This crispy air fried tofu is a weekly staple in my household, so I’ve perfected this simple, versatile recipe over the years! Made with super-firm or extra-firm tofu, the edges are coated in corn starch for that crispy and craggly texture. Air fryer tofu is the best plant-based protein boost in stir-fries, grain bowls, salads, and more.

air fryer tofu up close

As a Registered Dietitian who follows a (mostly) plant-based diet, I eat tofu multiple times a week to help meet my protein needs. I’m practically made of tofu at this point.

I make this air fryer tofu at least once a week to add to peanut tofu rice bowls and stir fries, so it’s high time that I share it with you all!

Seasoned with soy sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and salt, it has good flavor on its own – but it’s light enough to pair with any sauce or dressing you can dream up. I personally love it with my homemade peanut sauce!

Best kind of tofu for air frying

If you can find it, I HIGHLY recommend using vacuum sealed super-firm tofu for this recipe.

Why? It has minimal water content and doesn’t need to be pressed before cooking – just give it a pat dry with paper towels.

If you can’t find super-firm tofu, go with extra-firm tofu. You can find details for how to press tofu in my Tofu 101 post!

How to make air fryer tofu: step-by-step instructions

tofu cubes on wooden cutting board
1. Cut the tofu into cubes. Any size works! I usually do ~1 inch.
tofu and seasonings in a mixing bowl
2. Toss tofu cubes in a mixing bowl with all the seasonings and some cornstarch.

A note on cornstarch: Cornstarch roughs up the surface of the tofu for that crispy, craggily exterior as photographed in the photos for this post.

But TBH, I often leave the cornstarch out when I make air fryer tofu and it still has nice crispy edges! Both versions are delicious, and in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with using cornstarch versus leaving it out.

tofu tossed in seasonings in a mixing bowl
3. Use your hands to toss it all together so the tofu cubes are coated in seasonings.
air fried tofu on an air fryer basket
4. Transfer the tofu to your air fryer basket or tray and fry it up for ~13 minutes. Ready to eat right away!
air fryer tofu cubes on a ceramic plate

I’m drooling just looking at these air fryer tofu photos – you too?

You may also like my air fryer tempeh recipe!

Let me know if you love this post by leaving a comment or star rating below, and check out Instagram and Pinterest for more healthy lifestyle inspiration. Thanks for stopping by!

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air fryer tofu up close

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (Quick & Easy)

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  • Author: Alex Aldeborgh, RD
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: main dish
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This crispy air fryer tofu is a weekly staple in my household, so I’ve perfected this simple, versatile recipe over the years! Made with super-firm or extra-firm tofu, the edges are coated in corn starch for that crispy and craggly texture. Air fryer tofu is the best plant-based protein boost in stir-fries, grain bowls, salads, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block vacuum-sealed super-firm tofu
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
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Instructions

  1. Remove super-firm tofu from packaging and pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Cut tofu into cubes, about 1 inch in size.
  3. Put the tofu cubes in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
  4. Use your hands to gently toss the tofu in the seasonings. It’s ok if little bits of tofu break off – these just add to the craggily texture!
  5. Transfer the tofu cubes to your air fryer basket or tray, spreading them out as best you can so they aren’t touching each other.
  6. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. With my air fryer, I find 13 minutes to be the ideal time.
  7. Remove from the air fryer and enjoy right away! Delicious on its own, and the perfect vehicle for your favorite sauce or dressing.

Notes

Notes on air fryer model: This is the air fryer I use and love. From my understanding of air fryers, different models might vary in terms of cooking time and temperature for the same recipe. If you have a different type of air fryer, try this recipe using 375°F as a cooking temperature and increase up to 400°F based on how it performs the first time you try it.

Nutrition Disclaimer

As a Registered Dietitian, I create nutritionally-balanced recipes using whole food ingredients to promote good health and well-being.  Additionally, I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. My nutrition philosophy encompasses an all-foods-fit approach, and I do not promote tracking calories, macronutrients, or other numbers. Nevertheless, I understand that this information can be educational and helpful for some people.

I cannot guarantee complete accuracy of the nutrition information provided here, as these numbers are estimates. Nutrition is individualized. If you have specific nutrition needs, please consult your physician or a Registered Dietitian. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one-fourth of recipe
  • Calories: 176
  • Fat: 10.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6.7 g
  • Fiber: 2.9 g
  • Protein: 15.1 g