This recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Tofu is tasty and so easy to make. Get the deep fried flavor without all of the fat. I’ve also made this recipe gluten-free so everyone can enjoy!

crispy tofu made in air fryer served with broccoli.

Air Fried Tofu is healthier than pan-frying or deep-frying tofu. You only need a small amount of oil to get that crispy crust. It’s sure to become your family’s favorite way to make tofu.

You can serve this air fryer tofu recipe with anything! Top zucchini noodles, rice, roasted vegetables, or quinoa for an easy dinner or make this for a high protein snack.

These crispy tofu cubes are gluten-free and vegan and full of plant-based protein.

Key Ingredients

ingredients for crispy tofu
  • Extra-firm tofu holds its shape when sliced and has less water content than silken or soft tofu. It has the best texture for crispy air-fried tofu plus it’s an excellent source of protein.
  • Cooking oil will help the spices and cornstarch stick to the cubes of tofu.
  • Spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt add lots of flavor to the tofu pieces.
  • Cornstarch is essential to a crispy crust. Since cornstarch has a higher starch content than flour it crisps up even better when fried.

Be sure to see the full recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps Overview

chopped tofu for air frying.

Step One: Press your tofu to remove the excess water and then chop into bite-sized pieces.

chopped tofu in bowl with spices.

Step Two: Add the tofu in a bowl with the cornstarch and spices.

seasoned and chopped tofu in mixing bowl.

Step Three: Toss gently to combine.

air fried tofu in air fryer basket.

Step Four: Air fry until golden and crispy.

The tofu will be golden brown when it’s finished. Serve warm with veggies, rice, or noodles.

I hope this becomes one of your new favorite tofu recipes! This crispy air fryer tofu recipe tastes similar to deep frying but without all the oil or greasiness.

crispy tofu in air fryer basket.

Recipe FAQs

How long is crispy tofu good for?

Air-fried tofu will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat simply pop them back into the air fryer until hot and crispy.

Can I use silken or soft tofu for this recipe?

Nope you need firm or extra-firm tofu. Be sure to remove as much of the water from the tofu as you can before you air fry it.

Can I use a tofu press to remove the moisture?

Yes, you can use a tofu press before frying to get the water out. But, if you use a block of extra firm tofu, you probably won’t need a press.

Can I make this recipe grain-free?

Yes, you can swap out the cornstarch for arrowroot starch to make this recipe grain-free.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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crispy tofu with broccoli

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Recipe

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5 from 5 reviews

Print Recipe

This recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Tofu is healthy, tasty, and so easy to make. Get the deep fried flavor without all of the fat. This recipe is made gluten-free and vegan.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 16–ounce block extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (I used avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch (use 2 teaspoons arrowroot starch for grain sensitivities)

Instructions

  1. Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and gently press it to remove the excess water. Alternatively, wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and place a heavy object on top to press it for about 15 minutes.
  2. Then, transfer the tofu to a cutting board and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Next, place the cubed tofu in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the cooking oil and sesame oil and toss to combine.
  5. Then, add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and corn starch, and toss to combine.
  6. Transfer your tofu cubes to the basket of your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F for 16-20 minutes, tossing at least once during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
  7. The tofu will turn a golden brown when it’s done. Serve warm, with your choice of cooked rice, veggies, noodles.

Notes

  1. Be sure to purchase extra-firm tofu for the best results (this recipe won’t work with silken tofu or soft tofu).
  2. Feel free to get creative with the seasonings. If you really like the flavor of garlic or onion, you can increase the amount of garlic powder and/or onion powder to 1 teaspoon each.
  3. Air fried tofu can be served with a dipping sauce like tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 295.6 mg
  • Fat: 9.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6.9 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 10.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is a certified holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.