Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a simple and tasty way to enjoy tofu with a crunchy outside and a soft, tender inside. This recipe brings out the best in tofu by using the air fryer to give it a satisfying crisp without needing a lot of oil. You get a delicious texture that’s perfect for snacking, salads, or as a protein-packed addition to your meals.
I love making this because it’s quick and easy, and the tofu comes out perfectly crispy every time. One trick I’ve found helpful is to press the tofu well before cooking to get rid of extra moisture—it really makes a difference in the crunchiness. Plus, the air fryer is such a handy tool that makes cooking less messy and way faster than pan-frying or baking.
My favorite way to enjoy this crispy tofu is tossed in a bowl of greens with a little dressing or served alongside stir-fried veggies and rice. It’s a fun and healthy switch-up that gets everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s great for meal prep because it keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely in the air fryer to bring back that crisp texture.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Firm or extra-firm tofu: This is best for crispiness since it holds its shape well. If you only have soft tofu, it’s harder to get crispy results, but pressing it longer can help a bit.
Soy sauce or tamari: This adds flavor and a bit of salt. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Cornstarch: This is key for creating the crispy coating. You can swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch if needed.
Oils: Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor, but olive oil works well too and is widely available.
Hoisin glaze (optional): For a sweet and tangy touch, hoisin is great, but you can skip it or replace with a simple mix of soy sauce, maple syrup, and a splash of vinegar.
How Do You Get Tofu Super Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Pressing tofu is the most important step. Removing water helps it crisp up and avoid soggy results.
- Wrap tofu block in towels and press with a heavy object for 15-20 minutes.
- Coat tofu evenly with cornstarch — this forms a light crust that gets crispy on air frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; space lets hot air circulate and crisp all sides.
- Shake the basket halfway to turn tofu pieces, ensuring even browning.
Following these tips will help you get crunchy tofu that’s soft inside and great as a snack or meal addition!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I use mine because it cooks crispy tofu quickly without much oil.
- Heavy object or tofu press – helps remove excess water from the tofu for better crispiness.
- Mixing bowls – for tossing the tofu with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Small bowl – to mix the optional glaze ingredients.
- Cooking spray or brush – to lightly oil the air fryer basket for easy cleanup.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up: add chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Different flavor: marinate tofu in teriyaki sauce instead of soy for an Asian-inspired taste.
- Extra crunch: sprinkle crushed nuts or sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Herb boost: toss cooked tofu with chopped cilantro or basil for freshness.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for glazing)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for glazing)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for glazing)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 to 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend 15-20 minutes pressing the tofu to remove water, 5 minutes preparing and seasoning, then about 10-15 minutes cooking it in the air fryer. If you choose to make the glaze, it only takes a couple of minutes to mix and toss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Start by draining your tofu. To get it nice and crispy, press the tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove extra moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu block in clean kitchen towels and placing a heavy object, like a cast iron pan or books, on top.
2. Cut and Season:
Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes gently in a bowl with soy sauce or tamari until they’re evenly coated in flavor.
3. Coat with Cornstarch:
Sprinkle the tofu with cornstarch, tossing carefully to coat all sides. This step is key for getting that delicious crispy outside once cooked.
4. Air Fry the Tofu:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil so the tofu doesn’t stick. Arrange the cubes in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to make sure all sides get golden and crispy.
5. Optional Glaze and Serve:
While the tofu cooks, you can prepare a simple glaze by mixing hoisin sauce, maple syrup (or honey), and rice vinegar in a small bowl. When the tofu is done, gently toss it in this glaze for a sweet and tangy finish. Serve your crispy tofu garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
6. Enjoy!
Enjoy your crispy air fryer tofu as a tasty snack, toss it over a fresh salad, or serve it alongside rice and vegetables for a wholesome meal!
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen tofu can actually get even crispier because freezing changes its texture. Just thaw it completely in the fridge or under cold water, then press out excess moisture before cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Crispy Tofu?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the tofu back into the air fryer for a few minutes to refresh its crispiness.
Can I Skip Pressing the Tofu?
Pressing really helps remove moisture for a crispier texture, so it’s recommended. But if you’re short on time, pat tofu dry with paper towels as best as you can — it just might be a bit less crunchy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free or skip the glaze altogether for a safe option.
