Air Fryer Tofu

Achieve perfectly crispy tofu without cornstarch, using a simple air fryer technique.

Total: 30 minActive: 15 minDifficulty: EasyYield: Serves 4Temp: 400°F

FusionPlant-BasedDinner

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Air Fryer Tofu

Achieve perfectly crispy tofu without cornstarch, using a simple air fryer technique.

Total: 30 minActive: 15 minDifficulty: EasyYield: Serves 4Temp: 400°F

FusionPlant-BasedDinner

Full recipe Frame mode

The Key Move

Maximize surface dryness and airflow by pressing tofu thoroughly and spacing pieces, then finish with high heat.

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The Setup

air fryer
medium bowl
tofu pressOptional
Optional, but recommended for best results.
sheet panOptional
For oven swap.
wire rackOptional
For oven swap.

The Mise en Place

5 of 8

Your prep station before cooking begins

Units

Marinade/Coating (0/7)

My tofu is coming out a bit soggy, not crispy.

Ah, that usually means there's still a little too much moisture clinging to the tofu's surface.

The bottoms of my tofu pieces are pale and not getting crispy.

Let's check a couple of things. First, ensure your tofu is in a single layer with plenty of room around each piece – they need good airflow. If you're using the oven method, double…

Chef's Notes

Tip

Pressing tofu for at least 30 mins is key for crispy edges. Use a tofu press or heavy books.

Tip

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for maximum crispiness.

Serving

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like peanut, sweet chili, or sriracha mayo.

Variation

Toss with soy sauce and garlic powder before air frying for an umami boost.

The Method

PREP

Prep ahead

Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes (or longer if possible) to remove as much moisture as you can. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top. • Tofu cubes are firm and have had excess water squeezed out. • Feel the firmness of the tofu.

Checkpoint:

Tofu is pressed and cubed.

PREHEAT

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Air fryer basket is empty and hot. • The air fryer will be warm.

Checkpoint:

Air fryer is preheated.

TOSS

In a medium bowl, combine the cubed tofu with neutral oil (2 tbsp), soy sauce (or tamari), nutritional yeast (1 tbsp) (if using), garlic powder (1 tsp), onion powder (1 tsp), salt (½ tsp), and pepper. Toss gently until the tofu is evenly coated.

Be gentle to avoid breaking up the tofu cubes. • Tofu cubes are glistening with the marinade. • Aromatic spices will be noticeable.

Checkpoint:

Tofu is evenly coated.

ARRANGE

Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure good airflow.

Proper spacing is crucial for crispiness. • Tofu cubes are spaced out with visible gaps between them.

Checkpoint:

Tofu is arranged in a single layer.

AIR FRY

Air fry for 12-16 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Adjust time based on your air fryer model and desired crispness. • Tofu cubes have a deep golden color and appear firm. • Hear the crispiness when flipping.

Checkpoint:

Tofu is golden brown and crispy.