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!
Janyce Cimarelli says
Absolute amazing. Can't wait to try the bacon and pepperoni
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for your review, Janyce!
Leila says
Looks Great!
Do you think it would be possible to marinate the tofu in the mixture and leave in the fridge until you are ready to use it? A few days lets say? Or do you have to air fry right away?
Looking to meal prep!
Thanks in advance:)
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks, Leila! Great question! If you’re meal prepping, I’d recommend marinating the tofu in everything except the cornstarch, then stirring it in just before air frying. That way, the tofu can absorb all the flavors without the coating getting too thick or sticky. When you're ready to cook, just toss in the cornstarch, mix well, and air fry as usual. Hope that helps, and happy meal prepping!
Michelle says
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! I love the flavoring and end up adding a tad more cayenne to spice it up. I always plan to make a bunch at a time for leftovers but I end up eating most of it right after it comes out of the air fryer. Thanks for this amazing recipe!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay!! So thrilled you love it so much Michelle!!!!
Audrey says
Absolutely delicious!
Mix the tofu with cornstarch first, then add the spice paste.
I've subbed chili powder for the cayenne and added 1/4 tsp salt and it's perfect.
Scrape/shake the air fryer early and often to keep from sticking!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you love it Audrey!
Lisa says
Wish I had read the comments first. The "sauce" got too hard before I tossed my first few pieces even though I had everything ready to go. Another block of tofu wasted. Grrrr
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Sorry to hear that Lisa, if needed you could add a small splash of water or a bit more oil. I hope that helps!
Sheri G says
I love this recipe and make it AT LEAST every other week. It's so easy to throw together, and so versatile for using in different meals. My favorite way to use is throwing it on top of a salad. I love the crunch it gives - and the taste is *chef's kiss*.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for sharing!
Sue says
This is a staple in our house! So delicious and easy to make!
Evan says
This is a winner! One of my favourites. I like to sub a couple tablespoons of chickpea flour for some of the cornstarch...just because everything's better with chickpeas. Then I put it on top of a big salad along with some roasted broccoli. Thanks for finding tasty ways for us to eat plants!
Gina says
This recipe is a staple for me! It's quick, easy and always no fail! Not to mention delicious! It will make anyone that doesn't think they like tofu, think twice. 🙂
Chris says
I have recently purchased an airfryer and this recipe was so tasty and easy. Love it!
Crimson says
I literally crave these tofu nuggies, I could eat these every day no joke
Lisa M Glassman says
This recipe is amazeballs! So delicious and goes with so many of your other recipes. You're awesome. Keep these fabulous dishes coming!
Alex Dezj says
Just made this and it was surprisingly delicious. I served it over brown rice with green onions, sesame seeds and barbecue sauce. Super tasty.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So thrilled you loved it Alex!
Mary Hussey says
Just made this tonight and it was great! You weren't kidding about greasing the pan - the whole batch stuck when I went to turn the pieces. Now I have it soaking. (Mine has a mesh grate for the air-fryer part, so not always easy to grease.)
Still, definitely making this again!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Sorry for the mess but we're so glad you enjoyed the outcome!
Mary Hussey says
I made it again, but substituted the cayenne for smoked paprika - delish!
Mary Hussey says
By accident, the sauce got too thick, and my pieces were too small. The pieces ended up a bit crushed. It ended up making crispy crumbles, which I added to my salad - delish! I really love this recipe!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yummy!
lizzie says
These are terrific, I use them in a lot of things : ))
Kirsten says
I think it would work better if I tossed the tofu in the cornstarch first, then then a mix of all of the other ingredients. I had everything ready, but the cornstarch still gummed up right away. I think I'll keep using your fabulous recipe for tofu bites, which is very similar, but no cornstarch.
Michele Steinberg says
I have had an air fryer for about a year, and this recipe is my favorite thing to make with it! This is the easiest, most foolproof and delicious way to prepare tofu that I have tried. I have to prevent my husband from snacking on it if I want it to go into one of my veggie stir-fries! I usually add this to stir fried veggies toward the end of cooking and stir in an easy cornstarch-water-soy finishing sauce. Scrumptious!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Yes to all of that! We're so glad you love it as much as we do.
Bridget says
Love, Love, Love this tofu! Have made it twice already this week! Delicious and filling! All of your recipes have helped my family deliciously transition to more healthy diets! Your are a true talent! Thank you Sam for all you do to make this world a healthier, more compassionate place.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Bridget! So happy you are loving my recipes 🙂
Mae says
I just acquired a free air fryer, and this is the first thing I made with it! it turned out great! The tofu was a little dry...I think it would be best with a sauce. I served it with brown rice and veggies. Very yummy!
Anne says
I have to confess to taking some small liberties with the recipe, but hopefully they'll help someone else. I am the last person in North America who doesn't own an air fryer. I know. But I do have a toaster oven with convection. So, why not?
I prepared the tofu as directed, except I pressed it (because I already had it pressing before I found the recipe.) I preheated the oven, then put the tofu on one of those copper grill mats. My oven defaulted to 30 minutes, so I left it there.
The tofu didn't come out crispy, but it is nicely chewy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I paired it with brown rice and sauteed cabbage.
Definitely a keeper, would bookmark again.
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We're glad you liked it!
Val says
Next level tofu… and so simple, who would have thought?! You’re truly a gifted cook and your recipes have made the transition to vegan so much easier and fun then I could have hoped! Thanks for sharing❤️
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We're so glad you're a fan, Val!