Basic Air Fryer Tofu

Learning to cook tofu in the air fryer? This basic technique results in crispy, savory tofu cubes you can toss onto salads, bowls, and more.

If you’ve been around TNB for a while, you already know I’m a late bloomer when it comes to the air fryer. It may have taken me years to get onboard with this trendy appliance, but these days I’m a true convert and think it’s an especially fabulous addition to a plant-based kitchen.

I love air frying tempeh, for example, as well as many vegetables (see: miso eggplant, cabbage wedges, crispy yuca, zucchini fries). I recently started cooking tofu in the air fryer too and it’s now one of my favorite tofu techniques.

This basic air fryer tofu method is really simple and requires just a couple of ingredients, resulting in springy, savory tofu cubes with crispy edges. They’re a great way to add extra protein to meals like salads, grain bowls, noodles, etc.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tofu

• It uses less oil than frying. You only need 1 teaspoon of oil for the entire batch.
• Crispier than baking. The circulating hot air in the air fryer gives tofu crispier edges than regular baking. Plus, air frying doesn’t heat your kitchen nearly as much as the oven.
• So easy. Just press the tofu, toss it with seasonings, and cook.
• Only 5 ingredients. Perfect for speedy assembly on a weeknight.

How to Air Fry Tofu (Step-by-Step Photos)

Find complete instructions with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Press the Tofu

Press the tofu in a tofu press, or weigh it down with something heavy (full instructions in the recipe card below). This step eliminates excess moisture and gives the tofu a chewier texture.

Step 2: Season the Tofu

Cut the tofu into small cubes and toss with the seasonings. Then sprinkle the cornstarch on top and toss once more to distribute it evenly.

Note: Tofu can be fragile so toss it gently to avoid breaking the cubes. Use a flexible rubber spatula, if you have one.

Step 3: Air Fry the Tofu

Arrange the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (if they don’t all fit, cook them in two batches). Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 12 minutes. 

Tips for the Best Air Fried Tofu

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

This will help your tofu get nice and crispy!

2. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch

It absorbs excess moisture on the surface of the tofu and thus facilitates crispiness. (Moisture is the enemy of crisp.)

3. Give It Some Room

Tofu should be air fried in a single layer – do not pile the cubes on top of one another. Be sure to leave a bit of room around each piece so hot air can circulate around it and crisp up every side.

4. No Need to Flip/Toss

Because the air fryer basket has a mesh bottom, there is no need to flip the tofu.

Serving Suggestions

Air fried tofu is a great way to add protein to lots of meals – think lunch salads, grain bowls, noodle salads, wraps, tacos, etc. If you wanna pair it with a sauce, try peanut sauce, cilantro cashew cream, or store-bought chipotle mayo.

Note: this tofu is best served right away as it loses its crispness after refrigeration.

FAQ’s

More Tofu Recipes to Try

• Tofu “Deli Slices” Sandwich
• Vermicelli Tofu Bowls
• Palak Tofu (Vegan Palak Paneer)
• Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry

Let me know if you try this recipe! Give it a rating below and leave a comment, and don’t forget to tag your creation with @thenewbaguette on Instagram.

The Full Recipe