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Crispy and easy, this air fryer tofu recipe is a speedy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor, this tofu in the air fryer is the most delicious vegan or vegetarian recipe you can make in under 25 minutes. 

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For many people, tofu is a non-starter. I get it. Everyone has different tastes, and some just haven’t tried tofu in the right way. Yet.

Because this is the recipe that has converted many tofu haters.

Don’t let the “air fryer” part of the recipe title scare you away. You can totally make it old school – in a skillet or in the oven. You’ll get a similar crunch, but it will take more work and definitely more oil.

bowls of ingredients on a wooden board.

a note from sarah

Ingredient Highlight

When choosing tofu, look for firm or extra-firm. It takes less time to press, and it has the right texture for air frying.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

  • You can fry the tofu without the cornstarch but it does help give that extra crisp and crunchy coating we all love. 
  • Toss the finished crispy air fryer tofu with your favorite sauce. I love the (plant-based) peanut sauce from this peanut butter chicken.
  • Season the tofu cubes to your preference. Use it as the base for your favorite sauces or flavorings.
a bowl of crispy tofu with green onions, rice, and sesame seeds
5 from 13 ratings

Super Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

Servings: 2
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 18 minutes
Total: 33 minutes
Crispy and easy, this air fryer tofu recipe is a speedy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor, this tofu in the air fryer is the most delicious vegan or vegetarian recipe you can make in under 25 minutes. 

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb extra firm tofu {drained and pressed}
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch {or potato starch or arrowroot powder}
  • 1 tsp olive oil {optional}
  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • sesame seeds {optional}

Instructions 

  • Cut pressed tofu slices into cubes and put into a medium bowl.
    1 lb extra firm tofu
  • Sprinkle cornstarch over the top and gently toss to coat.
    1 tbsp cornstarch
  • Toss to coat the tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, and (optional) olive oil.
    1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp olive oil
  • Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil and then add the tofu.
  • Cook at 390˚F, checking and shaking the basket every 9 minutes.
  • The tofu will be done when it has reached your desired level of crispiness (~18-23 minutes).
  • Toss finished tofu with your favorite sauce and top with optional sesame seeds.
    sesame seeds

Notes

  1. You can fry the tofu without the cornstarch but it does help give that extra crisp and crunchy coating we all love. 
  2. Corn allergy? Try arrowroot powder or potato starch.

Skillet Instructions:
  1. Heat a large skillet and add a high-heat oil like coconut.
  2. Add half of the tofu to the skillet, and turn to coat, allowing it to crisp up.
  3. Transfer crisped tofu to a plate lined with a few paper towels. Then repeat with the rest of the tofu.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 17gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 173mgPotassium: 349mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Tried this recipe?Mention @sustainablecooks or tag #sustainablecooks!

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About Sarah Cook

I'm here to help you make easy, seasonal, and no-fuss recipes for yourself and your family.

Whether it's a quick one-pot dinner or if I am teaching you how to can and preserve local produce, you can consider me your elder millennial grandma

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5 from 13 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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