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Crispy and easy Air Fryer Tofu is a speedy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor, this crispy air fried tofu is the most delicious vegan or vegetarian recipe you can make in under 25 minutes.
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.
Ingredient highlights
- Tofu (yep! Shocked?) – I prefer firm or extra firm for this recipe
- Oil – olive, avocado, or use your favorite
- Cornstarch – to give your tofu some awesome crunch
- Flavor squad – toasted sesame oil and soy sauce to get this party started
How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
If necessary, you’ll start by pressing the tofu (more on this in a second). Next up, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. I aim for ~1-inch cubes.
Add the tofu to a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over the top. Gently toss the tofu to coat with the cornstarch (Pro tip: a silicone spatula makes this easier).
Next up, add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and olive oil and gently stir to distribute.
Brush some olive oil over your air fryer basket, and add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook it at 390˚F for 9 minutes, then after shaking the basket, continue to cook, checking on the tofu every 5-7 minutes.
The cooking time will vary because everyone prefers their tofu at a different level of crispiness. Take it out of the air fryer when it looks perfect to you.
How to Press Tofu
Drain the water from the tofu, and cut each of the tofu bricks into even slices.
Place the slices on a clean towel. Top with another towel and place another towel over that and place something heavy (I use my dutch oven) on the top. Press the tofu for ~30 minutes.
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.
- Corn allergy? Try arrowroot powder or potato starch.
- 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 flavoring.
- If you need a gluten-free version, try coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
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
- You can fry the tofu without the cornstarch but it does help give that extra crisp and crunchy coating we all love.
- Corn allergy? Try arrowroot powder or potato starch.
Skillet Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet and add a high-heat oil like coconut.
- Add half of the tofu to the skillet, and turn to coat, allowing it to crisp up.
- Transfer crisped tofu to a plate lined with a few paper towels. Then repeat with the rest of the tofu.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
