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    Home » Recipes » Vegan

    Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

    Published: Jan 24, 2021 · Modified: Apr 25, 2022 by Kristen Wood - This post may contain affiliate links.

    Skip to Recipe Pin Recipe
    pinterest pin for air fryer tofu
    a pinterest pin for air fried tofu

    With hints of sesame and garlic, this crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe will knock your socks off with its delightful textures and flavors! Gluten-free and vegan.

    A white bowl of crispy looking tofu.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🧄 Ingredients Notes
    • 🔪 How-to Make Air Fryer Tofu
    • 🍽️ How-to Use and Serve
    • ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
    • 💭 Top Tip
    • 🔥 Storing and Reheating
    • 🍲 More Tofu Recipes You Will Love
    • ♨️ More Air Fryer Recipes You Must Try
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Crispy, golden tofu ready to be devoured on its own or incorporated into your favorite dishes. This Air Fryer Tofu recipe is the best thing to happen to tofu since...ever! With hints of sesame and garlic, not only do you have that wonderful texture, you also have a delightful splash of flavor that is dare I say...addictive? I hope you love this air fried tofu as much as we do!

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Super easy and quick to make.
    • Great on its own for a healthy snack or incorporated into dishes like salad, soup, curry or served as the perfect side dish alongside veggies like broccoli, cauliflower or brussels sprouts.
    • Naturally vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and nut-free.
    An air fryer basket try with crispy air fryer tofu scattered on top.

    🧄 Ingredients Notes

    Coconut aminos: You can replace the coconut aminos with soy sauce or tamari if need be.

    Apple cider vinegar: The vinegar can be replaced with rice vinegar, white wine vinegar or regular white vinegar if need be.

    🔪 How-to Make Air Fryer Tofu

    1. Press and drain tofu.
    2. Slice into cubes.
    3. Make marinade.
    4. Drizzle over tofu cubes.
    5. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
    6. Place into air fryer basket or tray in a single layer.
    7. Air fry tofu for 15 minutes.
    8. Enjoy!
    A close up shot of golden, crispy tofu in a white bowl.

    🍽️ How-to Use and Serve

    • On its own — it's that good!
    • Served with a favorite dipping sauce. We are partial to Golden Tahini Sauce. These are essentially tofu "nuggets"!
    • Served on a bed of rice, quinoa or rice noodles.
    • Alongside some roasted or steamed veggies.
    An silver rack with nuggets of cooked tofu scattered about.

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of tofu should I use?

    Extra firm tofu! The firmer the tofu, the crispier the results. I am fond of organic sprouted varieties of tofu for that added nutritional value. But, any tofu will work well, so long as it is firm!

    Should I press the tofu?

    Pressing the liquid out of tofu is essential for that addictively crispy texture. You can use a tofu press or use any large object such as a heavy pan, cast iron skillet, books or canned goods and place them on top of the block of tofu (I like to wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel when doing this), allowing the liquid to drain.

    Will this recipe work without marinade?

    Yes! You can simply drizzle a little oil over the tofu cubes (or omit oil!), then air fry as instructed.

    💭 Top Tip

    There can be slight variances in air fryer models as far as temperature and time needed. The important thing is to simply look out for that golden color and crispness as a tell-tale sign it's ready. It's okay if the tofu still seems slightly soft in the middle, as it does continue to crisp while it cools!

    Close shot of tofu that's been cooked in an air fryer.

    🔥 Storing and Reheating

    This crispy tofu tastes great warm, at room temperature, or even cold! You can store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To reheat simply place in a 400F air fryer or conventional oven, or pan fry on the stovetop until warmed throughout.

    A white bowl of golden looking tofu.

    🍲 More Tofu Recipes You Will Love

    Sticky Maple Ginger Tofu Noodle Bowl (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    Sweet & Spicy Green Power Tofu Quinoa Bowl (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

    ♨️ More Air Fryer Recipes You Must Try

    Air Fryer Tempeh

    Air Fryer Eggplant

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    Crispy looking tofu in a white bowl.

    📖 Recipe

    Air Fryer Tofu

    With hints of sesame and garlic, this crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe will knock your socks off with its delightful textures and flavors! Gluten-free and vegan.
    4.89 from 51 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Asian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Author: Kristen Wood

    Ingredients

    Tofu

    • 1 14-ounce block of tofu, extra firm pressed and drained

    Marinade

    • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of choice
    • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey if not vegan
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt or pink salt
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    Instructions

    • Using a tofu press or a very heavy pot placed on top of the block of tofu, press the tofu and allow the excess moisture to drain.
    • While the tofu is draining, in a small bowl combine all remaining ingredients. Whisk to combine.
    • Slice pressed tofu into 1/2-1" cubes. Place into a large bowl.
    • Drizzle marinade over the tofu and toss to coat. Let sit and marinate for 10 minutes.
    • Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
    • Place marinated tofu into air fryer basket or tray. Air fry for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy on the outside, shaking the basket/tray once in a while to ensure even cooking.
    • Let cool slightly and enjoy!

    Notes

    See the post above for tips, tricks and other valuable information!
    You might also like 35 Plant-Based Air Fryer Recipes.
    If you enjoy Air Fryer Tofu, you might also like Teriyaki Tofu!
    Also see: Sweet and Spicy Green Tofu Quinoa Bowl.
    Enjoy this recipe? Please follow us on Pinterest. ❤️
    You might like: Spicy Tofu Noodles.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 315mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.05mg

    Recommended Products

    Air Fryer
    Tofu Press (Optional but handy!)
    Sesame Oil
    Coconut Aminos
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      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Elizabeth S says

      May 15, 2023 at 7:28 am

      5 stars
      Crispy and delish. I ate mine with sriracha sauce. SO GOOD!

      Reply
    2. Sharina says

      May 15, 2023 at 6:34 am

      5 stars
      This air fryer tofu is so delicious and healthy! Love the hint of garlic on it and its color!

      Reply
    3. Lisa says

      May 15, 2023 at 5:47 am

      5 stars
      The tofu came out so crisp on the outside and tender inside after air frying— my new go-to cooking method.

      Reply
    4. Gina says

      May 15, 2023 at 5:29 am

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite ways to make tofu. The AF is perfect for getting it golden and crispy!

      Reply
    5. Michelle says

      May 14, 2023 at 12:37 am

      5 stars
      This recipe for crispy air fryer tofu is amazing! The seasoning was perfect and it made a great addition to my salad.

      Reply
    6. RJ says

      September 16, 2022 at 7:22 pm

      How is this only 1 Gram of protein?

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 17, 2022 at 11:25 am

        Hi! Sorry and thank you for letting me know! The nutritional values are automatically calculated by the recipe card I use. I've updated the protein based on the extra-firm tofu I currently have on hand.

        Reply
    7. Savita says

      April 26, 2022 at 1:43 am

      5 stars
      It looks so crisp and delicious, can't wait to try it out.

      Reply
    8. Mahy says

      April 26, 2022 at 12:39 am

      5 stars
      I didn't know you could cook tofu so quickly. Too easy and that is just perfect if you ask me.

      Reply
    9. Ieva says

      April 26, 2022 at 12:30 am

      5 stars
      So much crispier cooking tofu this way compared to pan-fried tofu! Excellent recipe! 🙂 Thanks!

      Reply
    10. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      April 26, 2022 at 12:15 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea to use the airfryer to get crispy tofu. So much easier and great flavours too with the garlic.

      Reply
    11. Maria says

      September 05, 2021 at 9:26 pm

      5 stars
      looks healthy and cripsy! I'm on a diet so maybe this would help me prepare a healthy meal for myself.

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 06, 2021 at 11:50 am

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    12. Seema Sriram says

      September 05, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      5 stars
      Making perfect tofu is every vegan's dream. With this recipe, you have simplified the whole process. It looks deliciously perfect.

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 05, 2021 at 4:23 pm

        Thank you so much! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Alison says

      September 05, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      I love making tofu in the air fryer. It comes out so crisp and perfect. This has such a nice seasoning! Great to put in your buddha bowls!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 05, 2021 at 4:13 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Megan Ellam says

      September 05, 2021 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      Going to try this! I am a fan of tofu and haven't yet tried it in my air fryer. Thanks for the recipe and tips.

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 05, 2021 at 3:12 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    15. Mairead says

      September 05, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      What a great, tasty and versatile recipe. I love that you used avocado oil for making this crispy tofu.

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 05, 2021 at 2:19 pm

        Thank you so much!!

        Reply
    16. Biana says

      September 05, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Tofu looks so crispy! What a great idea for a snack.

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 05, 2021 at 1:41 pm

        Thank you so much!!

        Reply

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    kristen wood

    About Kristen Wood

    Hi, I'm Kristen! A mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!

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