Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a delightful dish that combines a crunchy outside with a soft, tender inside. The tofu is perfectly seasoned and cooked in the air fryer, making it wonderfully crispy without any heavy oil. It’s a great way to enjoy tofu whether you’re new to it or a longtime fan, and it’s ready in no time.
I love making this crispy tofu because it’s so simple and less messy than frying in a pan. I usually press the tofu a bit to get all the moisture out and then toss it with a mix of spices before popping it into the air fryer. The result is always a satisfying crunch that makes tofu exciting and tasty.
My favorite way to serve this crispy tofu is tossed in a salad or served over steamed rice with a drizzle of soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. It holds up well as a snack too, making it perfect for any time of day. I find that once you try this method, making tofu crispy becomes a no-brainer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu: This type of tofu holds its shape best and crisps up nicely. Avoid silken tofu, as it’s too soft and won’t crisp well. If you can, press the tofu to get rid of extra moisture for a firmer bite.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Tamari is a great gluten-free option that tastes similar. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy-free substitute.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: These help create the crispy coating on tofu. Cornstarch is easiest to find, but arrowroot works well and can make it slightly lighter.
Sesame Oil: Adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a mild olive or avocado oil instead, but you’ll miss that toasted note.
How Do I Get Super Crispy Tofu in the Air Fryer?
Getting tofu crispy is all about drying, coating, and cooking it the right way. Follow these steps for the best crunch:
- Press tofu well: Wrap tofu in a towel and put weight on it for 15-20 minutes. This removes water and keeps tofu from steaming inside the air fryer.
- Coat evenly: Toss tofu in marinade first, then cornstarch. Don’t skip the starch—it’s key to that crispy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd: Place tofu pieces in a single layer so hot air circulates well. Shake or flip halfway through cooking to get even crispiness on all sides.
- Cook at the right temp: Air fry at 375°F (190°C). This heat crisps up the outside without drying out the inside.
Following these easy tips will have you enjoying crispy tofu every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I find it quick and convenient for making tofu crispy without much oil.
- Kitchen towel or paper towels – helps press out excess moisture from the tofu for better crispiness.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping the tofu into even pieces.
- Mixing bowls – to marinate and toss the tofu in cornstarch and seasonings.
- Measuring spoons – ensures accurate amounts of soy sauce, oils, and spices.
- Perforated parchment liner or cooking spray – prevents sticking while cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option with a slightly sweeter taste.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for some heat and extra flavor.
- Stir in sliced bell peppers or snap peas after cooking for a fresh vegetable boost.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of tahini to add zest or creaminess.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for tossing)
- 2 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes prep time to press and cut the tofu, 15 minutes to marinate, and around 15-20 minutes cooking in the air fryer. Total time is about 35-40 minutes including pressing and cooking. It’s quick and easy to whip up a tasty crispy tofu treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Press the Tofu:
Start by removing the tofu from its package and drain any excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then place a heavy object like a cast iron skillet or several books on top. Let it press for 15-20 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture. This step helps the tofu get crispy.
2. Cut the Tofu:
Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Try to keep them even so they cook consistently.
3. Marinate the Tofu:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, maple syrup (if using), and a pinch of salt. Toss the tofu cubes gently in this marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
4. Coat the Tofu:
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes. Toss them gently to coat each piece evenly. The cornstarch helps create a crispy outside once cooked.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
6. Air Fry the Tofu:
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil or place a perforated parchment liner inside to prevent sticking. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap for even cooking. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the tofu halfway through to crisp all sides evenly.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once golden and crispy, transfer the tofu to a serving plate. Drizzle any leftover marinade over for extra flavor if you like. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions to finish.
Serve immediately as a snack or use it to top salads, rice bowls, or stir-fries. Enjoy your crispy, delicious air fryer tofu!
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen tofu works great because freezing changes its texture, making it even firmer and chewier. Just thaw it completely in the fridge or under cold running water, then press out any extra moisture before marinating and air frying.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Crispy Tofu?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the tofu back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain its crispiness.
Can I Skip Pressing the Tofu?
Pressing tofu is highly recommended to remove excess moisture, which helps it crisp up better. If you’re in a hurry, pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels, but expect a softer texture and less crispiness.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch make great substitutes for a crispy coating. You can also try all-purpose flour, but it may produce a slightly denser crust.