This Air Fryer Tofu comes out super crispy with just 5 simple ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish. It's an easy, no-fuss recipe that's packed with flavor and perfect for adding to bowls, salads, or anything you're cooking. If you're looking for a quick way to make tofu that actually turns out crunchy and delicious, this is it!
I make this air fryer tofu all the time because it's one of those recipes that just works. It's super straightforward, and once the tofu is pressed, it just needs a quick marinade, a light coating of cornstarch, and a few minutes in the air fryer to get that crispy outside and tender center. There's no sticking to the pan and no deep frying involved. It's one of those easy, reliable recipes I can make on a busy day and know it'll always come out great.
I use this air fryer tofu in so many different ways because it's really versatile. Some days I toss it into bowls with rice and veggies, other times I add it to salads, noodles, or stir-fries, and it always works. You can also pair it with your favorite sauce or keep it simple as a quick protein for any meal. It stores well, too, so I often make extra to use throughout the week. It's an easy way to add something tasty and satisfying to whatever I'm cooking.
If you love tofu as much as I do, I've got a few more easy options you might like. My Baked Tofu is great when you want something hands-off, my Fried Tofu is perfect when you're craving a crispier bite, and my Tofu Chicken Nuggets are a fun, kid-friendly option that everyone enjoys. They all pair really well with sauces, bowls, or simple weeknight meals.
Air Fryer Tofu Ingredients
- Firm tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and gets nice and crispy in the air fryer. Soft or silken tofu won't work for this recipe since they're too delicate and will fall apart.
- Soy sauce: I use regular soy sauce, but you can swap it for tamari if you need a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos also work and add a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Garlic powder: It adds a nice savory flavor, but if you're not into garlic, you can leave it out or substitute it with onion powder.
- Oil: I use olive oil, but avocado oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil will work just fine.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps the tofu get extra crispy, but arrowroot starch or potato starch are great alternatives.
Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
- Press the tofu with a kitchen towel and something heavy for 15-30 minutes to help it crisp up. This step is optional if you're short on time.
- Cut it into cubes and mix them in a bowl with the soy sauce, oil, and garlic powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight, or move on if you're in a hurry.
- Drain any leftover marinade, add the tofu and cornstarch to a large ziploc bag, seal it, and shake until everything is evenly coated. You can do this in a bowl, but the bag coats it more evenly and makes it crispier. You can also skip the cornstarch, but the tofu won't get as crispy.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC) for 3-5 minutes. Place the tofu in a single layer in the basket. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to cook it in two rounds.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the tofu turns golden and crispy, shaking the basket every 5 minutes so it cooks evenly.
- Once it's done, take the tofu out of the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it with your favorite sauce or add it to any dish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store the leftover tofu in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It will soften a bit in the fridge, but it still reheats really well.
- Freezer: You can freeze it, but the texture changes and becomes a bit chewier. If you don't mind that, freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Reheat it in the air fryer at 350ºF (180ºC) for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy again. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, although the microwave won't keep it crispy.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy air fryer tofu is super versatile and pairs well with all kinds of flavors. Serve it with simple sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, Vegan Mayo, Vegan Chipotle Mayo, Vegan Chipotle Sauce, or Vegan Aioli.
It's also amazing as an extra boost of protein in recipes like Vegan Fried Rice, Veggie Stir Fry, or Vegetable Curry.
You can add it to bowls with rice, quinoa, or noodles, toss it into salads, or tuck it into wraps and burritos. It's even great as a high-protein snack straight from the air fryer.
No matter how you use it, this crispy tofu adds flavor, texture, and plant-based protein to just about anything.
More Tofu Recipes
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Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, 14-16 ounces (400-450 g)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil, I used olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional but recommended for extra crispiness
Instructions
- Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing something heavy on top for 15-30 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture so the tofu gets crispier, but you can skip it if you're short on time.
- Cut the tofu into cubes and place them in a bowl. Add the soy sauce, oil, and garlic powder, and mix well. Marinate it for at least 15 minutes or overnight for the best flavor, but if you're in a hurry you can move straight to the next step.
- Drain the tofu and discard the leftover marinade. Transfer the cubes to a large ziploc bag, add the cornstarch, seal the bag, and shake until everything is evenly coated. You can do this step in a bowl, but the bag usually coats the tofu more uniformly and makes it crispier. If you prefer, you can skip the cornstarch, but the tofu won't get quite as crispy.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC) for about 3-5 minutes. Transfer the tofu cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook half the tofu at a time.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket every 5 minutes so it cooks evenly.
- Remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it with your favorite sauce or add it to any dish you like.
Notes
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The tofu softens a bit but reheats well.
- You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture becomes a little chewier.
- Reheat it in the air fryer at 350ºF (180ºC) for 3-5 minutes, or warm it in a skillet or microwave.
- The prep time doesn't include pressing or marinating the tofu because both are optional.
Bryce says
Hi do you have a physical cook book available that features your most popular recipes?
Iosune says
Hi Bryce! No, we haven't, thanks for asking anyways 🙂
Margaret Carmen says
I love the idea of creating crisp tofu in the air fryer! I will definitely give this technique a try. It will be a great addition to a stir fry. My family will love this!
Jdi says
It’s easy and yummy ,I add alittle cornstarch to the mix ,makes it crispier in my fryer
Iosune says
Hi Jdi! Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Adding a little cornstarch is a great idea. It really does help make it crispier. Thanks for sharing your tip!
David B says
I love air fryer tofu! I also like to throw in some nutritional yeast on occasion.
Iosune Robles says
I love nutritional yeast 🙂
DeAnne Norton says
Can you marinate for longer? Like make the night before for dinner the next night and just air fryer it the next night?
Iosune Robles says
Hi! That's a good option 🙂