This 10 minute crispy Air Fryer Tofu is the perfect snack or great to add in to your favorite vegetarian bowl or entrée. It’s so versatile and can be seasoned in so many ways. My kids love eating these tofu nuggets!
Looking for more vegetarian recipes? You have to try Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, Quinoa Burger, or Veggie Enchiladas!
Air Fryer Tofu is a must try!
Air Fryer Tofu is a must try! What I love most about this Air Fryer Tofu is you’re left with crispy little protein nuggets that are a blank canvas for seasoning and serving in so many different ways. Toss them into pad thai, curry, top on a Buddha Bowl, in a wrap, or on a salad. We also enjoy dipping air fryer tofu nuggets in sweet and sour sauce, ranch dressing, or even BBQ sauce.
The air fryer gives tofu the perfect crispy outside without all the extra fat and calories of deep frying. I’d love to teach you how to use your air fryer, if you need any help!
How to Make Air Fryer Tofu:
Press the Tofu: We want to remove as much liquid from the tofu as possible, so it can get crispy in the air fryer. Cut your tofu slab in half lengthwise and wrap each half in several paper towels. Lay the halves side by side and place a large cutting board on top. Place something heavy on the cutting board (a block of knives, cast iron pan, a few cans) and rest for 15 minutes to allow liquid to be pressed out of the tofu.
Cut and Season: Cut tofu slabs into ½’’ cubes or smaller (the smaller the cubes, the crispier the tofu will air fry). Mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a ziplock bag, tofu and gently toss to coat on all sides.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place tofu in single layer in air fryer. Spray the top of the tofu with cooking spray, air fry for 5 minutes, flip, and repeat once or twice more, until it’s crisp to your liking.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: Tofu can be pressed then cut up to a day or two in advance. Once pressed, store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
To Store: Cooked tofu can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or in a hot pan for a few minutes.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Tofu
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra firm tofu
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Press Liquid From Tofu: cut your tofu slab in half lengthwise and wrap each half in several paper towels. Lay the halves side by side and place a large cutting board over top. Place something heavy on the cutting board (a block of knives, cast iron pan, cans) and let it rest for 15 minutes, to press some of the liquid out. The more liquid removed, the crispier it will get.
- Mix Seasoning: Add cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to a ziplock bag.
- Cut Tofu: Cut tofu slabs into ½’’ cubes or smaller (the smaller the cubes, the crispier it will get). Add tofu to seasoning mixture and gently toss to coat on all sides.
- Air Fry: Pre-heat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place tofu in single layer (trying to separate them so that they don’t touch) in air fryer, cooking in multiple batches if needed. Spray the top of the tofu with cooking spray and air fry for 5 minutes. Open the basket, flip tofu, spray tops again and air fry 3-5 more minutes or until crisp to your liking.
- Serve Air Fryer Tofu with dipping sauce or add to your favorite bowl, burrito, wrap, or salad.
Notes
Nutrition
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I originally shared this recipe March 2021. Updated June 2024.
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Do you have a tofu brand you prefer?
HANDS DOWN my favorite way to cook tofu from now on!!!