Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
We’ve all been there: sad, soggy tofu that’s just not it—bland and unappetizing. But this crispy air fryer tofu recipe? Total game changer. With just a handful of simple ingredients, an air fryer, and a little oil, you can transform that block of tofu into a golden, crispy masterpiece that’s perfectly tender on the inside. Trust me, this recipe is the best thing you can do with tofu—crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy crispy tofu without the wait!
Minimal Ingredients – Just a few simple pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. No complicated stuff here.
Crispy Texture – Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get that perfect crisp without the need for deep frying. It’s like tofu got a glow-up!
Versatile – Use it as tofu nuggets, toss it into a stir fry, or smother it in your favorite sauce. The options are endless.
High-Protein & Vegan-Friendly – This tofu is packing some serious plant-based protein, making it the perfect addition to any meal, whether you’re vegan or just tofu-curious!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
1 (14 oz) block extra firm tofu
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
My Go-To Kitchen Tools for this Recipe!
How to Make Crispy Tofu in The Air Fryer:
Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its package and drain the liquid. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then place something heavy (like a pan or a couple of books) on top. Let it press for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Make sure all of the water has been pressed out of it. Like really. Make sure it’s as dry as the sahara desert! Pat it dry.
2. Cut the tofu: Slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
3. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, mix avocado oil, coconut aminos, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
4. Marinate the tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss until all pieces are coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the tofu can soak up the flavor.
5. Coat with cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornstarch over the tofu and toss until evenly coated.
6. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for a couple of minutes.
7. Spray the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the basket with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
8. Arrange the tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not over-crowd! Leave space between each piece for even cooking. Spray the tops with a little avocado oil spray.
9.Air fry: Cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through (at the 6-minute mark) to crisp up all sides.
10. Check for crispiness: If you want extra crunch, air fry for another 2–3 minutes.
Serve & enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and let the tofu cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy as a snack, in salads, or dipped in your favorite sauce!
What Sauce to Use?
Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce
1 teaspoon honey
Juice of half a lime
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, hot sauce, honey, and lime juice. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
Taste the spicy mayo and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer it spicier, add more hot sauce; if you want it tangier, add more lime juice.
Once you've achieved the desired flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the spicy mayo in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.
Ingredient Substitutions for Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
Tofu: Swap extra firm tofu for firm tofu (press it well) or tempeh for a different texture.
Avocado Oil: Replace with olive oil, sesame oil (for a nutty flavor), or melted coconut oil.
Coconut Aminos: Opt for soy sauce (more savory) or tamari (gluten-free). If using soy sauce, reduce the added salt.
Garlic or Onion Powder: Use freshly grated garlic or onion for a stronger flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Try paprika (milder), cayenne (spicier), or skip it entirely for no spice.
Cornstarch: Substitute with arrowroot powder, potato starch, or tapioca starch for the same crispy effect.
Avocado Oil Spray: Choose any neutral spray oil like olive oil spray or coconut oil spray.
The Best Sauces to Serve With Crispy Tofu
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing – Creamy and delicious!
Honey Dijon Vinaigrette – Toss the tofu in this for an extra flavor boost.
Spicy Mayo – A creamy mayo-based sauce with sriracha and lime for a zesty kick (see instructions above).
Peanut Sauce – Perfect for dipping or drizzling over stir fry.
Sweet Chili Sauce – A classic pairing for crispy tofu.
Storing Tofu
Cool Completely: Let the tofu cool completely before storing.
Airtight Container: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Preserve Crispiness: Avoid stacking too much to maintain crispiness.
How to Reheat Crispy Tofu
Air Fryer (Best Option): Reheat at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until crispy again.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
Stovetop: Reheat in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, tossing occasionally.
Microwave (Least Crispy Option): Heat in 30-second intervals, but it will be softer.
Dietary Restrictions? Here’s What to Do!
Gluten-Free: Soy sauce contains gluten, so if you are using soy sauce, make sure to use tamari (gluten-free).
Coconut-Free: Swap the coconut aminos for soy sauce or tamari instead.
Corn-Free: Use arrowroot powder, potato starch, or tapioca starch instead.
What to Pair with Crispy Tofu
FAQs
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If you want that perfect crisp, extra-firm tofu is the way to go. Just be sure to press it well to remove any excess water before you toss it in the air fryer—that’s where the magic happens!
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Take your block of tofu and place it on a cutting board. Wrap it in layers of paper towels, then top it with something heavy—like a stack of books or a hefty pan. Let it press for 15–20 minutes to squeeze out all that extra water, leaving you with tofu that crisps up beautifully!
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I get it, silken tofu is super soft and smooth, but for this crispy tofu recipe, it’s not going to cut it. You’ll want extra-firm or firm tofu, pressed properly to get rid of any excess water, so it holds up in the air fryer and crisps to perfection.
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Yes, cornstarch is your crispy tofu BFF. It’s what gives the tofu that nice crunch when air frying. If you’re not a fan, you can swap it out for arrowroot powder, potato starch, or tapioca starch—they’ll give you the same satisfying crunch.
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After marinating your tofu, sprinkle it with cornstarch (or whichever starch you’re using), and toss it around until all the tofu pieces are evenly coated. This step is key to getting that crispy, golden-brown exterior you’re craving!
Alright, tofu lovers, get ready for the easiest, crispiest air fryer tofu you’ve ever tasted! Whether you’re a total newbie to air frying or you’ve been rocking the tofu game for years, this recipe is foolproof. Trust me, it delivers the crispiest, most delicious tofu every single time. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out—happy cooking, friends!
Quick & Easy Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) block extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Avocado oil spray
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Juice of half a lime
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its package and drain the liquid. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then place something heavy (like a pan or a couple of books) on top. Let it press for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Make sure all of the water has been pressed out of it. Like really. Make sure it’s as dry as the sahara desert! Pat it dry.
- Cut the tofu: Slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, mix avocado oil, coconut aminos, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
- Marinate the tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss until all pieces are coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the tofu can soak up the flavor.
- Coat with cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornstarch over the tofu and toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for a couple of minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the basket with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not over-crowd! Leave space between each piece for even cooking. Spray the tops with a little avocado oil spray.
- Air fry: Cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through (at the 6-minute mark) to crisp up all sides.
- Check for crispiness: If you want extra crunch, air fry for another 2–3 minutes.
- Serve & enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and let the tofu cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy as a snack, in salads, or dipped in your favorite sauce!
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, hot sauce, honey, and lime juice. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Taste the spicy mayo and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer it spicier, add more hot sauce; if you want it tangier, add more lime juice.
- Once you've achieved the desired flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the spicy mayo in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.
Learn how to make crispy air fryer tofu with this simple recipe! Perfectly golden and tender, it’s easy, flavorful, and vegan-friendly. Ready in under 30 minutes!