This crispy air fryer tofu is golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect protein to dip, toss in your favorite sauce, or add to bowls, salads, and stir-fries. Best of all, it comes together quickly without heating up your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples.

The air fryer delivers perfectly crispy tofu in less time than the oven, with no preheating required.

It’s versatile enough to enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

The seasoning is simple but flavorful, and you can easily customize it to match any cuisine.

It’s naturally plant-based and protein-packed, making it a satisfying addition to any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (14–16 ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil of choice
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (use slightly less if serving with a salty sauce)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or potato starch or arrowroot starch)

Directions

Press the tofu for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and gently weigh it down with a flat, heavy object.

Once pressed, cut the tofu into roughly 1-inch cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces for a more textured surface that crisps up beautifully.

Place the tofu pieces in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the top. Gently toss until the tofu is evenly coated, being careful not to break the pieces.

Add the cornstarch and toss again until all sides are lightly coated. This step is essential for achieving a crispy exterior.

Lightly grease the air fryer basket if needed. Arrange the tofu in a mostly single layer, leaving a bit of space between the pieces. Slight overlap is fine, but avoid overcrowding.

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket at the 8-minute mark and again about 5 minutes later to ensure even browning.

Cook until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on the outside. If needed, add 1–2 extra minutes for additional crispiness.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or toss in a sauce of your choice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes (includes at least 10 minutes pressing time)
Cook time: 18–20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30–35 minutes

Variations

For a smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.

For a spicy kick, sprinkle in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.

For an Asian-inspired twist, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil after cooking.

For a curry version, mix in 1 teaspoon curry powder before air frying and serve with rice and vegetables.

You can also toss the cooked tofu in buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, orange sauce, or teriyaki-style sauce for endless flavor combinations.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the tofu back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.

You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Microwaving is possible, but the tofu will lose much of its crispiness.

Freezing is not recommended after cooking, as it can significantly alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use soft or silken tofu?

Soft or silken tofu is not recommended for this recipe because it contains too much moisture and will not hold its shape or become crispy.

Do I really need to press the tofu?

Yes. Pressing removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu develop a firm texture and crispy coating in the air fryer.

Can I make this without cornstarch?

Cornstarch is key for crispiness, but you can substitute potato starch or arrowroot starch for similar results.

Why isn’t my tofu getting crispy?

It may need more time, or it could be overcrowded in the basket. Make sure the tofu is pressed well and arranged with some space between pieces.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating is not necessary for this recipe, though you can preheat for a couple of minutes if your air fryer model recommends it.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overlapping too much can prevent proper crisping.

What sauces go well with crispy tofu?

Buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, orange sauce, and plant-based ranch-style dips all pair wonderfully.

Can I bake this instead?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How do I keep tofu crispy after cooking?

Serve it immediately for best texture. If tossing in sauce, do so just before serving to maintain crispiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your cornstarch and seasonings are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This easy crispy air fryer tofu is a simple, reliable recipe you’ll want to make again and again. With its golden crust and tender interior, it’s the perfect base for countless meals and snacks. Whether you enjoy it dipped, sauced, or added to your favorite bowl, this quick and flavorful tofu will earn a regular spot in your kitchen rotation.

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