Air Fryer Tofu
Achieve perfectly crispy tofu without cornstarch, using a simple air fryer technique.
15 min active, minimal dishes
Air Fryer Tofu
Achieve perfectly crispy tofu without cornstarch, using a simple air fryer technique.
15 min active, minimal dishes
Key move
Maximize surface dryness and airflow by pressing tofu thoroughly and spacing pieces, then finish with high heat.
Cook mode keeps your place
Larger text, ingredients in reach, and saved step progress while you cook.
The Setup
- air fryer
- medium bowl
- sheet panOptionalFor oven swap.
- wire rackOptionalFor oven swap.
The Mise en Place
5 of 8Your prep station before cooking begins
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
Pressing tofu for at least 30 mins is key for crispy edges. Use a tofu press or heavy books.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like peanut, sweet chili, or sriracha mayo.
Toss with soy sauce and garlic powder before air frying for an umami boost.
The Method
PREP
Prep aheadPress the tofu for at least 30 minutes (or longer if possible) to remove as much moisture as you can. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
Uneven pressing: If tofu is not pressed evenly, the center will remain soggy and fail to crisp.
Tofu is pressed and cubed.
PREHEAT
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cold start: Adding tofu to a cold basket will cause it to steam and stick rather than crisping.
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.
Tofu breakage: Aggressive tossing will cause the soft tofu cubes to crumble. Use a silicone spatula and fold gently.
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.
Steaming instead of crisping: Overcrowding the basket traps moisture, resulting in soft, steamed tofu rather than crispy edges.
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.
Overcrowding: If pieces touch, they will steam instead of crisping. Ensure a single layer with space between cubes.
Tofu is golden brown and crispy.
SERVE
Serve immediately as a protein for bowls, salads, or as a snack.
Loss of crispness: Letting the tofu sit in a covered container will trap steam and cause the crust to become chewy.
Tofu is ready to serve.
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