This Air Fryer Tofu develops an incredible crispy crust with the help of a flavor-packed spice mix. Perfect for salads, bowls, or served as vegan nuggets.
This crispy tofu gets coated in a heavy handed spice mixture that acts as a (gluten free) breading. It's the secret for perfectly crispy, not chewy, air fryer tofu. Bonus -- it packs in the flavor!
Reasons to love this recipe!
- Uses just 8 ingredients - most of which are pantry staples!
- Is faster and easier than baking crispy tofu in the oven.
- So versatile! Use the tofu on salads, bowls, or enjoy as nuggets or in tacos.
- Is vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, and can be made oil free!
Ingredients and substitutions:
- Tofu - extra firm sprouted tofu works best. Trader Joe's and Wildwood are great brands. Or regular extra firm tofu, I just find it sticks a bit more.
- Nutritional yeast - adds a delicious cheesy note. None of these spices are set in stone. Feel free to adjust to your preference and what is in your cupboard.
- Chili powder - traditional store bought, or experiment with ancho or guajillo chili powders, both of which are milder and fruitier.
- Salt - to bring out flavor!
- Garlic powder - or try onion powder.
- Smoked paprika - adds an amazing smokey flavor.
- Cornstarch - helps crisp up the tofu, but is optional. Or use another starch like arrowroot, or tapioca.
- Olive oil - or grapeseed, avocado, etc. For an oil free version, see notes below.
How to make crispy air fryer tofu:
Prep the tofu: Pat the tofu dry with paper towels and do not press. Pressing often leads to dry tofu, we want crispy, juicy, flavorful tofu. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
Toss with seasonings: Add the tofu to a bowl along with the seasonings. Toss until the tofu is well coated and very little dry seasoning is left in the bottom of the bowl. Use your hands for this! A spoon or tongs will break the delicate tofu.
Add oil: Add the oil to the bowl and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees. Add the tofu in an even layer, cooking in two batches, if needed. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking once halfway through.
Storage?
Store any leftover tofu in a lidded container in the fridge for 5-7 days. Reheat in the air fryer, set to 375 for 2-4 minutes.
No oil air fryer tofu
For an oil free version, simply omit the oil and proceed with the recipe as written!
What temperature to cook tofu in the air fryer
When testing air fryer tofu, I discovered a temperature sweet spot, 375. Any lower and the tofu didn't get crispy enough even at longer cooking times. Any hotter and the tofu became chewy than crispy as the moisture too rapidly left the surface.
375 degrees creates a perfectly crisp exterior and leaves the tofu juicy, not chewy.
My Favorite Air Fryer
The air fryer I use, and love, is the Instant Pot Vortex. It came highly recommended and has great reviews. I love the ease of use, how quickly it preheats, and that nonstick basket truly is nonstick!
What to serve with Air Fryer Tofu
- Tuck them into tacos, like these ones!, and drizzle with creamy chipotle sauce.
- A flavorful addition to buddha bowls and salads.
- Enjoy them as nuggets with ketchup, sweet and sour, or ranch.
- Toss them with roasted sweet potatoes and serve as a breakfast hash!
More reader-favorite tofu recipes!
Best Ever Air Fryer Tofu
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Air Fryer Tofu develops an incredible crispy crust with the help of a flavor-packed spice mix. Perfect for salads, bowls, or served as vegan nuggets.
Ingredients
- 1 (15.5) oz container sprouted tofu, drained, not pressed
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Pat the tofu dry with paper towels and do not press. Pressing often leads to dry tofu, we want crispy, juicy, flavorful tofu. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
Add the tofu to a bowl and all the ingredients except the oil. Toss until the tofu is well coated and very little dry seasoning is left in the bottom of the bowl. Add the oil to the bowl and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees. Add the tofu in an even layer, cooking in two batches, if needed. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking once halfway through.
Notes
Tofu: extra firm sprouted tofu works best. Trader Joe's and Wildwood are great brands. Or regular extra firm tofu, I just find it sticks a bit more.
Oil free: For an oil free version, omit the oil and continue with the recipe as written.
When tossing the tofu, use your hands. A spoon or tongs will break the delicate tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 219
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 316mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Amazing! Making it again a second time
This is my new favorite way to
Cook tofu!
Thank you so much for your review Rebekah!
So the flavor was wonderful, but I think I prefer firmer tofu maybe I will freeze the tofu first next time. I felt it was very squishy but still quite yummy 😋
I would like to revise my comment, it has firmed up perfectly after having it sit for 10 minutes. Lovely!
I'm not normally a fan of tofu, except in sauces or unrecognizably scrambled up in something. This recipe changed that! Yum!