This recipe for air fryer tofu is, hands down, the best way to get delicious, super crispy tofu with a soft middle! This recipe is easy to make, has terrific crunchy texture, and is done in about 12 minutes—so quick! For best results, use firm or extra firm tofu and press the tofu before cooking.

Air fryer tofu on a plate with a bowl of sauce and fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top.

I resisted buying the oh-so-trendy air fryer for a looonngggg time. I truly didn’t understand how it could be so great. But, as a food blogger, I felt I had to try one out. For research, of course! And now that I have one in my kitchen, I am making all the air fryer recipes! It makes so many dishes fast and easy, while giving food an amazing texture (you HAVE to try my tender-inside-crisp-on-the-outside crispy air fryer cauliflower). I am 100% on the air fryer train.

This crispy tofu is my latest air fryer obsession! I have never been a huge fan of tofu’s texture, but this method of cooking gives tofu the perfect crisp outside and soft middle that we all want in a tofu dish. Even my husband who claims to not like tofu LOVES this recipe.

Pssst. If you looking for other tasty vegetarian dishes, you HAVE to try this flavorful Sheet Pan Orange Tofu & Veggies. As a self proclaimed iffy-tofu eater, I 100% endorse it! Or this Leek and Potato Soup. It is one of my family’s favorite meals and completely plant-based.

This air fryer tofu is quick to make and turns out perfect with a few tips and tricks. I walk you how to press your tofu (with no special gadgets) for the optimal texture. After your tofu is pressed, you quickly toss it with some corn starch, oil, and soy sauce to help you achieve that cravable crisp outside and tender inside. This crispy air fryer tofu is a perfect staple plant based protein to make to enjoy on top of salsa, pasta, rice, or on its own. The recipe as written is vegan, gluten free and dairy-free, but you can change up the flavorings to make this tofu fit your own personal taste!

Tofu cubes on a white napkin.
Cut tofu into cubes and arrange on a towel in a single layer.
Tofu cubes on a white napkin with a wooden cutting board on top of it. There is a cast iron pot on top of the cutting board.
Place between two towels. Place a cutting board on top of the tofu and put a heavy object on top of the cutting board to press the tofu.
Tofu being drizzled with oil in a bowl.
Once tofu has been pressed, place in a bowl and continue with the recipe.

Frequently asked questions

What type of tofu is best in the air fryer?

Firm or extra firm tofu is key for making this recipe crispy and perfect. Other tofu (especially silken) are much too soft and will either fall apart when pressed or will simply not get crisp and firm when cooked.

Do I have to press the tofu before cooking it in the air fryer?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Do not skip this step.

I know we are all looking for shortcuts in the kitchen (and this is quick tofu recipe), but skipping pressing your tofu should not be one of them when making this crispy air fryer tofu. Tofu is made and packaged with a lot of water. In order to achieve the perfect texture and consistency when making tofu, it needs to be pressed.

Pressing is low effort and does not require any fancy schmancy gear. Just some towels, a cutting board, and something heavy.

What does the arrowroot or cornstarch do?

The cornstarch or arrowroot powder helps the oil and coconut aminos stick to the air fryer tofu cubes and get that lovely crispy outside that you want and love.

What kind of air fryer do you use?

There are so many air fryers on the market, aren’t there? It is enough to make your head spin. When buying mine, I did a ton of research and asking around. And I finally settled on this one. It is on the smaller side, but it perfect for our small kitchen and small family.

If you have a bigger crew to cook for, this one is great for air frying for a crowd!

Tofu pieces in an air fryer basket before cooking.

Dishes to enjoy with crispy tofu

If you are like me, you might find yourself popping this crispy air fryer tofu by the piece and not having any left to add to meal! But, if you can resist its incredible level of yum to actually get it on a plate, here are some dishes to add this delicious tofu too!

Other vegetarian recipes to add to the rotation

Loving this easy tofu recipe and now you’re hungry for more?

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Air fryer tofu on a plate with a bowl of sauce and fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top.
12 Minute Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
5 from 5 votes

12 Minute Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Author: Taesha Butler
This recipe for air fryer tofu is, hands down, the best way to get delicious, super crispy tofu with a soft middle! This recipe is easy to make, has terrific crunchy texture, and is done in about 12 minutes—so quick! For best results, use firm or extra firm tofu and press the tofu before cooking.
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Ingredients
 

  • 16 ounce block firm or extra firm tofu 
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, or arrowroot starch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos , or soy sauce if gluten free isn't needed

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Instructions
 

  • Cut tofu into cubes and arrange on a clean towel or paper towels.
  • Place another towel on top of the tofu and place a cutting board on the towel. Place something heavy (I use my cast iron skillet) to weigh down and gently press out the moisture from the tofu. Let sit for for 15-30 minutes.
  • Once tofu has been pressed, place in a medium bowl. Sprinkle tofu with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. This will help the oil and coconut aminos stick to the tofu and give it that crisp outside. Toss the tofu piece in the cornstarch/arrowroot to coat. It’s ok if the tofu isn’t perfectly coated.
  • Next, drizzle with oil and coconut aminos. Toss to coat again.
  • Preheat air fryer to 375℉ for 3 minutes. Once warmed up, place tofu in air fryer basket in an even layer.
  • Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, depending how crisp you want your tofu. Shake air fryer basket at the 5 minute mark to move tofu around so that it evenly cooks.
  • Once done cooking, remove immediately from air fryer and enjoy as part of a stir fry, salad, over rice or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Do not skip pressing tofu. Pressing is important for drawing out the extra liquid tofu is packaged with and vital to creating the crisp outside.
  • If your air fryer only goes in increments of 10 degrees, cook tofu at 380℉.
  • Be sure your tofu is firm or extra firm. This recipe will not work with silken tofu.
  • All air fryers and taste preferences are different. Check your tofu after 10 minutes and see if your desired crispness is achieved. If not, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it fits what you prefer.
  • Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking! This helps to rotate the pieces of tofu so that they crisp up evenly.
Calories: 105kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 156mg, Potassium: 175mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1mg