos or tamari will work as a gluten-free option.
Black pepper: Seasoned, to taste.

ingredients measured out for air fryer tofu against a light surface

Recipe Variations & Add-ins:

Sesame Oil: For more flavor, use a combination of toasted sesame oil and regular oil for the crispy air fryer tofu.
Hot sauce: Sriracha/your favorite hot sauce can be added to the marinade for spice lovers.
Garlic: A small amount of minced garlic is a delicious addition to the tofu marinade.
Lemon juice: To squeeze over the air fryer tofu before serving for extra brightness.
Cornstarch: A light dusting of cornstarch helps create a crispy coating around the air fryer tofu nuggets. Add it after marinating the tofu nuggets, shaking off any excess.
Breadcrumbs: For more traditional breaded style air fryer tofu nuggets, use panko breadcrumbs to coat the tofu. There’s no need for additional ingredients, as the marinade should make the pieces wet enough for the panko to stick.
Simple seasoning: A simple seasoning for this tofu in the air fryer would be to combine garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add them to the oil when coating the tofu nuggets/cubes.
Other spices/seasonings: There are almost endless ways to adapt this air fryer crispy tofu recipe. A few options include:
- Nutritional yeast (umami, 'cheesy', nutty flavor)
- Chili powder/cayenne powder
- Italian seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Curry powder

You could experiment with various marinades, too.

How to Air Fry Tofu?

1) First, press and chop the tofu into ½-inch cubes (or tear it into more uneven bite-sized tofu nuggets).

cubed tofu in a white bowl against a white surface

How To Press Tofu?

If you don’t have a specific ‘tofu press,’ it’s still really simple to do this step.

First, remove the tofu from its container and drain the liquid.
Then, place the tofu on a clean dish towel (or layers of paper towels) and wrap it up.
Place something heavy, like a cast-iron skillet or several heavy books over the tofu. Leave it to press for a minimum of 30 minutes, though an hour is even better.

2) Then, transfer the tofu to a medium bowl with the oil, and toss to coat. Add the soy sauce and black pepper, and toss again. Then leave the tofu cubes to marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

process shot of adding oil to cubed tofu in a white bowl

process shot of adding soy sauce to cubed tofu in a white bowl

For more flavor, you could marinate the tofu nuggets with the soy sauce and pepper BEFORE adding the oil (which can create a barrier).

3) Next, spread a single layer of the tofu cubes in your air fryer basket, leaving space in between each cube. If your model dictates it, then preheat the air fryer first.

4) Air fry the tofu for 12-15 minutes at 375F/190C, shaking at the 8-minute mark so that they are evenly browned and crispy.

Repeat this step if you’re cooking several batches. You can then place them all back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pre-frozen tofu?

Absolutely. In fact, some people might prefer to add this step to the recipe.

Freezing and thawing the tofu creates pockets within it, creating spongier texture, to soak up the marinade. Plus, the texture becomes chewier and ‘meatier’. It also makes pressing the tofu easier, which means super crispy air fryer tofu!

In fact, some methods have you freeze, thaw, press, then freeze and thaw again for even ‘meatier’ results. Experiment as you like.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

It isn’t necessary for my machine, but if yours requires it or you’d prefer to do so, it wouldn’t hurt.

Do I need to press the tofu?

While it’s possible to make crispy air-fried tofu without first pressing it, it doesn’t soak up the marinade as easily or become as crispy.

If you don’t have time for pressing or want to skip the step, I recommend using an extra firm, high-protein tofu. As it’s denser, it crisps up better without pressing.

Another option would be to freeze the tofu in advance. Then, as it thaws, it naturally releases tons of excess moisture with no long pressing (though a brief one is still required).

Can I omit the oil?

I wouldn’t recommend omitting it entirely if you want crispy air fryer tofu. However, you could reduce it by using an oil spray to spritz the pieces lightly before air frying them, rather than tossing them in oil.

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

Don’t overcrowd the basket: The air should be able to circulate all the way around each tofu nugget. If needed, cook them in batches.
Change the shape: This method will also work with tofu triangles like this pan-fried garlic tofu recipe, sticks, ‘torn’ tofu nuggets, etc. Just make them ½-inch thick.
Cooking time varies: Based on your type and air fryer model, so monitor them the first time following this recipe.
Experiment with flavors: This crispy air fryer tofu recipe is a delicious base, but don’t be afraid to experiment with various seasoning and marinade options.
To bake the tofu: It won’t be as crispy, but it is possible. Bake the tofu at 400F/200C for 25-30 minutes, flipping after 15.

How to Store?

Make ahead: You can store the pressed and sliced tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Storing: Allow it to cool, and then store the leftovers in an airtight container for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. It will soften the longer it sits.

Reheat: For the best, crispiest results, reheat the air fryer tofu nuggets back in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You could also use a skillet with a bit of oil.

Can You Freeze Air-Fried Tofu?

Freshly cooked crispy air fryer tofu is best for texture. However, technically, yes, you can freeze it.

To do so, spread it on a baking tray and flash freeze until solid (2-3 hours). Then transfer it to a freezer-safe container/ reusable bag for 3 months.

Note that the inner texture of the tofu will change upon thawing and become slightly chewier.

Serving Recommendations

This air fryer tofu is one of my favorite proteins for almost any meal. Here are just a few serving recommendations:

As a snack or appetizer with dip (ketchup, vegan mayo, BBQ sauce, etc.)
Tossed into salads
Add to wraps (i.e., with hummus and roasted veggies, lettuce wraps, or vegan fajitas)
Use in vegan tacos
Served with grains (like rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.) and veggies (i.e., grilled or roasted broccoli, cauliflower, green bean, asparagus, Brussel sprouts).
In grain bowls/ buddha bowls
Tossed into stir-fries
Mix into pasta dishes (like vegan mac and cheese, pesto pasta, creamy pasta, etc.)
With noodles
Enjoy in stews and curries

More Vegan Air Fryer Recipes

If you try this crispy air fryer tofu recipe, I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

This easy Air Fryer Tofu is golden and super crispy in just 15 minutes of cooking time and practically as crispy as deep-fried with minimal oil!

5 from 84 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 78 kcal

Equipment

▢
air fryer
▢
measuring spoons
▢
medium bowl

Ingredients

▢ 1 (16-ounce) package of extra firm tofu, heavily pressed and cut into ½-inch cubes
▢ 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
▢ 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
▢ ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

Place the tofu in a medium bowl with the oil and toss until it’s thoroughly coated. Add in the soy sauce and freshly ground pepper and mix together. Let it marinate for 30 minutes (or longer) in the refrigerator.
Spread a single layer of tofu in your air fryer. For the tofu to be evenly air fried, it’s best that the cubes don’t touch.
Set the temperature to 375 and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. At 8 minutes, shake up the tofu for an even cook, then put it back in the air fryer.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the basket: The air should be able to circulate all the way around each tofu nugget. If needed, cook them in batches.
Change the shape: This method will also work with tofu triangles, sticks, ‘torn’ tofu nuggets, etc. Just make them ½-inch thick.
Cooking time varies: Based on your type and air fryer model, so monitor them the first time following this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 9gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 574mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1IUCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg

Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Can You Air Fry Tofu?