Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a simple, crunchy, and delicious way to enjoy tofu without the fuss of frying in oil. The outside gets perfectly golden and crisp while the inside stays tender and soft, making it a great snack or addition to any meal. With just a few seasonings, this tofu brings a satisfying texture and flavor that’s hard to beat.
I love making this crispy tofu because it’s quick and much less messy than deep frying. The air fryer does all the hard work, so you get that crispy bite with less oil, which makes it feel lighter but still super tasty. I usually toss the tofu cubes in a simple mix of soy sauce, garlic powder, and a little cornstarch before popping it in the air fryer—this combo gives it that nice crunch and a touch of savory flavor.
My favorite way to enjoy crispy air fryer tofu is on top of a fresh salad or mixed into a grain bowl with lots of veggies and a drizzle of sauce. It’s also great for dipping into your favorite dressings or sauces. Whenever I serve this, everyone asks for seconds because it’s just that good and easy to eat. It’s a little crunchy treat that feels special even on a busy weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu: This type holds up best for crisping and keeps its shape. Silken tofu won’t work well here because it’s too soft. If you want a crispier tofu, pressing is key to remove moisture.
Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: These add great flavor and a bit of nuttiness. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can skip sesame oil if you don’t have it, but it adds a nice aroma.
Cornstarch: This is what creates the crispy outer crust. Arrowroot powder or potato starch work well in its place. Don’t skip this step if you want that crunch!
Olive Oil: Optional, but a little boost for crispiness in the air fryer. You can also use avocado or any neutral oil you prefer.
How Do You Get Tofu Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
The secret is pressing and coating the tofu properly before air frying. Here’s how I do it:
- Press the tofu: Wrap in a towel and put a weight on top for 15-20 minutes to squeeze out water. This helps the cubes crisp better and not steam inside.
- Marinate: Toss tofu in soy sauce and oils for flavor, but don’t soak it too long. Just enough to coat.
- Coat with starch: Sprinkle cornstarch evenly and toss gently to cover. This step is key to getting that golden, crunchy shell.
- Air fry in one layer: Don’t crowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed and shake or flip halfway through to crisp every side.
Following these steps gives you tofu with a beautifully crisp exterior and soft inside, making it perfect for topping salads, adding to bowls, or enjoying as a snack with your favorite sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it crisps the tofu evenly with less oil.
- Large mixing bowl – makes tossing the tofu in marinade and coating easy.
- Pressed tofu or heavy object – helps remove excess water, making the tofu crispier.
- Knife and cutting board – for cutting the tofu into cubes.
- Measuring spoons – for soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings.
- Cooking spray or a little oil – optional, for extra crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a different flavor or for a soy-free version.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to spice things up.
- Mix in chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley after cooking for freshness.
- Serve with a drizzle of peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes in total. Pressing the tofu to remove water takes 15-20 minutes, and air frying takes about 15-20 minutes with some shaking halfway through. Prep is quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pressing and Cutting the Tofu:
First, drain the tofu well. Wrap the block in a clean towel or paper towels, place it on a plate, and put a heavy object on top, like a cast iron skillet or book. Let it press for 15-20 minutes to remove excess water. Then, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. Marinating and Coating:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil if you’re using it. Add the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again gently to coat each cube well. This will help make the tofu crispy.
3. Air Frying the Tofu:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the tofu halfway through to get an even, golden crispiness. Once done, transfer to a plate, garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen tofu works great and often turns out even crispier. Just thaw it completely in the fridge or under cold running water, then press out the extra moisture before marinating and air frying.
How Should I Store Leftover Crispy Tofu?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I Skip Pressing the Tofu?
Pressing is highly recommended because it removes excess water, allowing the tofu to get crispy rather than soggy. If you’re short on time, try to pat it as dry as possible with towels before cooking.
What Can I Serve With Crispy Air Fryer Tofu?
This tofu is versatile—serve it over rice or quinoa bowls, toss it into salads, or enjoy it as a snack with dipping sauces like soy sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet chili sauce.