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
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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!
Jessie says
SO good, even just by itself!!! I didn’t have any soy sauce, so I made it with Bragg’s liquid aminos instead. Yum!!! I haven’t gotten around to buying soy sauce, but I bet that’s really good too! Please keep the delicious recipes coming! ❤️
Emilie Levesque says
Hi! For the nutritional yeast, can I use yeast flakes instead and smash them a little?
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Yes they should dissolve right into the mixture.
Eileen VanTassel says
This recipe has good flavor! I found however, the paste became immediately too thick to toss the tofu in without breaking them to pieces. I added more a little more oil, soy sauce and water til it was stirable (is that a word?) but still thick, then proceeded with the rest. They turned out very good! We had a few cubes left which I refrigerated for a couple of days, then put back in the air fryer for a few minutes til they were hot and crispy again for my husband's lunch. Will make again! Thank you Sam!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Thanks for your tips!
Nicole sul says
Easy and so yummy!!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Yay!
Lisa says
Dear Sam, you nailed it again! I am a big fan for years, bought your first book in 2017 and cooking your recepies ever since.
I was a bit skeptical when I threw the coated tofu in my airfryer basket, but they came out perfectly!
And absolutely no mess (did spray the basket with oil)
I will be making these more often, play with the seasoning, yummy!
Many thanks and keep up the good work *applause* 🙂
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
That's fantastic! Thanks for the review, Lisa!
Janice Stuhlhacher says
I made this for dinner today and it was so good and super easy. I made a orange sauce along with steamed broccoli and rice. Delicious!!.
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Fantastic!
Christiane says
Fantastic!! The sauce is like a paste, but once you start mixing in the tofu, it works like magic and coats the tofu really well. Thank you for another great recipe.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed it Christiane 🙂
Jack Dent Jr says
I was looking for an easy Country Fried Tofu recipe. Saw this one and made it earlier for dinner. SOOOOOOOOOOO fantastic!!! it's definitely my new go to!! Super crispy and flavorful!!!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We're thrilled you liked it so much!
Jalessa says
Soooo good! I could not stop eating it! I will definitely be making more of your recipes! From the comments I hear that the tofu bites are good. I’ll have to start with that.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed it, Jalessa, and yes the tofu bites are a fan fave. I hope you enjoy many more recipes 🙂
Heather says
Mine did not turn into paste? It is runny. Does the tofu need to be pressed? It's in the oven, so I don't know how this will turn out. The only difference to the ingredients I used Tamari instead of soya sauce.
Sam Turnbull says
Nope, it should work just fine. ENjoy!
Krystal says
This tofu is amazing! I made it to add to a sheet pan veggie lo mein recipe. My family really enjoyed. I love, love, love your baked tofu bites recipe and am always looking for excuses to make that recipe, but now I’m torn between this recipe and that one. Guess I’ll just have to start eating even more tofu!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, now you know why I eat tofu almost daily!!
Angela says
Five stars!
Mindy says
I tried making this sauce and it became a paste. Then, I tried it again by adding more olive oil and soy sauce. It’s cooking now. I think the recipe is off.
Angela says
I thought the same thing, but the paste totally worked, making the yumminess cling to the tofu.
Kathleen Wise says
Totally agree Mindy. This recipe is a mess. Next time I'll marinate the tofu in soy, garlic powder and spice then toss the pressed tofu in the nutritional yeast and cornstarch.
This thick paste does not coat the tofu.
marge201 says
If I get a paste, I'l'll loosen it with soy milk and/or broth (both DIY FWIW).
Karen says
Sam, this is so delicious! I love your baked tofu bites, but this takes it up a notch. It is a little challenging to get the paste mixed onto all the pieces, but once you do, look out. Instead of cubes, I just pulled the tofu apart into chunks (like the bites recipe), and air fried them. SO crispy!! 😀
The second batch I made, I swapped out the garlic powder and some of the nooch for Trader Joe's Chicken-less Seasoning blend. That was a hit, although a little salty.
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you love them even more Karen!
Julie says
Easy, crispy, delicious! Another hit!
Adam March says
Just made this - it’s easy and I love it! Wow!!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!
Angela says
Mine is not a sauce, it’s a paste. Hope it works Here goes nothing!
Angela says
WELL. I stand corrected by experience! I should have trusted you!! Since posting my passive-aggressive missive above (yes, it is more like a paste, so what?? the tofu mixed in beautifully), I have made this recipe TWICE and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! Thanks, Sam. Sorry I ever doubted you. Even my chicken-flesh loving husband thinks this is delicious! (PS didn't have cayenne, so threw in a teaspoon of sriracha and it was fab)
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha, no worries at all! Thrilled you love it so much! I think I have to change my writing to say "paste" as there are several people confused!
Julie says
This is THE best tofu recipe ever! I cannot believe how much this tastes like fried chicken coating. Absolutely delicious! The only bad part is I come close to eating the entire block of tofu each time. Ha!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! I hear you Julie, me too! So happy you love it!
Selina says
This is sooo good! The paste was so thick that I added another tablespoon of oil. Even then it was thick, but at least I was able to coat the tofu by mixing carefully. I also cooked it for less that half of the time - maybe my air fryer just cooks faster?
Sam Turnbull says
Yep! It's a pasty sauce, haha
Vicki says
I made this tonight. It is delicious! Thank you! I don't eat garlic so I used curry in it's place and used chipotle powder instead of cayenne and I added a coating of sesame seeds and used sesame oil instead of olive. I love how versatile this is so we can add whatever flavors. It cooked up so crispy and tasty. I make air fried tofu for my salads all the time but just hadn't found it cooks as crispy as I want. This is exactly what I wanted. Thanks!
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! So happy you loved it 🙂
Lara says
Do you need to press the tofu first? I'm excited to try this.
Sonya says
This will be delicious, I find that using a piece of parchment works incredibly well in airfryers, just make sure to trim the edges closely to your food so the parchment doesn't get blown over the sides of your food. No oil needed unless a small spray over top of food. thank you for another recipe.
Sam Turnbull says
Great tip! Especially for those who are oil-free. Thanks Sonya!
Alle says
The link to your air flyer is blocked on two browsers for me. Can you post it in the comments?
Sam Turnbull says
Sorry about that, Alle! The link should be working now, but you also click here 🙂