Author: Just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes prep to make the best Air Fryer Tofu everrrrr! This tofu is crispy on the outside, it's tender on the inside, and has a super flavorful chicken-like seasoning.
FEATURED COMMENT:
I've made a lot of your recipes over the years and even more tofu recipes in the past 10 years+. This by far is the best thing you've provided the vegan world!
- Michelle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There are many ways to cook tofu, from Baked Tofu Bites to Grilled Tofu Skewers. But if you are looking for tofu that's ready fast and amazingly crispy on the outside, this Air Fryer Tofu will become your new go-to recipe! It's delicious all on its own as a snack, or you can serve it as a main with some sides, on pasta, on salad, on rice, in a wrap, in a taco, or anywhere you want more scrumptious tofu (which is everywhere)!
Why I Can't Get Enough of This Recipe
I love cooking tofu in the air fryer so much, I make this recipe a few times a week! Here's what makes it so delicious.
- The perfect crispy texture. Because crispy tofu is the BEST tofu, right? The air fryer is awesome for achieving that perfect crispy exterior while leaving the inside tender and springy.
- SUPER tasty. We keep it simple with the seasonings, but the combination packs in lots of savory, umami flavor.
- Easy to make. It's just a matter of tossing the tofu with the coating, putting it in the air fryer, and tossing it a few times. It doesn't get much easier than this!
- A new staple recipe. Air fryer tofu is a great plant-based protein option that you'll find yourself using in so many different ways.
Ingredients:
- Extra-firm tofu: Best for holding its shape and not breaking apart during cooking. Firm tofu can be used in a pinch, but softer types likely won't hold up well.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami flavor. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Olive oil: Helps with crisping.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor.
- Cayenne: Optional, if you want your tofu with a kick.
How to Make Crispy Tofu in the Air Fryer
- Prepare: Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF.
- Mix the coating: Whisk the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and cayenne in a large bowl.
- Coat the tofu: Add the cubed tofu to the coating mixture and toss gently.
- Cook: Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray oil. Arrange the tofu in the basket in a single layer and air fry for 20 minutes, shaking once or twice during the process.
- Serve: Season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired, and serve.
Tips for the Tastiest Tofu
- Give it some space: Think of air fried tofu like an angsty teenager. It needs some space! Allow room for the air to circulate between the cubes to help it crisp instead of steam.
- Skip the pressing: I don't find it necessary to use a tofu press. Pressing the tofu removes extra water, but since the air fryer will dry out the tofu anyways, pressing it is just an extra step that isn't needed for this recipe.
- Make it your own: Feel free to sub the olive oil for another oil you like, such as avocado oil, or 1 - 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. If you are oil-free, you can sub the oil for water or vegetable broth. You can also change up the seasonings; smoked paprika is delicious with tofu, or try Chinese 5-spice powder for something a little different.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer tofu as a main dish, as nuggets for dipping, on salads, in sandwiches, in tacos, on pasta, on nachos, with a side of broccoli, brussels sprouts, or cauliflower, added to a stir fry, on any dish you like. The options are endless!
How to Store
Technically, you can store this tofu in the fridge for later and it will keep fresh for up to 4 days, but I wouldn't know anything about that, because every time I make this air fryer tofu, it's gone within a few minutes!
To reheat it, I recommend popping it back into the air fryer, which will help re-crisp the exterior. Although it is also delicious cold.
More Tofu Recipes to Try
- Quick & Easy Vegan Tofu Bacon
- Vegan Tofu Fillets
- Easy Sticky Teriyaki Tofu
- Vegan Tofu Bacon Bits
- Brown Sugar & Mustard Glazed Tofu
- Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu
If you try this air fryer tofu recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also follow me on Pinterest or Facebook. 🙂
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
The Best Air Fryer Tofu
Servings:
PRINT
PIN
COMMENT
Ingredients
- 1 (350g/ 12.3oz) block extra-firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne, (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Preheat your air-fryer to 350F (180C).
- Make sure to have your tofu cubed and ready to go. If the sauce sits for a while it can thicken and be difficult to coat the tofu. Once your tofu is prepped, in a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using) to make a thick paste-like sauce. Add the tofu cubes and toss gently to evenly coat.
- Spray the heated fryer basket with spray oil, then spread the tofu in a single layer in the basket, allowing space between each tofu cube for the best airflow. Air fry the tofu for about 20 minutes, shaking 1 to 2 times, until golden.
- Serve hot or store in an air-tight container in the fridge, or freeze to use later. Great as main, as nuggets, on salads, in sandwiches, in tacos, on pasta, on nachos, the options are endless!
Stella says
I was operating on 3 hrs of sleep when I decided to try this. I goofed and mashed the tofu into crumbles, somehow the sauce came out like paste so I had to work it in with my hands. I air fried it on parchment and it came out great! I'll be making tacos with it - deeeeeelicious!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Stella, this made me laugh 😄 I’m so glad they still turned out great, and tacos sound like a perfect use for them!
Sara says
Excellent!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thank you so much, Sara! 😊
Thomas Meredith says
Tried this, very tasty. Thank you very much for the share. Few things.. definitely want the firm or extra firm tofu. I added sesame seeds as a few others have. Works well. I made a thai sweet chili sauce (vegan) to dip it in. It went very very well with this. There is a good recipe at the Veggie Society site. Seems like this could be used in many things. Good stuff. Thanks once more.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks Thomas! Love the idea of pairing it with sweet chili sauce, that sounds delicious 😊
Linda says
Wow! This actually reminds me of the chicken that my mom used to make... You are a magician!!! Delicious and so easy and quick. thanks.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww that's so nice! So thrilled you loved it Linda 🙂
Virginia B says
This was the first time I cooked with tofu. I never knew what to do with it. This seemed too easy, so I decided to test it. Amazing!! I loved the flavor - I popped the cubes on a salad! I am so happy I found your recipes after being diagnosed with food sensitivities. Also wanted to cut meat from my diet. This was so simple to make, and the results were great!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That's wonderful, so happy you enjoyed it Virginia! Tofu is amazing and so versatile. I have the ultimate guide on tofu and recipes here that could be helpful. Enjoy!
John says
I had a hard time with this - as soon as I mixed up the ingredients for the marinade, it was paste. Trying to "toss" it with the cubes resulted in my pulverizing the cubes down to a crumble, even after adding a few more tablespoons of olive oil to try and thin out the mixture. Any suggestions?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi John, The paste texture is exactly what you want, it coats the tofu and helps it crisp up. The key is to work quickly once you’ve mixed the paste (if it sits, it thickens), and to toss gently so the tofu cubes stay intact. If you find it too thick, you can add a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen it, but it should still be paste-like, not runny. That’s what gives the best result in the air fryer.
Anastasia Afanasieva says
Hi, I didn’t have soy sauce for the tofu recipe, so instead I used my homemade teriyaki sauce and I added some sesame seeds. Delicious.😊
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Sounds like a tasty substitution! We're glad you enjoyed it!
Ana Claudia says
So easy and so perfect! You are amazing and I love your recipes. You make my life as a full time worker and vegan mom easier. I use your cookbooks every week.I am looking forward to more videos and books.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww that makes me so happy! Thank you so much for your kind words and review Ana! So happy I am able to help make things a little easier and tastier 🙂
Cora J says
Excellent! I almost ate the whole batch! So easy and delicious! Thank you for this tofu recipe!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha yay! So thrilled you loved it so much Cora! Thank you for the review 🙂
Darcy Kovacs says
Another PERFECT recipe from Sam. Thanks doll, this is in heavy rotation in our home. My old change was to toss it a little cornmeal after coating.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you love it Darcy! And cornmeal sounds great 🙂
Leslie says
Delicious, versatile, and so so easy! Made with pantry staples I always have on hand.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So thrilled you love it Leslie!!
Julie H. says
Really good and easy!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for your review, Julie!