Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

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This easy air fryer tofu is crispy, delicious, and comes together in a flash! Perfect for stuffing sandwiches, topping salads, or just snacking!

Well, I did it. I kind of got an air fryer. I say “kind of” because I actually got a new oven with a built-in air frying function. I’m super psyched about it though, and I chose my oven specifically for the air fryer element.

I’ve been playing around with it for a bit and so far this air fryer tofu recipe is my favorite. As much as I love good old baked tofu, nothing really compares to the crispy texture you get when you air fry tofu.

And, best of all, this method requires very little oil. It’s the crispiest tofu you can make without having to deep fry. This is my new favorite way to prepare tofu!

Let’s talk about how this easy recipe comes together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need four simple ingredients to make this recipe!

• Tofu. I like super firm tofu best for this recipe. Extra-firm tofu will also work, but you’ll need to press it in order to remove any excess water. I don’t recommend using silken tofu or soft tofu.
• Cornstarch.
• Oil. Just about any high-heat oil will work. I like peanut oil for this recipe, but olive oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil are all good choices as well!
• Soy sauce. Feel free to substitute tamari or liquid aminos.

Optional Seasonings

The recipe will work out just fine and be totally delicious with just the ingredients listed above, but if you’d like to add some extra flavor, try one or more of the following seasonings.

• Cumin.
• Smoked paprika.
• Ginger.
• Onion powder.
• Garlic powder.
• Cayenne pepper.
• Black pepper.
• Toasted sesame oil.
• Liquid smoke.

How It’s Made

The following is a detailed photo tutorial on how to make this dish. Scroll all the way down if you’d like to skip right to the recipe!

• Cut your tofu into bite-sized pieces. The recipe asks you to cut 1-inch cubes, but feel free to make them larger, smaller, or of a different shape.
• Place the tofu pieces into a bowl with the cornstarch, oil, soy sauce, and any spices you’d like to add. Stir everything up to evenly coat the tofu.

• Place the tofu pieces in your air fryer basket. Be sure to arrange them in a single layer, so they’re not touching. This might require you to cook your tofu in batches.

• Air fry the tofu for about 15 minutes at 425°F, until the pieces are browned and crispy.

• Now enjoy your super flavorful tofu! Try serving your air fryer tofu with some chopped fresh chives (or green onions) and your favorite dipping sauce. I like to enjoy mine with some hot sauce or vegan barbecue sauce.
• Even tofu haters will love this dish!

Leftovers & Storage

Air fryer tofu is best served right away, when it’s at it’s crispiest! If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yup! Just use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce.

How is air fryer tofu served?

You can make it a main dish and pair it with a few sides, sprinkle it on a salad or grain bowl, add it to a stir fry, stuff it on a sandwich, serve it as an appetizer with dipping sauce, or snack on it by the handful. It’s excellent for meal prep!

Can this recipe be made without an air fryer?

It sure can! Place the tofu cubes on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and bake them for about 30 minutes at 400°F, turning halfway through.