Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (How to Make Crispy Tofu)
Here’s How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu cooked in just 10 minutes! This tofu is delicious, easy to make and great for meal prep!

Here’s a fact of life, air fryer tofu is one of the easiest and delicious quick meals on this blog. Not only will it help you achieve your crispy tofu dreams, but also well seasoned and meal prepped tofu. Did I mention it takes 10 minutes of cooking time?!
What’s an air fryer?
An air fryer is a small counter top high powered convection oven that through its cooking process, essentially cooks whatever you place in it as if it was being fried, except with air. Our air fryer is our MOST used device in our house and I would highly recommend everyone get one. (affiliate links) This is my current air fryer that I adore, and the air fryer I had before that I also love!
We make everything from fries (that are crispy, delicious and take 20 minutes), to burgers, bagels, toast, crispy roasted breadfruit and even plantain. And today – tofu!
Notes on the Ingredients
extra firm tofu – ensure you’re buying the right tofu! If it says “silken” anywhere on it. that’s not the kind we want to use here. Watch my tofu 101 IG series if you want more details, or my Tofu 101 Blog post! Always press your tofu when using it in this way.
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper and sea salt – these are a few simple seasonings that give your tofu incredible flavour. I’ll share some other seasonings ideas below.
cornstarch – our secret weapon for crispy tofu! Cornstarch helps to draw out excess liquid and gives the tofu a crispy exterior.
light soy sauce or liquid aminos – I prefer light soy sauce (or even liquid aminos) since it’s not as salty. You can also use coconut aminos.
sesame oil or any oil – even though you don’t technically need oil for an air fryer, I find a little bit goes a LONG way with aiding crispiness, texture and flavour.
How to make Air Fryer Tofu (Step by Step Instructions)
Making air fryer tofu is so easy and results in the crispest tofu in such a short time.
In a medium size bowl place the pressed and cubed tofu. Add in liquid aminos and toss to coat.
Add in all of the other seasoning ingredients and toss to thoroughly combine.
Place in your air fryer in a single row, so that all the tofu has a little bit of space around each piece.
Set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes, then continuing to cook.
Remove after tofu is cooked. Allow to cool for a few minutes then serve. Enjoy!
You can serve it alone or with a dip, or literally anything your heart desires.
Expert Tips and FAQ
- Make sure you’re not buying silken tofu! That will yield the wrong texture and will break apart if you try and press it. Check out my Tofu 101 post for more, or watch my tofu 101 IG series.
- If you have a smaller air fryer, you’re going to want to split this into two batches because you definitely don’t want your tofu to be crowded. Give them enough space. In my smaller air fryer, I need two batches.
- I’m sure all air fryers are different, so be sure to see if your tofu may need an extra 5 minutes. Mine was perfect after 10 minutes!
- How to press tofu: I cover this in detail in my How to Cook Tofu 101 post! The prep time includes the time to press the tofu
- You can even switch up the seasoning mix. Here are some ideas as to how:
- Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano and dried basil
- Bbq seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- The options are up to you!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 lb block extra firm tofu, pressed for 30 minutes then cut into 1” cubes, (16 oz.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon light soy sauce, or liquid aminos
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil, or any oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium size bowl place the pressed and cubed tofu. Add in liquid aminos and toss to coat. Add in all of the other seasoning ingredients including the oil and toss to thoroughly combine.
- Place in your air fryer in a single row, so that all the tofu has a little bit of space around each piece. Set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes, then continuing to cook.
- Remove after tofu is cooked. Allow to cool for a few minutes then serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure you’re not buying silken tofu! That will yield the wrong texture and will break apart if you try and press it. Check out my Tofu 101 post for more.
- If you have a smaller air fryer, you’re going to want to split this into two batches because you definitely don’t want your tofu to be crowded. Give them enough space. In my smaller air fryer, I need two batches.
- I’m sure all air fryers are different, so be sure to see if your tofu may need an extra 5 minutes. Mine was perfect after 10 minutes!
- How to press tofu: I cover this in detail in my How to Cook Tofu 101 post! The prep time includes the time to press the tofu
- You can even switch up the seasoning mix. Here are some ideas as to how:
- Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano and dried basil
- Bbq seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- The options are up to you!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
I forgot to mention that I lightly sprayed my avocado cooking oil on the bottom of my air fryer basket. Figured it couldn’t hurt to grease it a bit. I’m having the tofu with plain congee! So good! Bland congee and flavorful tofu 👍
Thanks so much for sharing Michelle! Love the idea of having it with congee wow!
Delicious! Thank you so much!
You’re so welcome SimoneT
This is now my go to recipe when I am in the mood for chicken nuggets. I break the tofu apart rather than cut it so it has that nuggetness. Dip in ranch or ketchup and my tummy is so happy!
Aww thanks for sharing Shelley – amazing!
This is my absolute favorite way of making tofu, especially in a pinch when I ask, “What’s for dinner?” It’s quick and easy, and the flavors and crispiness are just so delicious!!! Thank you, Jessica!!!
Aww amazing! Thanks Rachel!!
Absolutely perfect spices and proportions. We find we crave this air fried tofu – it is a treat! After making this recipe three times within a month, I felt duty-bound to leave a 5-star review. This is an exceptionally good recipe, Jessica. Thank you for sharing.
This is a simple and delicious recipe. Thank you! Perfect for lazy folks like me who want to eat more plant-based protein. Make these in advance, and throw them in a rice bowl, soup, wrap, or eat them alone.
What setting is the air fryer on?
HI Stacy,
Just the regular cook setting! Can you tell me what settings your air fryer has? That way I can help more!
Rapid cook has speedi meals, steam and crisp, steam and bake, steam, and proof. Air fry side has, bake/roast, broil, dehydrate, sear/saute, slow cook, sous vide. Now obviously, some for sure won’t be used, but I’m always confused about which one to use in some cases. Thanks
Hi Stacy,
Got you! I would put it on roast/bake!
Hello I am trying your tofu recipe tonight. I was wondering what kind of dip you have in this picture and if you have a recipe for it?
Hi Danielle,
It’s just mayo and ketchup mixed together! Sometimes I add in sriracha too – so like 2 tbsp mayo 2 tbsp ketchup 1 teaspoon sriracha. Enjoy so much!
Omg this was sooooo good! I used the Cajun Seasoning variation. It came out perfectly.
Always a fan of Cajun over here. So thrilled you enjoyed it, Kat. Hope you get to make it again soon!
Oh my goodness! I crave this tofu! Pretty sure this is the first I craved tofu! 😂 I make plain congee which I actually hate but found that I love it paired with this tofu. Hahaha I’ll be making again and again! I made it this time with more black pepper than usual. I forgot momentarily that I’m a wimp! 😂 Thanks again, Jessica!
Thanks so much for sharing Michelle and haha yay for craving tofu!!