This crispy air fryer tofu recipe has a golden, crunchy outside, and the tofu is tender in the middle. I like the mix of soy sauce and sesame oil with garlic, paprika, turmeric, and coriander because it gives the crispy tofu lots of flavor, and you don’t need a complicated marinade.
The tofu in air fryer cooking method is also much easier than dealing with a pan of oil, and it only needs 10 minutes once it goes into the basket, with very simple instructions. If you want another easy air fryer recipe, try this Air Fryer Broccoli. Keep reading to see how pressing and coating the tofu helps get those crisp, golden edges.
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Video Tutorial
Try This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
If you’ve had tofu that was soft and soggy on the outside, this version is bound to become your new favorite way of making tofu. The cornstarch coating makes the outside crisp while the center stays tender, and the soy sauce and seasonings keep it from tasting bland.
When it comes to air-frying tofu, the crispy coating in this recipe is my favorite part. This air fryer tofu crispy snack gives the cubes plenty of texture and keeps the softer middle.
Why You’ll Love It
- Crispy outside: Cornstarch helps give the tofu its crunchy coating.
- Tender middle: Firm tofu holds its shape while staying soft inside.
- Plenty of flavor: Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, paprika, turmeric, and coriander season every piece.
- Quick cooking: Once prepared, the tofu only needs 10 minutes in the air fryer, much faster than any baked tofu oven version.
Ingredients
- Firm tofu: I use firm or extra-firm tofu because it holds its shape much better when pressed, coated, and tossed. Pressing out the excess moisture is important here because it helps the outside crisp instead of staying damp.
- Soy sauce: This is my favorite sauce, and gives the tofu most of its salty, savory flavor. I mix it directly with the other coating ingredients so every cube gets seasoned before it goes into the air fryer.
- Cornstarch: This is what I rely on for that crisp outer coating. Potato starch also works if that’s what you have, but either way, make sure the tofu is evenly coated before cooking.
- Sesame oil: You only need a small amount, but it adds a slightly nutty flavor that works really well with the soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. Olive oil can also be used.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
1. Carefully place the tofu on a layer of paper towels and cover it with another layer. Put something heavy on top, like a stone mortar, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to press tofu and remove excess moisture.
2. Once the tofu has been pressed, slice the block of tofu into cubes.
3. In a large bowl or food container, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and ground coriander. Stir well making sure that all the ingredients and spices are thoroughly mixed.
4. Add the tofu chunks to the spice blend marinade and gently toss until each piece is coated with the sauce.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). I’m using the Instant Vortex Plus XL.
6. Place the coated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.
7. Put the tofu-filled basket into the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the tofu.
8. Once the tofu turns golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer.
9. You can season it with salt and black pepper to taste and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Recipe Tips
- Press the tofu before cutting it to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
- Cut the tofu into similar-sized cubes so they cook evenly.
- Give the tofu pieces some room in the basket rather than piling them on top of each other.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking so more than one side has a chance to brown.
- For even more flavor, you can let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least an hour or overnight in an airtight container in the fridge before air frying.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Steamed rice
- Quinoa and roasted vegetables
- Fresh salads
- Wraps with avocado and lettuce
- Gochujang sauce
FAQ
Depending on the size and thickness of your tofu cubes, air frying typically takes between 10-15 minutes. Remember to shake or flip halfway through for even crispiness.
Ensure you've pressed the tofu well to remove excess moisture. Also, overcrowding the air fryer can prevent the tofu from becoming crispy. Space them evenly!
Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for air frying. Silken tofu has a higher water content and might not hold up as well in the air fryer.
A light spray of non-stick cooking oil on the basket or tofu can prevent sticking. Additionally, make sure the tofu is not overly wet when placing it in the air fryer.
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Plate or tray
- Mixing bowl or container
- Paper towels
- Weight for tofu pressing I used a stone mortar for grinding spices
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 400 grams firm tofu or extra firm
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 heaping tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric for color
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Carefully place the tofu on a layer of paper towels and cover it with another layer. Put something heavy on top, like a stone mortar, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Once the tofu has been pressed, slice it into cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl or food container, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and ground coriander. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed
- Add the cubed tofu to the bowl (or container) and gently toss until each piece is coated with the sauce.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). I’m using the Instant Vortex Plus XL.
- Place the coated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.
- Put the tofu-filled basket into the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the tofu.
- Once the tofu turns golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer.
- You can season it with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC) and cook the tofu for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.Taste & Texture
Golden and crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, with savory soy, sesame, garlic, and warm spices.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Keep leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: Freezing instructions aren’t included, so I prefer making enough to enjoy fresh or as leftovers.
- Reheat: Pop the tofu back into the air fryer until heated through and crisp again.
Serving Recommendations
- I like adding the crispy tofu to rice or quinoa bowls with roasted vegetables and a favorite sauce.
- Serve it over fresh greens or tuck it into a wrap with avocado, lettuce, and spicy mayo.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Marinate the tofu with sriracha, soy sauce, and a little honey for a sweet and spicy version.
- Brush the tofu with barbecue sauce during the final few minutes for a smoky finish.
- Use teriyaki sauce, ginger, and garlic for another marinade option.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos.
Proper Storage Tips
- Let leftover tofu cool before storing it.
- Transfer it to an airtight container.
- Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to reheat it.
Pro Tips
- Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the cubes into similar sizes.
- Keep the tofu in a single layer in the basket.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches when necessary.
Video
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