Crispy air fryer tofu is one of the most popular high-protein plant-based recipes right now, and for good reason. A quick press, a light cornstarch coating and 15 minutes of hot air give you golden, crunchy cubes with just one tablespoon of oil and no deep frying.
1 block (14 to 16 oz / about 400 to 450 g) extra-firm tofu
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
1 sliced green onion and 1 tsp sesame seeds, for serving (optional)
How Do You Make Crispy Tofu in an Air Fryer?
Press the tofu: Drain the tofu, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and set something heavy on top, like a cast-iron pan, for 10 to 15 minutes. The drier the tofu, the crispier it gets.
Cut into cubes: Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch to 1-inch cubes so they all cook evenly.
Season: In a bowl, gently toss the cubes with the soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika and pepper until coated.
Coat with cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until no dry white spots remain. This thin coating is what makes the outside crunchy.
Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spread the tofu in a single layer, splitting it between both baskets of a dual basket air fryer if you have one. Air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden and crisp on all sides.
Serve: Sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds if using. Serve right away over rice or salad, in a grain bowl, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Dual basket tip: Make it a full dinner. Put the tofu in basket 1 at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes and Brussels sprouts or roasted vegetables in basket 2, then press Smart Finish (or Sync Finish) so both come out at the same time.
Tofu + a side in a small kitchen: Ninja DoubleStack SL201Two stacked 4-Qt baskets with Smart Finish, plus meal racks to cook on two levels.
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe, about 3.5 oz of tofu, without optional toppings): about 190 calories, 13 g fat (2 g saturated), 6 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 17 g protein, and 150 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for extra-firm tofu, low-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil and cornstarch. They will vary with the tofu brand you use.
Flavor Variations
Sweet chili: toss the hot tofu with 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce right after cooking
Sesame ginger: add 1/2 tsp ground ginger to the seasoning and finish with sesame seeds
Buffalo: skip the soy and sesame oil; toss the cooked tofu with hot sauce and a little melted butter or vegan butter
Lemon pepper: swap the soy sauce for lemon juice and add 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get tofu crispy in the air fryer?
Use extra-firm tofu, press out as much water as you can, and toss the cubes in a light coating of cornstarch. Cook them in a single layer at 400°F and shake the basket every 5 minutes. A crowded basket steams the tofu instead of crisping it.
Do I need to press tofu before air frying?
Yes, for the best texture. Pressing for 10 to 15 minutes removes water so the outside can brown and crisp. If you are short on time, pat the tofu very dry with towels and cut it into smaller cubes.
Can I make air fryer tofu without cornstarch?
Yes. Skip it and the tofu will still brown, but it will be chewier and less crunchy. Arrowroot powder works as a one-to-one swap.
How much protein is in air fryer tofu?
We estimate about 17 g of protein and 190 calories per serving (1/4 of the recipe), with about 13 g fat, 6 g carbs and 2 g fiber. These numbers are calculated from standard USDA values for extra-firm tofu and the other ingredients and will vary with the brand you use.
How do I reheat leftover air fryer tofu?
Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes to bring back the crunch. The microwave works but makes it soft.
Can I cook tofu in a dual basket air fryer?
Yes. Split the tofu between both baskets for a crispier single layer, or cook it in one basket and vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts in the other, using Smart Finish or Sync Finish so both are ready together.
