Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is one of the easiest ways to make tofu actually craveable. The outside gets golden and crisp, the inside stays tender, and you only need a handful of ingredients to make it happen!

The best air fryer tofu recipe

Pressing the tofu first helps it crisp up properly, and a light coating of arrowroot gives it that extra golden edge without needing a lot of oil. The seasoning is simple, savory, and flexible, so it works with lots of different meals.

I also love that the air fryer does the heavy lifting here. You get the crispiest tofu without deep frying, and the cleanup is much easier than pan frying. 

I love this recipe because it’s simple, versatile, and works for so many meals. Add it to salads, tacos, grain bowls, ramen, or stir fries, or eat it straight from the basket while it’s still hot and crispy. It’s a great protein option to keep on hand for lunch prep or quick weeknight dinners!

Ingredients in crispy air fryer tofu

This air fried tofu recipe consists of only four main ingredients and 5 seasonings. You can also add any other flavorings that you’d like!

• Extra-firm tofu: You’ll need 1 block of extra-firm tofu. This is the best option for getting crisp edges and pieces that hold their shape well.
• Avocado oil: You’ll need 1 tbsp avocado oil to help the seasonings stick and help the tofu brown. Olive oil works too.
• Sesame oil: you’ll need 1 tsp sesame oil for extra flavor and a little nutty depth.
• Arrowroot powder: You’ll need 2 tsp arrowroot powder to help the tofu crisp up in the air fryer. Cornstarch works if that’s what you have.
• Smoked paprika: You’ll need 1 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Garlic powder: You’ll need 1 tsp garlic powder to build flavor without adding moisture.
• Onion powder: You’ll need 1 tsp onion powder for another layer of savory flavor.
• Salt: You’ll need 1/2 tsp salt to season the tofu all the way through.
• Black pepper: You’ll need 1/2 tsp pepper for a little bite.

Tools needed to make air fried tofu

• Plate or tofu press
• Paper towels or a dish towel
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Air fryer
• Measuring spoons

How to make crispy tofu in the air fryer

Start by pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes. This step matters because tofu holds a lot of water, and less moisture means better texture in the air fryer. You can place the tofu on a plate with a towel underneath, add paper towels on top, and weigh it down with pans or books. A tofu press works great, too.

Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes and add it to a large bowl. Try to keep the pieces fairly even, so they cook at the same rate.

Drizzle the tofu pieces with the avocado oil and sesame oil, then toss gently so the pieces are coated without breaking apart. Add the arrowroot powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then toss again until everything is evenly coated. You want a light, even layer on each piece.

Arrange the tofu in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd it, because the hot air needs space to move around each piece. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook it in batches for the crispiest result.

Air fry at 400°F for 16 to 20 minutes, or until the tofu is golden brown and crisp around the edges. Give the basket a shake halfway through if needed so it cooks evenly.

Below are some common crispy air fryer tofu questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post! I’ll be happy to help.

WHY DO I NEED TO PRESS THE TOFU?

Pressing removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu crisp instead of steaming. It also helps the seasoning stick better.

HOW DO I GET THE TOFU EXTRA CRISPY?

Use extra-firm tofu, press it well, and do not overcrowd the basket. A little arrowroot or cornstarch also helps a lot.

DO I NEED TO FLIP OR SHAKE THE TOFU?

It helps. Giving the basket a shake about halfway through cooking helps the tofu brown more evenly on all sides.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE AN AIR FRYER?

You can bake it instead. Spread the tofu on a lined baking sheet and bake at a high temperature until crisp, flipping once partway through. You can also pan fry it in a skillet until crisp and golden brown!

HOW SHOULD I SERVE CRISPY AIR FRYER TOFU?

It’s great in salads, tacos, grain bowls, ramen, and noodle dishes. You can also dip it in your favorite sauce and eat it as a snack.

CAN I ADD A SAUCE?

Yes, but for the crispiest texture, add sauce after cooking. Tossing it in the sauce before air frying can make it softer.

Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

For the best texture, reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes until crisp again. Store it separately from sauces or wet ingredients so it stays as crisp as possible.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Want some more recipes that feature plant based alternatives like tofu and tempeh? Here are some of my faves. The Vegan Ricotta Cheese is a must use in plant-based lasagna or stuffed shells!

• Vegan Tempeh Tacos
• Vegan Chocolate Frosting
• Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie
• Vegan Ricotta Cheese

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis