Crispy Air Fried Tofu: A Delicious and Healthy Snack

In search of a quick, healthy, and high-protein snack? Look no further than Crispy Air Fried Tofu! Everyone, both seasoned tofu fanatics and newbies to plant-based diets, will enjoy this air fryer tofu dish. With its crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, and its perfectly golden edges, this is a food that can top salads, stir-fries, and wraps, or serve alone for a satisfying snack.

The best part? There’s no deep frying involved! With this method, you can enjoy restaurant-quality crunchy tofu with minimal oil, a much, much healthier alternative to pan-frying.

In this article, you will learn:

✅ How to Prep Tofu for Air Frying
✅ The best seasonings for crunchy, flavorful tofu
✅ Tips for having the crispiest air-fried tofu with ease

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

🔹 Super Crispy with Minimal Oil – No need to deep fry! The air fryer circulates hot air for extra crunch without excess oil.
🔹 Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or snack.
🔹 High in Protein & Vegan – Tofu is a great plant-based protein source, making this dish ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and protein lovers.
🔹 Endlessly Versatile – Use it in bowls, salads, wraps, or as a healthy snack with dipping sauces.

What You Need for Crispy Air Fried Tofu

Main Ingredients

• 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Optional Additions

• Sesame seeds for extra crunch
• Chili flakes for a spicy kick
• Maple syrup for a hint of sweetness

Pro Tip: Cornstarch is the secret to ultra-crispy tofu! It helps create that perfect golden crust, similar to restaurant-style crispy tofu.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fried Tofu

Step 1: Press the Tofu

Before you start, it’s important to remove excess moisture from the tofu.

1️⃣ Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
2️⃣ Place a heavy object (like a plate or pan) on top.
3️⃣ Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to drain excess water.

Skipping this step can result in soggy tofu instead of crispy!

Step 2: Cut and Season the Tofu

Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or irregular chunks (for more texture).

1️⃣ Place the tofu in a mixing bowl.
2️⃣ Drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce for flavor.
3️⃣ Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cornstarch.
4️⃣ Toss everything together until the tofu is evenly coated.

Why Cornstarch? It absorbs moisture and forms a crisp coating, making the tofu extra crunchy!

Step 3: Air Fry the Tofu

1️⃣ Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2️⃣ Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
4️⃣ Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even crispiness.

✅ For Extra Crispiness: Increase the temperature to 400°F and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fried Tofu

This crispy tofu is delicious on its own or paired with your favorite dishes! Here are some serving ideas:

🥗 Salads & Buddha Bowls – Add crispy tofu to a grain bowl with quinoa, rice, and fresh veggies.
🍜 Stir-Fries & Noodles – Toss it into stir-fried veggies or ramen noodles for extra protein.
🥢 Dipping Sauces – Serve it with sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, teriyaki, or sriracha mayo.
🌯 Wraps & Tacos – Add tofu to lettuce wraps or tacos for a protein boost.

Pro Tip: For a quick meal, serve it over steamed rice with soy sauce & sesame seeds!

Tips for the Best Air Fried Tofu

🔹 Use Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu – Softer tofu has too much water and won’t get crispy.
🔹 Press the Tofu Properly – Removing moisture helps create better texture.
🔹 Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Spread the tofu out in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
🔹 Shake the Basket Midway – This ensures even cooking and golden-brown tofu on all sides.
🔹 Add a Sauce After Cooking – Toss the crispy tofu in a sticky teriyaki glaze or buffalo sauce for extra flavor.

Recipe Card

Final Thoughts: The Best Crispy Air Fried Tofu Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy tofu, this Crispy Air Fried Tofu recipe is a must-try! It’s packed with flavor, high in protein, and takes just 15 minutes in the air fryer.

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Check out our Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe for another crispy, protein-packed meal!

Now it’s your turn! Have you tried this air fryer tofu recipe? Let us know in the comments!