Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu delivers golden, crunchy exterior with tender insides through the magic of air frying. Seasoned simply or boldly, it creates a protein-packed, oil-light alternative that converts even tofu skeptics with its satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 1 block 14-16 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder for corn-free option
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil for more Asian flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for more umami flavor
- Optional: 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast for cheesy undertones
Instructions
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the block in clean kitchen towels or paper towels, place a heavy object (like a cast iron pan) on top, and let sit for at least 15 minutes. This crucial step ensures your tofu gets crispy instead of soggy.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes or your preferred shape. The size affects cooking time—smaller pieces cook faster and get crispier all around.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Proper preheating creates that immediate searing effect that helps with crispiness.
- In a large bowl, toss the tofu with olive oil until evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning, but don’t drench it.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss until every piece has a thin, even coating. This creates that magical crispy exterior.
- Add all seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients) and toss again until tofu is evenly coated. Make sure there are no clumps of seasoning.
- Place the tofu in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure pieces aren’t touching. Work in batches if necessary—overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the tofu pieces. This ensures even browning on all sides.
- Continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes until the tofu reaches your desired level of crispiness. The exact time depends on your air fryer model and how crispy you prefer your tofu.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness, or let cool slightly before adding to your favorite dishes.
Notes
- The tofu will continue to crisp slightly as it cools, but is best enjoyed within 30 minutes of cooking.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the tofu before air frying, but be sure to pat it completely dry before adding the cornstarch.
- Super-firm tofu works even better than extra-firm if you can find it at your grocery store.
- If you don’t have time to press the tofu, frozen and thawed tofu naturally releases more water and creates a chewier texture.
- For meal prep, you can store cooled tofu in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to re-crisp.