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    Home » Mains

    Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

    Updated: Jan 26, 2022 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

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    crispy tofu cubes in an air fryer basket
    a plate of crispy air fried tofu beside an air fryer

    Add some crunchy flavor bombs to your meals with this air fryer tofu recipe! So easy to make in less than 30 minutes, it’s the best way to take your meals from good to great.

    air fried tofu on a plate beside an air fryer

    Crunchy bites of Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is the best way to take an ordinary salad, rice bowl, or veggie wrap and turn it into something great! Extra firm tofu cubes are marinated in a simple tamari and nutritional yeast marinade, then quickly cooked in the air fryer. It’s all said and done in less than 30 minutes!

    This incredibly flavorful air fryer tofu recipe is the best because it’s:

    • A practically oil free recipe
    • Made with just 4 ingredients
    • Naturally gluten free
    • No messy dredging required!
    • The fried tofu is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside

    If you’re craving more tasty tofu recipes, be sure to give my Tofu Bacon and Tofu Chicken Nuggets a try!

    Jump to:
    • Air fried tofu ingredients
    • How to make crispy air fryer tofu
    • Tips for success
    • Ways to use air fryer tofu
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Looking for more flavorful recipes?
    • Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

    Air fried tofu ingredients

    • Tofu - It has to be extra firm! Soft or medium tofu contains way too much water and won’t become firm or crispy.
    • Tamari - Or soy sauce if you don’t need the recipe to be gluten free. For less sodium, use light tamari, reduced soy sauce, or liquid aminos.
    • Nutritional yeast - For a rich and savory flavor.
    • Cornstarch - If you want the tofu to be its crispiest, you have to toss it in cornstarch first! The cornstarch will stick to the outside and become bubbly and crisp in the heat.

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    cubed tofu and marinade ingredients marinating in a ziplock bag

    How to make crispy air fryer tofu

    Marinating the tofu before cooking it in the air fryer will ensure each piece is extra flavorful as well as crispy. After 4 simple steps, you can use your crispy air fryer tofu in anything you want! Here’s how it’s done:

    1. Marinate the tofu cubes: Stir the tamari and nutritional yeast together in a small bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add the tofu to a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade inside. Let it marinate for 15 minutes or up to 48 hours.
    1. Coat in cornstarch: Pour the cornstarch in the bag with the marinade. Shake until the tofu is evenly coated.
    1. Air fry the tofu: Place the marinated and coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary). Spray the tops of the tofu with cooking spray for an extra crisp, then cook until the cubes are golden brown and crispy.
    1. Season and serve: Season the air fried tofu with salt and pepper and serve with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy! For full ingredients an instructions see printable recipe card below
    step by step photos how to make air fryer tofu
    overhead view of crispy cooked tofu cubes in air fryer basket

    Tips for success

  • Press the tofu before you get started to remove as much moisture as possible. To press the tofu, either use a tofu press or wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel and place it on a plate. Put a heavy pot or cast iron skillet on top and let all of the liquid seep out for about 30 minutes.
  • Don’t press the tofu for more than 30 minutes. We want the tofu to be a little juicy and tender on the inside, and removing all of the water will prevent this
  • .Feel free to add more spices to cornstarch coating or marinade, like garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, dried herbs, or Cajun seasoning.
  • To reheat the leftovers, place the tofu in a frying pan over medium heat or in the air fryer and cook until warmed through and crispy again.
  • Ways to use air fryer tofu

    Crispy tofu in the air fryer is delicious on its own, but if you want to step it up a notch, toss it in some sauce! Place the fried tofu in a bowl and drizzle peanut sauce, orange sauce, sesame soy ginger sauce, or barbecue sauce on top and toss to combine. 

    Use these ideas as inspiration when serving the air fryer tofu:

    • Eat it on its own with savory tahini sauce, spicy mayo, or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
    • Use it as a topping on buddha bowls.
    • Wrap the cubes in a vegan gyro or breakfast burrito.
    • Serve it as an appetizer at the party.
    • Toss the cubes in barbecue sauce and layer them on a pizza.
    • It adds a delightful crunch and protein to salads.
    • It’s the perfect addition to stir fries.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can you marinate tofu in the fridge?

    Firm tofu can be marinated for up to 48 hours. Just keep the sealed bag with the tofu and marinade in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

    What temperature do you air fry tofu?

    Air fry the tofu between 375F° - 380°F to get a crispy outside and tender, juicy inside.

    How long should I leave tofu in the air fryer?

    The tofu only needs to air fry for about 15 minutes. Make sure to shake the air fryer basket once or twice so all sides cook evenly.

    Can you air fry tofu without oil?

    Yes! The air fryer is a magic tool that allows us to fry food without needing oil. I do recommend spraying the inside of the air fryer basket and the tops of the coated tofu cubes with cooking spray before cooking, but you can always skip this if you’d rather keep the recipe oil free.

    Why is my fried tofu soggy?

    This can happen if your tofu has too much moisture inside or you were air frying at too low of a temperature.

    Can you bake the tofu instead?

    If you don’t have an air fryer, place the marinated tofu on a parchment lined baking sheet sprayed with oil, spray tofu with oil and bake in a 400ºF oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

    Looking for more flavorful recipes?

    • General Tso’s Tofu
    • Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala
    • Balsamic Marinated Tofu
    • Easy Tofu Scramble

    Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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    air fried tofu on a plate beside an air fryer

    Crispy Air Fryer Tofu


    ★★★★★

    5 from 7 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Add some crunchy flavor bombs to your meals with this air fryer tofu recipe! So easy to make in less than 30 minutes, it’s the best way to take your meals from good to great.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1- 454 g (1 lb) package extra firm tofu or firm tofu, pressed
    • 3 tablespoons tamari (see notes*)

    • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch 

    • Cooking oil spray

    • Salt and pepper

    • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced on diagonal (optional for serving)

    • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional for serving)


    Instructions

    1. Press tofu: use a tofu press or slice tofu into 2 or 3 slabs depending on thickness and wrap in layers of paper towel or clean dish cloth. Place a heavy object on top like a cast iron pan. Press for 15 - 30 minutes, Cut into 1 inch cubes.
    2. Marinate tofu: add tamari and nutritional yeast to a small bowl, stir together and heat in the microwave until hot but not boiling, about 30 seconds. Place tofu in a large ziplock bag, pour over the marinade and toss gently so it’s all coated. Let marinate for 15 to 30 minutes or up to 48 hours. 

    3. Open bag and sprinkle over cornstarch. Seal bag and gently shake to coat until tofu is evenly coated in all the cornstarch and no white spots remain.

    4. Air Fry tofu: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Pour the tofu into the air fryer basket and spread evenly. Spray tops with cooking oil spray. Cook tofu at 375° - 380° for 15 minutes until crispy, shaking basket halfway through cooking time. Once done season with a little salt and pepper, brings out all the flavors (Tofu gets crispier as it cools a little)

    5.  Enjoy! Sprinkle with some green onions and sesame seeds if using. Add to any recipe or serve with a sauce or dip! For step by step photos, FAQ, Tips, Serving suggestions see above post

    Notes

    • Tamari: for less sodium use light tamari or reduced soy sauce or braggs liquid aminos
    • I don't like to press the tofu too long as I like it to remain juicy inside once fried
    • I own the 5.8 quart cosori air fryer and love it! If you have a smaller air fryer cook tofu in two batches
    • Reheat leftovers: re-crisp tofu in a frying pan or heat in the microwave or enjoy it cold!
    • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
    • Category: Mains, Gluten free,
    • Method: Air fryer
    • Cuisine: American, Canadian

    Keywords: air fryer tofu, air fried tofu, crispy tofu

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

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    379 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Catherine

      May 05, 2022 at 8:56 pm

      Thank you tofu this was so enjoyed. We loved the simplicity of it. We'll definitely make again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 06, 2022 at 5:57 am

        You're so welcome! Glad you liked it

        Reply
    2. Kate walsh

      March 26, 2022 at 5:06 pm

      Hi I've been using your recipes for a couple of years now and I always enjoy them💚 can you tell me which air Fryer it was you used 0lease? I had a look from your link but there were so many🤷🏼 9nw was also a dhydrater that interested me more than a rotisserie!!? A comment in amazon was that they don't hold 2x portions too small? Would just like an opinion please 👌😁

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 27, 2022 at 9:33 am

        Hi Kate, I use the 5.8 qt Cosori air fryer. So happy your enjoying my recipes 🙂

        Reply
    3. Janet

      February 23, 2022 at 1:44 pm

      Hi Verna, Are these like puffed tofu? You know similar to asian markets you can buy with the chewy spongy texture with holes that are so good.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        February 23, 2022 at 8:28 pm

        Hi Janet, I would say they are similar to tofu puffs as they have a nice chew to them and are really flavorful. Not quite as airy though as when deep fried. My general tso recipe has a similar texture as well. Hope that helps

        Reply
    4. Candice

      February 06, 2022 at 1:44 pm

      I've made this twice already haha. It's so easy and my kids really Like it. I was tempted to add more flavor when first making it but it surely did not need it. Thank you

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        February 06, 2022 at 2:42 pm

        Oh I'm so glad thank you for your wonderful feedback!

        Reply
      • Blake

        April 08, 2022 at 10:59 am

        #1 tofu recipe in my house. Kids love it so it's a keeper!

        ★★★★★

        Reply
    5. Benny

      January 24, 2022 at 10:18 pm

      Can't wait to try!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        January 25, 2022 at 8:31 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Halle

      January 24, 2022 at 9:36 pm

      Really tasty highly recommend!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        January 25, 2022 at 8:35 am

        Thank so much!

        Reply

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