Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a simple, tasty way to enjoy tofu with a satisfyingly crunchy outside and a soft, tender inside. This recipe uses an air fryer to make the tofu perfectly crispy without needing a lot of oil, which makes it lighter but still full of flavor.
I love making this recipe when I want a quick snack or a protein-packed addition to any meal. The air fryer does all the work to give the tofu that great crunch, and I like to toss it in my favorite sauce after cooking for an extra kick. It’s one of those dishes where you don’t miss frying in a pan at all!
My favorite way to eat crispy air fryer tofu is over a bowl of rice or with some steamed veggies on the side. It’s great for meal prep too because the tofu stays crunchy even after reheating. Give this a try anytime you want a healthy, crispy treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu: This type holds its shape well and crisps nicely. Silken tofu won’t work here because it’s too soft. If firm tofu isn’t available, extra-firm is your best bet.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: I use tamari for gluten-free cooking. Both add savory saltiness. If you want less salt, try a low-sodium version.
Sesame Oil: It gives a nutty aroma and flavor. You can swap it with olive oil or avocado oil, but the taste will be milder.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: This is key for getting tofu crispy. Cornstarch works well, but arrowroot is a great alternative if you want a more neutral taste or are avoiding corn.
How Do You Get Tofu Super Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting tofu crispy needs two main things: removing moisture and a light coat of starch.
- Pressing tofu: This step is necessary to remove water. Wrap tofu in towels and place something heavy on top for at least 15 minutes. The drier it is, the better it crisps up.
- Even coating: Toss tofu with a bit of oil and cornstarch/arrowroot in a bowl so every side gets covered. This creates a crunchy skin when air fried.
- Air fryer setup: Preheat your air fryer and arrange tofu in a single layer without overcrowding. Shake or turn halfway to crisp all sides evenly.
Following these steps will help you get tofu with that satisfying crunch outside and soft inside, just like in the picture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting board and sharp knife – I like these because they make chopping tofu into even cubes easy.
- Kitchen towel or paper towels – helpful for pressing excess moisture out of the tofu.
- Medium bowl – perfect for mixing your marinade and tossing the tofu.
- Measuring spoons – keep everything precise without guessing.
- Air fryer – this is key for crisping the tofu quickly without frying in oil.
- Cooking spray or brush – optional, for a little extra crispiness when air frying.
- Spatula or tongs – handy for turning tofu cubes during cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up with curry powder or chili flakes when tossing the tofu for a bold flavor.
- Glaze with hoisin or teriyaki sauce after cooking for a sweet and savory finish.
- Add chopped peanuts or cashews on top for crunch and extra protein.
- Mix in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to make it a stir-fry.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tofu:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1-2 tbsp cooking oil spray (optional, for extra crispiness)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15-30 minutes to press and marinate the tofu, then 15-20 minutes to air fry it. Total time is roughly 35-50 minutes depending on how long you press the tofu.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Wrap your tofu block in a clean towel or paper towels and place something heavy on top, like a book or a pan. Let it press for 15-30 minutes to squeeze out extra moisture. This step helps the tofu get crispy when cooking.
2. Cut the Tofu:
After pressing, slice the tofu into even 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
3. Marinate the Tofu:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, and maple syrup or honey if you like a touch of sweetness. Gently toss the tofu cubes in this mixture until all are well coated. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
4. Coat with Cornstarch:
Sprinkle the cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the marinated tofu. Toss gently so each tofu piece is coated evenly—this will create a delicious crispy layer when air fried.
5. Preheat and Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the basket with some oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer without overcrowding—this helps them crisp up. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the cubes halfway through cooking.
6. Check Crispiness and Serve:
The tofu should be golden, crispy, and delicious on the outside. If you want it extra crispy, cook for 2-3 more minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Perfect by itself, on salads, in bowls, or with your favorite dipping sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen tofu works great because freezing changes its texture, making it chewier and more absorbent. Just thaw it completely, squeeze out all the water, and proceed with pressing and marinating as usual.
How Should I Store Leftover Crispy Tofu?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy, reheat in the air fryer or oven instead of the microwave.
Can I Skip Pressing the Tofu?
Pressing is important to remove excess moisture and help the tofu crisp up well. If you’re in a hurry, you can pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels, but pressing will give much better results.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder is a good alternative to cornstarch for a crispy coating. You can also try tapioca starch, but avoid flour as it won’t get as crispy.