Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is the ultimate plant-based treat that delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite. With a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful center, this dish is a texture lover’s dream. The air fryer works its magic in just 15 minutes, creating a healthier alternative to deep-fried favorites without sacrificing that irresistible crunch. Tossed in a savory marinade, each piece bursts with umami richness, making it perfect for bowls, salads, or snacking straight from the basket.
What’s even better? This recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. The tofu’s versatility shines as it absorbs bold flavors while maintaining its delightful crispiness. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or a skeptic, this dish will win you over with its simplicity and mouthwatering results. It’s proof that healthy eating can be both easy and indulgent.
What You’ll Need?
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu (pressed for crispier results)
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil (or substitute with olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce as an alternative)
- ½ teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for that perfect crispy coating)
How to Make It
- Press the tofu (optional but recommended): Wrap the tofu block in a kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet) on top and let it sit for 30 minutes to remove excess water.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up while you prepare the tofu.
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the avocado oil, tamari, and sriracha. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes, add them to the bowl, and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Add the cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until each piece is lightly coated.
- Air fry the tofu: Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Air fry for 11 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the tofu is golden brown and crisp around the edges. Work in batches if needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Use your crispy tofu in bowls, salads, or as a snack. See the blog post for more serving ideas!
Delicious Sauce and Topping Ideas
Take your crispy air fryer tofu to the next level with flavorful sauces and toppings! Try drizzling it with peanut sauce (mix 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp lime juice, and a splash of water) or a sweet chili glaze. For a fresh twist, top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Pair it with a side of ginger-garlic dipping sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This crispy tofu is incredibly versatile! Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a quick meal, or toss it into a vibrant stir-fry with your favorite veggies. It also makes a great addition to salads, Buddha bowls, or even as a protein-packed snack. For a fun twist, stuff it into lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and a drizzle of hoisin sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tofu soggy. You can also freeze the cooked tofu for up to 1 month—just thaw and reheat in the air fryer for a quick meal.
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Skip the pressing step by using super-firm tofu, which has less moisture and doesn’t need pressing. You can also prep the tofu cubes and marinade ahead of time—store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just toss with cornstarch and air fry for a speedy, delicious meal.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors by experimenting with different marinades! Try teriyaki (swap tamari for teriyaki sauce), lemon-garlic (add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 minced garlic cloves), or smoky BBQ (use 1 tbsp BBQ sauce instead of sriracha). For a gluten-free option, ensure your tamari and sauces are certified gluten-free. You can also swap cornstarch for arrowroot powder if needed.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons tamari
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Press the tofu (optional step). Wrap the block of tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy cast iron skillet on top and let it sit for 30 minutes. This will help squeeze excess water out of the tofu, which will make it more crisp as it cooks.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the oil, tamari, and sriracha. Cut the tofu into cubes, add it to the bowl, and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again.
- Place the tofu cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 11 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until golden brown and crisp around the edges. The exact timing will depend on your air fryer. Repeat with any remaining tofu.
- See the blog post above for ideas to use your air fryer tofu.