You’ve got to try this recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Tofu. It’s so easy to make, and you can serve it with so many things. Best of all, the tofu cooks in just 15 minutes! This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and grain-free.

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air fryer crispy tofu cooked inside an air fryer basket

If you’ve never had crispy tofu, then you must try it ASAP. You can serve crispy tofu in a stir-fry, with noodles, on a salad, or a variety of other ways.

The cubed extra-firm tofu gets crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. I don’t make many tofu recipes anymore, but this my new favorite way to prepare tofu. It has the texture of deep frying, but it’s so much healthier.

labeled photo with ingredients for air fryer crispy tofu

Recipe Steps

Step One

The first step to making Air Fryer Tofu is to pat your extra-firm tofu dry with some paper towels before baking it.

If you aren’t using extra firm tofu, then you’ll need to use a tofu press to get rid of the excess water.

Step Two

Next, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

As always, please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

cubed extra firm tofu in a bowl

Step Three

Place the cubed tofu in a mixing bowl and add the oil and seasonings. Stir to combine.

You’ll see in the recipe card that I used arrowroot starch to help add crispiness to the tofu. You can also use cornstarch, but arrowroot is a grain-free option.

Step Four

Pour the tofu in a single layer into the basket of an air fryer and set the temperature to 390 degrees F for 15 minutes.

If you are using a regular oven, then place your cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees F.

seasoned tofu in the basket of an air fryer ready to be baked

Step Five

Once your crispy tofu is done, it will be a bit browned on the outside.

crispy tofu done cooking in an air fryer

Serve the Air Fryer Tofu with your choice of noodles, rice, vegetables, or on top of a salad.

crispy tofu served on a salad with butternut squash

Expert Tips & Substitutions

  • Don’t try to use silken tofu for this recipe, it is just too soft.
  • You can serve your crispy tofu with a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.
  • Feel free to get creative with your seasonings and toppings! Garlic powder, onion powder, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options) are all nice.

FAQs

Can I make crispy tofu in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes! You can make crispy tofu in an oven. Set the temperature to 400 degrees F for about 34-40 minutes, tossing once during the cooking process.

I don’t have arrowroot starch, can I use cornstarch instead?

Yes, you can use cornstarch instead of arrowroot, if you prefer.

What does tofu taste like?

It has a very neutral flavor which is why the seasonings and toppings matter.

Other Healthy Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like

Or, see my entire index of healthy air fryer recipes.

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salad served in a white bowl with tofu and roasted sweet potatoes

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu

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5 from 1 reviews
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Description

You’ve got to try this recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Tofu. It’s so easy to make, and you can serve it with so many things. Best of all, the tofu cooks in just 15 minutes! This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and grain-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 10-ounce package of extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (I used avocado oil)
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot starch
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Remove the tofu from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel.
  2. Place the block of tofu on a cutting board and use a chef’s knife to cut it into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Place the chopped tofu in a medium mixing bowl. Add the oil, arrowroot, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Pour the tofu into the basket of an air-fryer. Cook on 390 degrees F for 15-18 minutes, or until the outside starts to brown.
  5. Serve hot.

Notes

  1. You can use cornstarch if you don’t have arrowroot starch.
  2. Store any leftovers in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  3. You can make crispy tofu in a regular oven, if you prefer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees F for about 34-40 minutes, tossing once during the cooking process.
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Air fryer
  • Cuisine: Healthy

Keywords: how to air fry tofu, how to make crispy tofu, air fryer tofu with arrowroot starch

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