When you make tofu in an air fryer, it turns out crispy outside and tender inside with minimal oil. The cooking method is easy and delivers flavorful tofu for bowls, salads, wraps, or quick weeknight meals.
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I like having a few simple plant-based meals I can rely on during the week, and this crispy air fryer tofu recipe has become one of my go-to options. It gives me a crisp texture on the outside without needing much oil, and it cooks in a fraction of the time compared to other methods. It is also easy to pair with a rice bowl, vegetables, or whatever I already have in the fridge.
I started making tofu more often once I realized how flexible it can be in different meals. Recipes like my teriyaki tofu option using my homemade gluten-free teriyaki sauce and my broccoli tofu stir fry helped me build a small rotation that works for busy nights. Having a few reliable tofu recipes makes it easier to keep plant-based dinners simple without repeating the same thing every week.
Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu - Provides a sturdy texture that holds its shape in the air fryer while becoming crispy outside and tender inside.
- Potato starch - Creates a light coating that helps the tofu crisp up and develop a golden exterior.
- Sea salt - Enhances the natural flavor of the tofu and balances the overall taste.
- Ground black pepper - Adds mild heat and subtle depth that complements the crispy coating.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Completely drain tofu and dry with paper towels. Place the tofu on a paper-lined plate and keep changing the paper towels.
Pre-heat Air Fryer to 395°F (200°C). Set at 40 minutes for 2 trays. Slice the block of tofu into 32 squares.
In a small bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic, and smoked sweet paprika. Coat the tofu cubes in flour mixture.
Shake off the excess flour and place on a well-greased air fryer basket or tray in a single layer to provide enough space for air to flow.
Air fry or 25 to 30 minutes, flipping each tofu halfway through. Transfer the second tray or basket into the air fryer after removing the first tray, and continue to cook for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Hint: Press the tofu well before coating it. Removing excess moisture helps the potato starch stick better and ensures the tofu gets crisp in the air fryer.
Variations
- Change the seasoning - Toss the tofu with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, lemon pepper, or your favorite spice blend.
- Add a sauce after cooking - Coat the crispy tofu in teriyaki, buffalo, sweet chili, peanut sauce, or a simple soy-garlic glaze.
- Make it savory or spicy - Add cayenne, sriracha, or hot sauce for heat, or keep it simple with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Switch the coating - Use cornstarch instead of potato starch, or mix in nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
- Turn it into different meals - Use the tofu in rice bowls, salads, wraps, noodle dishes, tacos, or grain bowls.
- Add texture - Sprinkle sesame seeds, green onions, or crushed nuts after cooking for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips
Top tip: Cut the tofu into evenly sized cubes so everything cooks at the same rate so the air fried tofu crisps up consistently.
- Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to help the coating start crisping immediately.
- Don't overcrowd the basket or tray. Leave space between pieces so hot air can circulate properly.
- Flip the pieces or shake the basket halfway through cooking to crisp all sides evenly.
- Lightly spray the coated tofu with oil to improve browning and crunch.
- Adjust cook time as needed as air fryers can vary and you want easy piece to be perfectly crispy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning right after cooking, while the tofu is still hot, so flavors stick better.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, since air-fried tofu is crispiest right after cooking. It's best served with seasoned soy sauce.
Storage
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the tofu cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture from softening the coating. Keeping it in a single layer or placing a paper towel in the container can help absorb moisture and maintain texture.
To reheat, use the air fryer for the best results since it helps bring back the crispiness. Heat the tofu at about 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until warmed and crisp again. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, though microwaving works if you don't mind a softer texture.
FAQs
Yes, pressing removes excess moisture so the coating sticks better. It also ensures you get crispy air fryer tofu.
Extra-firm tofu works best for crispiness, but firm tofu also works; soft or silken tofu is not recommended.
Coat the tofu evenly in starch, avoid overcrowding the basket, and lightly spray with oil before you cook tofu in the air fryer.
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Recipe
Tofu in an Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 19.4 ounces block of extra firm tofu 550 grams net weight)
- 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour use 2 to 3 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt add more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper add more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1 to 2 tablespoons oil for greasing tray and seasoned tofu
Instructions
- Completely drain tofu and dry with paper towels. Place the tofu on a paper-lined plate and keep changing the paper towels.
- Pre-heat Air Fryer to 396°F (202°C). Set at 40 minutes for 2 trays.
- Slice the block of tofu into 32 squares.
- In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients - flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic, and smoked sweet paprika.
- Transfer the flour mixture to a plate and coat each tofu piece.
- After coating all sides of tofu with the seasoned flour, shake off the excess mixture and transfer the coated tofu on a well-greased Air Fryer tray.
- Place coated tofu on a single layer and provide enough space for air to flow.
- Slowly insert the tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch if using an Air Fryer Oven. Place the second tray below the first tray, above the drip tray.
- If using an Air Fryer basket, place the coated tofu on a crisper plate, then follow accordingly.
- Air Fry for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping each tofu halfway through. There is no need to wait for the "turn food" reminder provided by the Air Fryer Oven.
- Transfer the second tray into the middle cooking chamber after removing the first tray, and continue to Air Fry for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve these Air Fryer Crispy Tofu with your favorite dipping sauce.
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