The Best Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, crispy, and incredibly addictive, this air fryer tofu recipe transforms humble tofu cubes into a crunchy, flavor-packed snack or protein addition to any meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—minimal ingredients, zero oil splatter, and no oven required. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or a skeptic, this recipe is here to impress.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to crunchy perfection, these tofu bites are ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces, tossing into grain bowls, or layering into wraps. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that satisfying crispiness without deep frying, making this recipe a wholesome alternative to traditional fried snacks.

---

What Kind of Tofu Should I Use?

For the crispiest results, always go for extra-firm tofu. It’s sturdy enough to hold its shape and won’t fall apart during cooking. Avoid silken or soft tofu, as they retain too much moisture and will result in a soggy texture. Before seasoning, press your tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess water—this step is key to getting that perfect crispy finish.

---

Ingredients for the Best Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Extra-Firm Tofu – The star of the recipe. Its dense texture makes it ideal for air frying to a golden crisp.

Cornstarch – A secret weapon for that light, crispy coating that mimics deep frying without the oil.

Olive Oil – Just a touch helps the seasoning stick and encourages a golden color in the air fryer.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These add savory depth and balance the mild tofu flavor.

Paprika – For subtle smokiness and warm color.

Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning.

Optional: Nutritional Yeast – Adds a cheesy, umami-rich finish that’s 100% vegan and totally addictive.

---

How To Make the Best Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Step 1: Press the Tofu

Start by draining your tofu and wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place something heavy on top (like a skillet or a stack of books) and let it press for at least 20 minutes. This helps release excess moisture, which is key to getting it crispy.

Step 2: Cut into Cubes

Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Season Generously

In a mixing bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cornstarch last and toss until every cube is lightly coated. This creates that irresistible crispy outer layer.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd! Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a crunchy topping for salads, bowls, or wraps. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for an extra boost of flavor, if desired.

---

Serving and Storing Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

These crispy tofu cubes are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while they’re still warm and crunchy. Serve them as a snack with dipping sauces like sriracha mayo, peanut sauce, or classic ketchup. You can also toss them into stir-fries, Buddha bowls, noodle dishes, or salads for added texture and protein.

To store leftovers, allow the tofu to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back that crisp.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep tofu from sticking to the air fryer?

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with a little oil before adding the tofu. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.

Can I make this tofu recipe without cornstarch?

Yes, although cornstarch gives the crispiest texture. You can substitute with arrowroot powder or rice flour for a similar effect.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any seasoning blends or dipping sauces to be sure.

Can I freeze air-fried tofu?

Cooked tofu can be frozen, but it may lose its crispy texture. It’s best eaten fresh or stored in the fridge and reheated.

What sauces go well with crispy tofu?

Try spicy peanut sauce, teriyaki glaze, sweet chili sauce, or even barbecue for a fun twist. It pairs well with just about anything!

Can I bake this instead of air frying?

Absolutely. Bake the tofu at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

---

Want More Savory Snack Ideas?

If you love this crispy air fryer tofu, here are more creative and satisfying snack or side recipes to try next:

• Easy Air Fryer Caramel Apple Wontons for a sweet and crunchy treat.
• Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies to round out your meal with wholesome comfort.
• Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken for a kid-approved crunch fest.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes if you want something hearty and golden brown.
• Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly for a spicy-sweet bite-sized option.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest plant-based or air fryer board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you use nutritional yeast or swap the spices? Maybe even added a dip I haven’t tried yet? Leave a comment and share your twist—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.

---

Print