Air Fryer Tofu – The Almond Eater

Learn how to make crunchy and flavor-packed Air Fryer Tofu! This easy cooking method yields the crispiest tofu and only takes 20 minutes, making it a convenient protein you can add to all kinds of meals.

When it comes to making tofu taste the best, turn to the air fryer. This simple, low-oil, hands-off cooking method leads to tofu cubes with the crispiest crusts and meatiest middles! Perfect for adding to grain bowls, salads, stir-fries, and so much more.

Lucky for you, this simple Air Fryer Tofu recipe shows you how it’s done; just slice the tofu, season it, and then sit back while the air fryer works its magic.

Because the air fryer does all of the heavy lifting, you have time to focus on preparing a delicious dipping sauce for the tofu nuggets or elaborate mains or side dishes. One try and this easy-to-prepare plant-based protein will be on repeat in your kitchen!

Recipe features 

• Compared to baking and pan-frying, air frying is possibly the easiest and most hands-off way to make tofu that’s crispy on the outside and meaty on the inside. It only takes 20 minutes, too!
• A handful of simple, everyday seasonings leads to addictive savory flavors in every bite. Feel free to customize the flavors with the seasonings and marinades of your choice.
• It’s a versatile plant-based protein you can add to your favorite vegetarian and vegan meals, or serve with dipping sauces!

Ingredients

Tofu – The firmer the tofu you use, the better. I like air frying extra-firm tofu because of its firm and meaty texture, but firm or super firm tofu also works well. Remember to set an extra 15 minutes aside so you have time to press and drain the excess liquid from the tofu before air frying (learn how this is done in the Tips section below).

Nutritional yeast – This cheesy, umami, and nutty seasoning is a flavor powerhouse! It’s also secretly healthy, with a ton of great health benefits like being a great source of B vitamins, fiber, and protein.

Seasonings – I seasoned the air fryer tofu cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Feel free to play with the flavors by swapping this spice blend for any of the Flavor Variations below.

Cornstarch – This is the secret to making crispy tofu in the air fryer! As the cornstarch-coated tofu pieces cook, the starch seals to the outside, creating a light and crunchy crust while keeping the inside tender and meaty. Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch should work well as substitutes. 

Light soy sauce – This adds a savory flavor and a hint of saltiness. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the sodium, or swap it for tamari or coconut aminos to keep this recipe gluten-free.

Avocado oil – Lightly coating the tofu in high-heat oil encourages better browning. However, you can omit the oil for a lighter version. The tofu will still cook well and absorb flavors–it just won’t get as crispy. 

Instructions

Step 1: Season. Add the tofu cubes to a large bowl and sprinkle the seasonings, cornstarch, soy sauce, and oil over top. Toss gently to coat.

Step 2: Air fry. Place the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Serve. Serve the tofu with dipping sauces or use it as a source of protein in your favorite meals. Enjoy!

Tips and FAQs

• To press the brick of tofu, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels and place a heavy cast iron skillet on top. Let the excess moisture drain for 15 to 30 minutes before slicing and cooking.
• Instead of tofu cubes, you can slice the brick of tofu into triangles, steaks, or strips, or shred it with a box grater.

Flavor variations

Craving the tastiest tofu? Season the tofu with cornstarch and oil as normal, but swap the seasonings in the recipe card for any of these flavorful spice blends instead:

• Cajun – Opt for store-bought Cajun or Creole seasoning blends. 
• Italian – Combine dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder, or use a store-bought blend.
• Mediterranean – Season with lemon zest, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Herbs de Provence – Season the tofu with dried rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and lavender.
• BBQ – Stir smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar together.
• Tex-Mex – Use your favorite taco seasoning blend.

Serving suggestions

Pair the delicious air fryer tofu nuggets with dipping sauces for a protein-packed snack! I like them with a side of soy-ginger sauce, spicy mayo, Thai peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, and teriyaki sauce.

Air fryer tofu is also a convenient plant-based protein you can add to a ton of main dishes. Stir them into a curry, add them to a veggie stir fry or pad Thai, fold them into spring rolls, top them on a rice bowl, loaded salad, or quinoa bowl, add them to vegan tacos, and so on.

Lastly, you can toss the tofu cubes in a delicious sauce to take every bite up a notch. Coat them in a honey sriracha sauce, General Tso’s sauce, or sesame sauce, then serve with cooked rice and your favorite steamed veggies for a simple yet flavorful and protein-packed meal.

Do you have to press the tofu?

Technically, you can skip this step if you’re short on time, but the tofu cubes might not be as tender, firm, or meaty.

Do you have to marinate extra-firm tofu before cooking it?

It isn’t necessary for this air fryer recipe, as the seasonings and cornstarch coating add plenty of flavor and texture. However, suppose you’re craving even more flavor. In that case, soak the tofu cubes in the marinade of your choice (the simple marinade from my grilled tempeh recipe is delicious!) for 30 minutes before patting the pieces dry, seasoning, and air frying as normal.

How long does it take to cook tofu in an air fryer?

At 400°F, 1-inch tofu cubes typically take 15 minutes to get evenly browned and crispy on all sides. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer or the size of the tofu cubes. Remember to watch the tofu and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Storage

Refrigerator: Place the cooked and cooled tofu in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It’s very helpful to have a batch on hand for your vegan meal prep!

Freezer: Once the tofu has cooled completely, transfer it to a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Transfer the pieces to a freezer bag or container and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Thaw the tofu in the fridge overnight before reheating it in the air fryer.

Reheating: Reheat the tofu in a 375°F air fryer until heated through and crispy again (about 3 to 5 minutes).

More tasty tofu recipes 

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Air Fryer Tofu

Learn how to make crunchy and flavor-packed Air Fryer Tofu! This easy cooking method yields the crispiest tofu and only takes 20 minutes, making it a convenient protein you can add to all kinds of meals.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer to 400° F.

• Add cubed tofu to a large bowl and then add all other ingredients. Toss to combine everything, making sure every tofu piece is covered in the sauce.

• Transfer tofu to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket, then cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the tofu is crispy and browned.

• Add to your favorite meal or add in place of cooking tofu on the stovetop. Enjoy!

Notes

*Calories are per serving and are an estimation. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 866mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 247IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg

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