This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is unbelievably easy and SO good! It’s proof that tofu absolutely can be full of flavor, crisp, and out-of-this-world delicious – just cook your tofu in an air fryer.
Table of Contents
- The Story Behind the Recipe
- Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
- Air Fryer Tofu Ingredients
- Adaptations/Variations
- 3 Different Ways to Press Your Air Fryer Tofu (or Not)
- How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
- Tip for Success
- More Tofu Recipes
- FAQs About Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
The Story Behind the Recipe
I first started air-frying tofu a few months ago when I was making a concerted effort to increase my protein intake (sometimes not so easy for a vegetarian!)
It’s just so easy to cut tofu into chunks, toss them with a handful of ingredients, and air fry them until they’re crisp and perfect. From there, I enjoy them on salads, as a quick snack, tossed in sauce, scattered on top of a bowl of simple ramen … myriad ways.
I’ll also often make this air fryer tofu in bulk just to keep in the fridge for a quick protein hit to add to all kinds of dishes. Or I’ll even freeze it then warm up a few hunks for a quick snack or protein addition. Honestly this air fryer tofu has become one of my staples!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
- Super crispy outside, flavorful inside – without a bunch of oil
- Fast and easy – just 30 minutes from beginning to end, or you can cut that down to 20 minutes if you skip the boiling or pressing step – with very little hands-on time.
- So many uses – I love how versatile this crispy air fryer tofu is. Salads, bowls, snacks … endless possibilities.
- GF/vegan – Not only is this air fryer tofu a great vegetarian protein option, it’s also gluten-free and vegan!
Air Fryer Tofu Ingredients
- Tofu – You’ll want to start with extra firm tofu – not firm or silken.
- Cornstarch – This helps to create the crispy outer layer for your air fryer tofu.
- Seasonings – I like a combo of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Olive oil – Just a bit helps create the crispy outer layer.
Adaptations/Variations
This Air Fryer Tofu recipe is endlessly adaptable. Just add the seasonings that suit your preference that day! Here are a couple of my favorite variations:
- Curried Air Fryer Tofu – Toss 2 teaspoons of curry powder with the tofu.
- Herbed Air Fryer Tofu – Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and double the garlic powder.
3 Different Ways to Press Your Air Fryer Tofu (or Not)
- Boil the tofu (you read that right!): This secret flavor-infusing method is fairly counterintuitive: You boil the tofu in salt water, first! This process takes place of pressing the tofu because the salt in the water adds flavor while also removing moisture. It also gives the tofu a firm, bouncy texture that holds together in the air fryer. The result is tofu that’s flavorful on the inside and crunchy on the outside. It’s my new favorite way to make it!
- Use a tofu press: Press your tofu the traditional way in a press to extract any liquid. You can also place the tofu on a paper-towel-lined plate, top it with a few more paper towels, and then carefully place some plates on top. Just watch the stack carefully! I recently lost a tower of dishes this way, which made for a terrifying crash and several plate casualties. So sad.
- Skip the press and just blot it: You actually don’t need to press your tofu when you cook tofu in an air fryer. Just blot it with paper towels to extract some of the water. You might end up with a few errant crumbles of tofu and it’s not quite as crispy or flavor-infused, but honestly still delicious, and a shortcut I take all the time.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
- Cut the tofu into squares – approx 3/4-inch cubes. You can also tear the tofu into chunks for more crispy, craggy edges
- (Optional) Press the tofu. You can either do this by boiling it or by using a press.
- Next, place the tofu in a large bowl and sprinkle with the cornstarch and seasonings. Toss gently until the tofu is well-coated in the seasonings and cornstarch.
- Drizzle on the olive oil and toss it again.
- Spread the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for about 20 minutes, tossing it at about the 15 minute mark to help ensure every side gets crispy and golden-delicious.
Tip for Success
- For the most flavorful air fryer tofu, I strongly recommend you try the salt water bath! I know it adds 10 minutes to your time, but I promise it adds so much flavor to your tofu and it’ll be wonderfully crisp. You can press it instead if you prefer, and the texture will still be great that way, but it won’t have quite as much flavor.
I hope you love this Crispy Air Fryer Tofu as much as I do! It’s such a versatile vegetarian protein option, full of all the good stuff and absolutely delicious too.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
For the salted water (if using)
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
For the air-fryer tofu
- 1 block extra-firm tofu (cut into approx. 3/4-inch cubes*)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the tofu
- Option 1 – Salt water boil: To a medium saucepan set over high heat, add 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Add the tofu and boil for 10 minutes. Strain the tofu with a colander and drain well. Best flavor!
- Option 2 – Press: Use a tofu press or a stack of plates to press the excess liquid out of the tofu.
- Option 3 – Skip the press and just blot: I like to cut the tofu into slabs then use paper towels to blot the excess liquid and then proceed with the recipe. Excellent shortcut!
Toss tofu with cornstarch, seasonings, and oil
- Place the tofu in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the tofu is well-coated. Drizzle the olive oil on top and toss again.
Cook tofu in air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Spread the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 20 minutes, checking it and giving it a quick toss at the 15-minute mark.
- Serve as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
More Tofu Recipes
- Tofu Fried Rice
- Crispy Buffalo Tofu
- Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu
- Watermelon & Marinated Tofu “Feta” Skewers
FAQs About Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Can I use soft tofu?
Soft tofu is too delicate and won’t get crispy. Stick to firm or extra-firm varieties.
Do I need to use oil?
A small amount of oil helps with browning but you can reduce or skip it for a lower-fat option.
Can I freeze cooked tofu?
Yes! Let the tofu cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Hi! I’m Karen – I’m a real person with real recipes. No A.I. here! Since 2009, every recipe on Kitchen Treaty is thoroughly tested and loved before I hit “publish.” I’m a home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m a vegetarian married to a carnivore, and my goal is to coexist deliciously.
