Go Back
Print

Air Fryer Tofu

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is golden and crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and easy to make with simple seasonings. It is ready in about 20 minutes and makes a delicious vegan, protein-packed meal.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer tofu, air fryer tofu recipe, crispy air fryer tofu, vegan air fryer tofu
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Calories 140kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer
  • papaer towel or kitchen towels
  • large mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 14 oz (397 g) extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp olive oil(optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tsp cornstarch -optional, for extra crispiness

Instructions

1- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into evenly sized cubes, about ¾ to 1 inch. Pat the tofu dry with paper towels.

    2-Season the tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil if using, along with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until evenly coated.

      3- For an extra-crispy coating, lightly dust the tofu with cornstarch. This step is optional.

        4- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

          5- Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Air fry tofu at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.

            6- Shake the basket around the 6–7 minute mark to help the tofu brown evenly.

              7- For extra crunch, air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes, checking frequently.

                8- Serve the tofu immediately while hot for the best crispy texture

                  Notes

                  • Use extra-firm tofu for the crispiest results.
                  • Pressing removes excess moisture and helps the tofu crisp.
                  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
                  • Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
                  • Cornstarch is optional; you can make crispy tofu without it.
                  • A small amount of oil can help with browning, but the tofu can also be made oil-free.

                  Nutrition

                  Per serving:
                  • Calories: 140 kcal
                  • Protein: 10 g
                  • Fat: 8 g
                  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
                  My air fryer tofu secret: Instead of pressing the tofu, boil it briefly in salted water before air frying. This helps remove excess moisture and gives the tofu a firmer texture that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.