Tofu can be tricky to cook, but don’t let that stop you! Air Fryer Tofu is a delicious recipe and super simple method for getting a crunchy outside and a soft inside for all your tofu bites.
Air Fryer Tofu Bites
If you’ve been following me and reading some of my other air fryer recipes, then you know that I truly love using the Air Fryer. If there was ever a doubt of skepticism from me about if I would love the appliance or not, it’s 100% gone now.
The Air Fryer is a GREAT way to cook many things and tofu is one of them!
In our house, we eat tofu quite often. Being vegetarian, it’s a great way to supplement in something a bit different and healthy for us and our taste buds. We’ve cooked it so many different ways that it’s hard to even truly remember them all now.
The one thing that I know for certain? If my family likes tofu, we’re going to keep finding super delicious recipes to make that let tofu be the star of the show!
Not only is this recipe a quick and easy meal that the entire family loves, it truly is a great source of much-needed protein as well.
Finding a food that even the kids love can be a bit tricky at times, but when it comes to tofu, they love it too!
If you are new to the tofu world, then take some time to do a bit of research and get educated. You can check out our article on Understanding Tofu – A Beginners Guide or our Benefits of Tofu article.
Both have great information that will give you a little more info about the amazing benefits of tofu.
Truth be told, I’ve been playing with the Air Fryer quite a bit lately. It’s so hard not too! While I was thinking of new things to cook in it, I found that it can cook up tofu in a SNAP! Like, super duper easy. No issues at all.
Don’t forget to Press that Tofu!
One little tip that I want to share with you is that before I do anything with this tofu recipe, I always press the tofu. I do this with my EZ Tofu Press.
If you’re unfamiliar with the pressing of the tofu, it’s basically a way to help remove the water and moisture that can be found in it.
It’s nothing new, and a lot of people do this as well. In other recipes pertaining to tofu, I’ve talked about the press many times before also.
If you find that you like tofu and want to start cooking with it more frequently, pressing is something that you should most definitely educate yourself on!
Simple Hack to Make that Air Fryer Tofu really Crunch
I have played a lot with the cooking options associated with this Air Fryer Tofu recipe and I have found that when I add in a secret ingredient, it makes the tofu even more crispy than I ever thought possible!
Any guesses about what the secret ingredient is? Drumroll, please…
While many of you may have guessed that it’s gluten-free flour, it’s actually not. The secret ingredient to really give the tofu a crunch is corn starch!
Who knew that corn starch was such a lifesaver in the gluten-free world to help in adding that much-needed crunch to certain foods! I love to use corn starch with my power air fryer! It truly does make a lot of difference.
And that crunch….outta this world!
Not only does it taste amazing, but it helps to create a delicious crispy outer coating! And while I love the crunch on its own, for this recipe I mixed some cornstarch and some smoked paprika together for a truly winning combo.
How to Fry Tofu
After I get the seasonings all mixed together, I add a bit of salt and pepper and gently toss with my hands to coat. Seriously, the prep work is minimal when it comes to this recipe!
You know me, right? I love cooking when it’s easy! This air fryer tofu is seriously the best.
After those few simple steps, all that is left is to toss those tofu chunks into the Air Fryer basket! This is the best part because you know that in just a few moments you are going to have crispy and delicious bites of tofu just waiting for you to eat.
Think about the last time that you had a recipe that was truly this simple. If you are looking for a recipe that is so simple, anyone can do then this is the one for you!
Please keep in mind that not all air fryers are 100% the same. If you find that during the cooking of this recipe that it isn’t quite as crisp as you would like, then give it a bit more time in the air fryer.
The beautiful part about cooking tofu is that you can play around with it a bit to make certain that it’s cooked exactly how you would like!
If you want it extra crispy, make it extra crispy! There is no true right or wrong way to make fried tofu and if you love vegan air fryer recipes, this tofu recipe should be right up your alley!
Tofu in the Air Fryer – Spice it up!
Also have a bit of fun with the seasonings for your tofu. If you like it spicy, make it spicy. I know that I can appreciate a hint of heat so if I’m making this tofu in the air fryer for myself, I’ll give it quite a kick that I know I’ll enjoy!
A little cayenne pepper never hurt anyone, right?
But seriously, adding spices to the fried tofu give it such a uqique flavor each and every time. It’s 100% possible that you can make your fried tofu taste different each and every time.
pin for later:
Pro Tip: If you feel that your tofu is not crispy enough OR if the cornstarch is powdery you can spray the tofu with a spray oil in the that minute and that will fix the problem!
Side note: If you are in the market for an air fryer, I recently created a post about the best air fryers on the market. The post is based off of reviews from friends, family and online consumers! Be sure to check out the best air fryers on the market!
IMPORTANT – READ THIS
Based upon reader comment it seems that Air Fryers out there are varying widely and that is affecting this recipe.
*If your tofu is not crisping, consider adding time to your cook time. Just add in small amounts and remember to shake*
*If you are getting a chalky feeling to your tofu, be sure you are pressing the tofu for at least 10 minutes before hand in a tofu press. Then you can also lessen the amount of corn starch :)*
*You can also SPRAY a small amount of oil onto the tofu when you are shaking it mid way through. This will HELP your tofu to crisp up and get rid of any extra corn starch!*
Ready for this easy peasy recipe?
Tofu can be tricky to cook, but don't let that stop you! Air Fryer Tofu is a delicious recipe and super simple method for getting a crunchy outside and a soft inside for all your tofu bites.
- 1 block of extra firm tofu pressed
- 2-3 T cornstarch
- 1 T smoked paprika
- salt and pepper
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After pressing the tofu, cut into squares or little bite sized pieces.
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Mix the cornstarch and smoked paprika together then sprinkle over tofu.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Put into Air Fryer basket.
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Set temperature for 370 Degrees F. Turn on the Air Fryer for 12 minutes. (You may need to add a few minutes if you like crisper tofu)
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Every 4 minutes remove the basket and "shake" to stir up the tofu. Every air fryer is different, be sure to monitor how it is cooking.
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Enjoy!
Based upon reader comment it seems that Air Fryers out there are varying widely and that is affecting this recipe.
*If your tofu is not crisping, consider adding time to your cook time. Just add in small amounts and remember to shake*
*If you are getting a chalky feeling to your tofu, be sure you are pressing the tofu for at least 10 minutes before hand in a tofu press. Then you can also lessen the amount of corn starch :)*
*You can also SPRAY a small amount of oil onto the tofu when you are shaking it mid way through. This will HELP your tofu to crisp up and get rid of any extra corn starch!*
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to snap a picture and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #VegetarianMamma! I love seeing our recipes being recreated!Hungry for more gluten-free main dish recipes? Be sure to check out our recipe index.
You can also visit our Amazon store to see our favorite gluten-free products and kitchen equipment! This post contains an amazon affiliate link.
Let’s talk! Leave me a comment telling me if you’ve ever used an Air Fryer. What do you think you’d cook first?
We recently updated the photos in this post. The day we originally took these it was quite dark outside (ugh rain clouds!) So we gave them a fresh look! But here is a sneak peak at the old ones!
Jenn says
Yum! Our daughter is vegan, and always looking for new recipes to try. I’ll have to show her this one next.
Cindy says
Please do!
Terri Beavers says
I’ve never had tofu but you make it looks so good. I’ll have to try your recipe because I’ve been wanting to try tofu.
Cindy says
Thanks this is an easy one to start with!
Natalie says
I am such a big fan of tofu and have heard of air fryers quite recently. I would love to give this a try!
Cindy says
I hope that you enjoy!
Dogvills says
My family is not a big fan of tofu, but I am and I love it! I think your recipe is awesome and I agree that adding cornstarch will crisp up the tofu nicely. I’m saving your recipe and making this for me! Yum.
Cindy says
Yes the corn starch adds a nice layer of crisp! Thanks for saving the recipe!
Kelly Reci says
woah, that tofu looks very special! it’s easy to do and very affordable!i like it!
Cindy says
Thanks so much!
Julie Syl says
Tofu is really what I love, and I’ve missed it for a long time! I would love to try this fantastic recipe.
Cindy says
Thanks Julie, I hope that you enjoy!
Tami Qualls says
I have never tasted tofu. I didn’t realize you could cook it. The recipe sounds like a good starter for me.
Cindy says
Yes, this is a perfect starter recipe! 🙂
travel blogger says
The beginners guide will come in handy for me! I have always wanted to try to make tofu, but I have always been a little intimidated. I will have to give it a try with the air fryer.
Cindy says
Thank you, I am glad it is helpful!
Debi says
Thank you so much for posting this recipe … I’ve been thinking about buying an air fryer for making french fries and carrot fries that won’t have to be cooked in oil and so today was looking to see if it would be possible to cook tofu in it or not before I decided to buy the Air Fryer and now I see that yes … I can. Thank you again for the info and for the recipe. Can’t wait to buy the Air Fryer and to try your recipe. (Hugs)
Cindy says
Debi, you are so welcome. We LOVE ours and have had so much fun with it!
Evvy says
I stumbled across air fryers recently and decided to get one. It’s really a small convection oven but it works great. You can make really good French fries but also you can roast veggies like butternut squash –crispy and carmelized, deelish. I’m trying the tofu tonight. But we made our own tofu press with two clamps and two cutting boards. I tilted it into the sink so the water would drain. Works fine and you don’t need to buy one more gadget unless you want to.
Diana says
I must have done something wrong. It came out very dry and powdery with not much flavor. I re-read the recipe and didn’t find my mistake. I followed it exactly.
Cindy says
Hi Diana, I am sorry that it didn’t work for you. 🙁 You have me stumped for sure. We make this probably once a week. I am trying to think of what might cause that and its really stumping me! 🙂 Here is what I came up with: Did you press or prepare your tofu? If you pressed it too long, that would dry the tofu out and the corn starch wouldn’t stick. But if it was powdery it could be because the tofu had too much liquid in it from not being pressed or not pressed enough? Each air fryer is different for sure. If it came out too dry for you, I would recommend checking the tofu every 2-3 minutes at the end and possibly shortening the cook time. Does your air fryer have a temp gauge or just a high/medium/low? Also, the tofu should have a dryer outside to make it crunchy but it should still be tender and have some moisture on the inside. I am thinking that it was cooked too long and possibly your air fryer gets hotter than mine. That would make sense on the drying out part. For the powdery part, I am not sure. I press mine for about 10 minutes which leaves just enough moisture in there for the seasonings to stick. You are welcome to try different seasonings and amounts of seasonings. For our family 1 T of paprika gives it enough flavor for us. But you are welcome to explore with other spices and even dipping sauces to bring it to your liking 🙂 I love dipping this particular one in BBQ sauce 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment, I hope that your day is a beautiful one!
Christina A. says
Oh–this makes me want to get an air fryer! I never really associated the two–tofu and air frying!
Karen D says
I see from your response to an earlier comment what I have been doing wrong when I air fry tofu… I’ve been pressing it too long! Thanks!
Rebecca says
This is my second time trying this recipe. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I love fried tofu and would love some pointers. My tofu ends up with a chalky texture from the cornstarch and never really crisps up. Help!
Cindy says
HUM, let’s see if we can figure this out! I had another reader have a similar problem. Here is what I wrote to them: We make this probably once a week. I am trying to think of what might cause that and its really stumping me! ????
Here is what I came up with:
1. Did you press or prepare your tofu? If you pressed it too long, that would dry the tofu out and the corn starch wouldn’t stick. But if it was powdery it could be because the tofu had too much liquid in it from not being pressed or not pressed enough?
2. Each air fryer is different for sure. Does your air fryer have a temp gauge or just a high/medium/low? If your tofu does not crisp up, I would say that you probably need to increase the time slightly. I would test it for another 1-2 minutes but be sure to shake. This sounds like a difference in temps between our air fryers.
3. For the powdery part, I am not sure. I press mine for about 10 minutes which leaves just enough moisture in there for the seasonings to stick. You are welcome to try different seasonings and amounts of seasonings. For our family 1 T of paprika gives it enough flavor for us. Try lessening the corn starch to see if that helps the chalkiness.
4. You can also add some spray oil to the tofu, during the “shakes” of the tofu. I’ve found it helps to rid the chalkiness.
Let me know what you are thinking about reading my thoughts and if you try it again!
Robin says
This is the second thing I have cooked in my Air Fryer. it’s delicious and next time nutritional yeast. Thank y o u so much.
Cindy says
You are SO very welcome!! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!
Sues says
I keep being more and more convinced that I need to get an air fryer. I love tofu and I love it fried and this looks just fabulous!
Cindy says
Such a great investment for your kitchen!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
YUM!!! I just got an air fryer and I’ve heard tofu is good to make it in but I hadn’t found a recipe! Thanks for this!
Cindy says
Very welcome!
Allison says
I need to get an air fryer – another tasty recipe!
Cindy says
Yes, you do! YUMMM so many great things you can cook up quickly!
Donna says
Tofu was actually the first thing I cooked in my airfryer, and it is now my go-to method because it comes out perfect every time! Love the simplicity of this recipe!
Cindy says
Thank you!
Marie says
I’ve been seeing so many air fryer recipes lately and now I want one. I’m a fan of tofu and love it prepared in so many ways. Love that this one is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
Cindy says
Yes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Just perfect in my book!
Elise says
Ok, I need an air fryer.
Cindy says
Yes you do 🙂 It is seriously a great addition to the kitchen!
Brianne says
We have family members who are vegan. This will be a great recipe to share with them.
Cindy says
Thank you!
Heather says
I’m not a big fan of tofu but you make it look yummy! I love my air fryer!
Cindy says
Agreed, I love my air fryer!
Denay DeGuzman says
What a delicious air-fryer recipe! I need to make these tofu next week!
Cindy says
Hope that you enjoy!
Kimberly Rambles says
Thankful for the video and all the photos. You make these look really yummy and easy to make!
Cindy says
Thank you so much!
Lynndee says
I love tofu and I have this favorite tofu fried rice from an Asian restaurant that tastes heavenly. I would love to try this. Looks so good!
Cindy says
I hope that you enjoy!
Nancy L. says
I want an air fryer and this recipe makes me want one even more! I know what I’m asking for this Christmas and then I’m picking up some tofu and smoked paprika! 🙂
Cindy says
Fantastic! That sounds like a plan!
Rachel says
I keep reading things about air fryers. I am debating on getting one. These recipes are tempting me.
Cindy says
I think you should. Its such a nice addition to any kitchen!
rika says
My husband and I love tofu! We don’ have air fryer. Sounds like a great cooking tool for healthier cooking.
Cindy says
Such a great tool!
Wendy Polisi says
Thanks for the tips on cooking tofu. I have never cooked it, nor have I been brave enough to use the air fryer.
Cindy says
No worries at all! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
Carla Flaim says
Mine came out a bit chalky but I only had tapioca flour and probably used too much. I have discovered that I really don’t care for smoked paprika but otherwise it is definitely crispy! Thanks. Next time I will use Old Bay or just garlic, salt and pepper. thanks for sharing your recipe
Cindy says
You are so welcome. You can spray some oil on the tofu during one of the “shakes” this helps to get rid of that chalkiness! Other seasonings would work great too!
Nancy says
Yep, I had the same problem. Way too much corn starch leaving it quite pwdery. I would do no more than 1 tbsp corn starch. I thought it seemed like too much but it was my first time cooking tofu in my air fryer. Hopefully next time will go better!
Cindy says
Thanks for the feedback Nancy, I hope that next time goes well too. Here are some tips from the post on how to get it to be less powdery:
*If you are getting a chalky feeling to your tofu, be sure you are pressing the tofu for at least 10 minutes before hand in a tofu press. Then you can also lessen the amount of corn starch :)*
*You can also SPRAY a small amount of oil onto the tofu when you are shaking it mid way through. This will HELP your tofu to crisp up and get rid of any extra corn starch!*
I would lessen the cornstarch but also I would spray oil on the tofu too! That has helped me in other recipes such as air fryer pickles etc. It helps to brown it up as well as crisp it up so you don’t have any powder or chalkly texture left! Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂
Christina says
The traditional Japanese dish Agedashi tofu is a fried tofu recipe. The tofu is also pressed but covered in potato starch. The recipe calls for soft tofu so I don’t know if it will work in an air fryer. But fried in oil, the tofu has a light crunch, lighter than tempura. So maybe potato starch might work in place of corn starch.
Cindy says
Thank you Christina! I appreciate the information and idea! I love the sound of a light crunch and also the use of potato starch! I am going to research that more!
akua lum-reeser says
i’m chinese and used to buying softer tofu. does this recipe call for extra firm to start? i don’t have a press. is using paper towels enough? or a towel? does spraying the airfryer grate with oil work to keep the tofu from sticking and breaking apart or should i add more oil in the beginning when coating the tofu. you are very helpful and i like your site! i’ll be coming back again and again to try more airfryer recipes. i’ so crazy about the airfryer i’ve bought them for gifts for friends that are too snobby for them (at the $40 on sale price for small ones). they can get a bigger one once they become hooked too!
Cindy says
Hello! Yes, this recipe needs a firm or extra firm tofu. 🙂 In this link they give some tips on how to press tofu without a press 🙂 https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/healthy/a18093/easy-tofu-cooking-tips-47012001/
Yes, you can give the air fryer basket a light spray of oil to help prevent any sticking 🙂 Then be sure to remove the basket part and give it a “shake” to stir it up mide way through the cooking 🙂
Thank you for the sweet compliment I appreciate it!! WE are crazy about the air fryers too! WE are hooked! I love that you are buying them for friends too!
What’s been your favorite thing to cook in it so far? Have you joined our Air Fry Newsletter Tribe? If not you can do so here: http://eepurl.com/ggDOaT