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Home By Diet

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

★★★★★ 10 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin4/20/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

healthy air fried tofu
healthy air fried tofu

Skip the loads of oils and air fry your tofu with this Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe. It’s the perfect way to achieve a healthier tofu option for salads, tacos, ramen, or eating as-is!

air fried tofu

The best air fryer tofu recipe

Today we’re cooking up the best tofu. It’s not deep fried and it’s not baked, rather it’s made in the air fryer and results in seriously crispy, delicious bites.

If you’re new to the air frying world (which most of us are, because it’s an art that has only gotten super popular in the last couple of years!), let me give you the quick rundown.

Air frying “fries” with hot air, which results in foods that are perfectly crispy on the outside. What makes it great is that it doesn’t use heaps of oil like deep frying, so it saves a lot of calories and makes the food much healthier to enjoy. And as for the flavor? Air fried foods are just as good as deep fried in my opinion! Just throw on your preferred seasonings and the food will be golden (pun intended).

air fried tofu

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!

  • Tofu: First, you’ll need 1 block of tofu. I recommend an extra firm version for this recipe.
  • Avocado oil: 1 tbsp of avocado oil will be used for dressing the tofu and helping the seasonings stick.
  • Sesame oil: 1 tsp of sesame oil will add flavor.
  • Arrowroot powder: Next, 2 tbsp of arrowroot powder will help the tofu achieve the perfect level of crispiness in the air fryer.
  • Seasonings: For flavor, add 1 tsp each of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Salt & pepper: Finally, finish things off with 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper.

Tools needed to make air fried tofu

To make your own air fryer tofu, you will first need paper towels and pans to press the tofu. Gather a cutting board, knife, measuring cups, and your air fryer, and you’re ready to go! The measuring cups needed include 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, and 1 tbsp.

tofu with seasonings

How to make crispy air fryer tofu

The longest part of making this dish comes in pressing the tofu, and that says something! It’s a very simple recipe to whip together. We will begin by cutting and seasoning the tofu, and then we’ll let it air fry for about 20 minutes.

To begin, press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. I place mine on a plate with a dish towel under it, and then I add paper towels on top and use a stack of books or pans to press it down. You can also use a tofu press. This helps to get out most of the liquid.

Next, cut the tofu into bite sized pieces and add them to a large bowl.

Add the avocado oil and sesame oil and toss.

Then, add the remainder of the ingredients and toss to completely coat the tofu.

Place the tofu in an even layer in the an air fryer and fry at 400ª for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown.

tossing tofu with seasonings

How to serve crispy tofu

There are a bunch of a ways to use your cripsy tofu, such as enjoying as a quick snack — the salt and pepper makes it yummy and ready to eat right away!

You can also dip the pieces in your favorite sauces or use them as a meat replacement in other dishes. For instance, you can cut the block into strips for using in fajitas.

You can also throw your tofu pieces into salads, ramen, or your favorite Thai dishes!

Storing leftovers

Crispy air fryer tofu should be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store separately from any sauce or other ingredients to keep it as crispy 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
air fried tofu

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

air fried tofu
★★★★★ 4.9 from 10 reviews

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Skip the loads of oils and air fry your tofu with this Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe. It’s the perfect way to achieve a healthier tofu option for salads, tacos, ramen, or eating as-is!

Prep: 10Cook: 20Total: 30 minutes
Yield 4 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 1 block extra firm tofu
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp arrowroot powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Press tofu for at least 30 minutes. I place mine on a plate with a dish towel under it. then I add paper towels on top, and use a stack of books or pans to press it down. You can also use a tofu press. This helps get out most of the liquid.
  2. Cut tofu into bite size pieces and then add to a large bowl.
  3. Add in the avocado oil and sesame oil and toss.
  4. Add in remainder of the ingredients and then toss tofu to coat completely.
  5. Place in air fryer in even layer. Air fry for 16-20 minutes at 400F or until golden brown.
  6. Serve!
Author: ErinCategory: vegan, vegetarian, lunch, dinnerMethod: air-fryerCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
air fried tofu

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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chocolate chip cookies
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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Nikki says

    Posted on 12/4 at 7:04 pm

    The best tofu!!! I use this recipe every time I make tofu the flavor is amazing and they come out so crispy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 2:43 pm

      Hi Nikki, so glad you love it!!

      Reply
  2. Amber J says

    Posted on 12/21 at 11:40 am

    Hello I am hoping to make this this evening – would I be able to substitute the arrowroot and avocado oil with corn starch and olive oil (as that’s what I have on hand) and achieve the same results?
    Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/21 at 2:46 pm

      Hi Amber, that should be okay! I haven’t tried it yet, so let me know how yours comes out!!

      Reply
  3. Melissa says

    Posted on 11/30 at 7:48 pm

    Best Tofu I made so far!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/1 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Melissa, so happy you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  4. Tova Hershman says

    Posted on 10/4 at 5:02 pm

    Such a simple yet perfect recipe! These were delicious and my boyfriend absolutely loved them too! Definitely making again 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/6 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Tova, so happy you both loved it!!

      Reply
  5. Jessie says

    Posted on 8/30 at 7:54 pm

    My boyfriend said they taste like chicken fingers…WINNING! Crispy and flavorful!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/1 at 4:29 pm

      Hi Jessie, so glad he loved it!!

      Reply
  6. J says

    Posted on 8/18 at 3:21 pm

    I have done something wrong. First my tofu crumbled after pressing but I went a head and finished adding the oils, arrow root and spices. Mixed all together. Since I had a crumbly mess, I used parchment paper at the bottom of the fryer to cut back on fryer being a mess. Coded for 20 minutes and not crispy. I now have it in for another 10 minutes still at 400. I accidentally bought silken tofu, could that be part of the problem?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/23 at 7:08 pm

      Hi J, yes, silken tofu is almost like jello, you need to use firm or extra firm for this recipe. Hope this helps for next time!!

      Reply
  7. Melanie F says

    Posted on 8/1 at 10:08 pm

    Made this for dinner. Substituted 3/4tsp cumin for the 1tsp of smoked paprika as we do not like that flavor. Air fried for 17 minutes. It turned out very good, my husband loved it and I liked it. The seasoning needs some tweaking for my taste but overall it is a very good recipe, very crispy!

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/2 at 2:05 pm

      Hi Melanie, so happy you enjoyed it and made it your own!!

      Reply
  8. Alexandria says

    Posted on 6/30 at 6:59 pm

    These are so delicious – the perfect consistency. loved them!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/1 at 6:39 pm

      Hi Alexandria, so glad you love it!

      Reply
  9. Katie says

    Posted on 6/29 at 11:31 am

    Loved this recipe! I had never cooked with tofu before but they taste like and have the texture of chicken nuggets!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/29 at 4:51 pm

      Hi Katie, so happy you loved them!! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sarah says

    Posted on 4/26 at 10:36 am

    Made this recipe last night and it is so delicious! The tofu is so flavorful and the perfect amount of crispy. Will be making this all the time! Also, the longer you press your tofu, the better!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/26 at 7:48 pm

      Hi Sarah, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  11. Lauren says

    Posted on 4/22 at 8:23 pm

    So crispy and so yummy. If you don’t have an air fryer, use convection bake at 425 on a vented tray/sheet pan and it worked perfectly!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/22 at 10:09 pm

      Hi Lauren, I am so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  12. nora says

    Posted on 4/22 at 12:51 pm

    so good and crispy!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/22 at 10:06 pm

      Hi Nora, so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  13. Bree says

    Posted on 4/20 at 6:50 pm

    I just made these AS SOON as Erin posted them and I do nottttt think I am ok! This recipe is AMAZING!!! You have to make it! Perfect in every way!!! Do it, you won’t regret it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/20 at 7:31 pm

      Hi Bree, so happy you loved them! Thanks for your kind words! 🙂

      Reply

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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