Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a simple, crunchy, and delicious way to enjoy tofu without the fuss of deep frying. The outside gets perfectly golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and tender. This recipe uses just a few ingredients, but the result is full of flavor and texture that makes it a perfect snack or a main dish addition.
I love making this tofu because it’s quick and less messy than frying, and the air fryer does all the work. A little seasoning and a touch of oil help the tofu get that amazing crispiness that everyone loves. I usually press the tofu first to get rid of the extra moisture—this is my little secret to making sure it gets super crispy. It’s also great for meal prep since you can make a batch and add it to salads, stir-fries, or just snack on it right away.
My favorite way to serve crispy air fryer tofu is with a dipping sauce, like a tangy soy garlic sauce or a spicy peanut sauce. It’s always a hit when I bring it to friends because it feels special but is so easy to make. If you like tofu but haven’t tried making it in the air fryer yet, this recipe might just change the way you cook it forever!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu is best here because it holds its shape when air-fried. Silken tofu won’t crisp up well. If you’re in a pinch, pressing tofu before cooking is crucial to remove moisture and get that crunch.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Tamari is gluten-free, so swap if you have gluten sensitivities. Both add umami and saltiness to the tofu. I like low-sodium versions to control salt level.
Sesame Oil: This adds a nice nutty flavor, but if you don’t have it, any mild vegetable oil works. Just avoid high smoke point oils as they can overpower.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: These are your secret weapons for crispiness. Cornstarch creates a golden crust, while arrowroot offers a lighter, delicate crunch. Both work great.
How Can I Get My Tofu Super Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Pressing tofu, coating it with starch, and cooking at the right temperature are the keys! Here’s how to do it right:
- Press tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to squash out water—you can use a tofu press or just a heavy object on a towel.
- Cut tofu into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking and crispiness.
- Marinate your tofu to add flavor, then toss in starch to get that crispy crust.
- Preheat the air fryer so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—space cubes so air can circulate to crisp all sides.
- Shake or flip halfway through cooking to brown evenly on all sides.
These steps have worked every time for me, giving tofu that perfect crispy outside and soft inside without any frying mess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend one that fits your countertop; it cooks quickly and gives a crisp texture.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for slicing the tofu into even cubes, which helps with even cooking.
- Mixing bowls – to toss the tofu with the marinade and coating ingredients.
- Measuring spoons – to measure soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices accurately.
- Cooking spray or a brush – to lightly grease the air fryer basket and prevent sticking.
- Kitchen towel or tofu press – for pressing out excess moisture before cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different spices like cumin, chili powder, or curry powder to change the flavor profile—great for spicy or smoky tastes.
- Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more robust flavor.
- Add grated ginger or squeeze fresh lime over the cooked tofu for a fresh twist.
- Mix in chopped veggies like bell peppers or broccoli before cooking for a veggie fiber boost.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for the air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. Pressing the tofu takes about 15-20 minutes, then 10 minutes to marinate, and around 12-15 minutes to air fry until crispy. It’s a quick and easy meal prep favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Drain your tofu and press it by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top for at least 15-20 minutes to squeeze out the extra moisture. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
2. Marinate the Tofu:
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup (or honey), garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Add your tofu cubes and gently toss to coat them evenly. If you have time, let them marinate for 10 minutes to soak in more flavor.
3. Coat and Air Fry the Tofu:
Sprinkle cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the marinated tofu. Toss gently again until each piece is well coated. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer without touching, so they cook evenly. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking or flipping the cubes halfway through for even crispiness. When the tofu is golden brown and crispy, transfer to a plate.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the crispy tofu with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately as a delicious snack, or add it to rice bowls, salads, or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty meal.
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen tofu works great and actually becomes even firmer after freezing. Just thaw it completely in the fridge or in cold water, then press out any excess moisture before marinating and air frying.
How Do 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 at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes instead of microwaving.
Can I Skip the Cornstarch or Arrowroot?
You can skip the starch, but the tofu won’t be as crispy. The starch coating is key to getting that golden, crunchy texture in the air fryer.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu?
This tofu pairs wonderfully with rice bowls, steamed veggies, salads, or your favorite dipping sauces like spicy mayo, teriyaki, or peanut sauce.
