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!
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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 (like this perfect instant pot jasmine rice), and more! You can even meal prep these little air fryer tofu nuggets in advance and reheat them in just a few minutes!
Looking for more air fryer vegan recipes? Try out our Air Fryer Nachos, Air fryer Pizza Rolls, and/or Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties.
The Ingredients
This basic air-fried tofu recipe requires just four pantry-friendly ingredients.
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?
Step 1: First, press and chop the tofu into ½-inch cubes (or tear it into more uneven bite-sized tofu nuggets).
Step 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.
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.
For more flavor, you could marinate the tofu nuggets with the soy sauce and pepper BEFORE adding the oil (which can create a barrier).
Step 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.
Step 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.
FAQs
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.
It isn’t necessary for my machine, but if yours requires it or you’d prefer to do so, it wouldn’t hurt.
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).
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.
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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.
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 this perfect instant pot jasmine 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
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.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Video
Equipment
- air fryer
- 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.
Andrea says
Comes out crispy every time! So good!
Tina says
So crispy!!
Andrea says
The crispiest!
Ley says
Do you know how much sodium is in a serving of using light soy sauce?
Andrea says
Hi! Just did a quick google search and saw one light soy sauce nutrition facts label that said 1089mg. I'm sure they're different across the board!
Teodora says
So crispy, delicious and simple!
Andrea says
Right?! Perfect with so many dishes!
Gina H. says
A new favorite! Now that my husband has gone plant-based, we've been swapping out animal protein for tofu for his meals. This is such a delicious, easy, and fun snack for us both to share. Great along with a stir-fry and steamed rice, too!
Andrea says
Oh how awesome! Definitely a winner with stir-frys and rice dishes also!
dave says
crispy tofu are the best. i had no idea it was so easy to make in the air fryer. I should really get one!
Andrea says
Right?! You should - it saves so much time!
Katie says
This tofu is perfectly crispy and delicious!
Andrea says
It's my fave!
Amanda says
I could eat this tofu on pretty much everything! Yes, please!
Andrea says
Agreed! It's great with everything!
Janaye says
The flavour! Looks like it tastes amazing.
Andrea says
Nothing like crispy tofu!
Danielle says
Best air fryer tofu recipe I’ve tried yet- thank you!! So crispy and delicious 😋
Andrea says
Agreed! So easy to make and comes out crisp every time!
KEVIN FOODIE says
Not a big fan of tofu, But I am intrigued with anything cooked in an air fryer. The tofu definitely looks crispy.
Andrea says
It might just surprise you! 🙂
Stacy says
Great helpful recipe! I use this as a foundation for prep and cook time, then change up the flavor with different marinade ingredients. It’s so simple, but just what I needed to finally get fried tofu right.
Andrea says
Love that so much! It's a staple for us too. So easy and delicious!
Nicole says
I have found a new favorite way to make tofu! This is perfect to top anything with extra protein!
Andrea says
Right?! So so easy!
Tiffany says
I love this in my bowls for lunch! And I love using the air fryer for it..so easy!
Andrea says
Gotta love the air fryer and how easy it is to make crispy!
Audrey says
Turned out great in the air fryer.
Andrea says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love crispy tofu and this is so good! This recipe is easy to follow and comes out simply amazing.
Andrea says
You and me both! So glad you enjoyed it!
Katie says
This air fryer tofu was too good! Going to make it again soon.
Andrea says
Right?! It's amazing!