Air Fryer Tofu (Extra Crispy, No Pressing Required) from the Pantry

Want more FLAVOR-PACKED tofu recipes? Try my Chili Crunch Tofu Bowls, this Tofu Satay with Peanut Sauce, and my Tofu Mac & Cheese!

Why air-frying tofu is my regular way to cook it!

My much anticipated Air Fryer Tofu Recipe is finally here! I’ve been promising this one for a LONG time, I know. I posted a video of how I make it on my Instagram last week and got SO MANY requests for the full recipe. SO here it is.

I’ve posted many, many tofu recipes over the years and after posting my 6 Different Tofu Marinades roundup I started making how-to guides showing you all the different ways you can cook tofu from baking tofu, sautéing tofu, and now one of my regular ways: how to air fry tofu!

Here’s why A regular here it:

• It gets SO CRISPY – I’ve made tofu every single way you can imagine and this is hands down the dependable way to get it especially crispy!
• It’s lighter than frying – while frying tofu in oil does get it pretty crispy, all of the excess oil is annoying + a hassle to deal with.
• It takes 15 minutes – I loe being able to pop this in the air fryer and let it cook while I prep the other parts of my meal.

Ingredients needed

The ingredients for this crispy tofu are listed fully down in the recipe card but let’s briefly go over the pantry staples needed including a few substitutions you can make as desired!

• Tofu – Truly-firm tofu works dependable here and does not require pressing. Extra-firm tofu will also work, but you’ll want to press it firstto remove excess moisture.
• Toasted sesame oil – Adds great flavor, but any neutral oil works if that’s what you have.
• Soy sauce – Adds salt and umami. Coconut aminos or tamari are great substitutes.
• Fine sea salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning that lets the tofu shine.
• Cornstarch – Key for crispiness. Arrowroot powder works well as a substitute.
• Optional spices – Garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, nutritional yeast, or everything bagel seasoning all work beautifully here. Or toss the tofu with your regular sauce after cooking.

How to Make Tofu in the Air Fryer

Only a reminder that you can find the FULL crispy air fryer tofu recipe down in the recipe card, but I want to quickly go over how to make them with visuals for you:)

1. Prep the block of tofu. If you’re not using truly-firm tofu, be sure to press it. Truly firm tofu does not need to be prepped. I like to tear mine into chunks instead of cutting it into tofu cubes to create lots of crispy edges.

1. Place the tofu chunks in a large bowl and toss the tofu with the oil, salt, pepper, and soy sauce.

1. Sprinkle the tofu pieces with corn starch and toss again so that it’s fully covered. You can add even more cornstarch as desired to get it especially crispy!

1. Place the tofu in your air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd it. Air fry for 10 minutes, toss and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Recipe Tips for the crispiest tofu

• Tear the tofu instead of cutting it for more jagged edges and better crunch
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – cook in batches if needed
• Shake or toss halfway through cooking for even browning
• If your air fryer maxes out at 390°F, that’s completely fine – simply add a minute or two
• Avoid sticking by spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Add chili powder or cayenne
• Savory: Toss with garlic powder and onion powder
• Asian-inspired: Finish with hoisin or teriyaki sauce
• Everything Bagel: Toss with everything bagel seasoning after air frying

Frequently Asked Questions