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You are here: Home / Air Fryer / The Best Air Fryer Tofu

June 2, 2019 by Cindy Gordon

The Best Air Fryer Tofu

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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How do you cook tofu in an air fryer? Tofu can be tricky to cook, but don’t let that stop you! Air Fryer Tofu is a delicious recipe and a simple method for getting a crunchy outside and a soft light inside for all your airfryer tofu bites.

plate of Crispy Air Fryer Tofu cubes

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! You can serve these air fryer tofu bites with some air fryer broccoli or air fryer corn.

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!

That is pretty much how we developed our airfryer tofu recipe! Who would have thought that one of our favorite ways to cook tofu, would be to air fry tofu!

This air fryer tofu recipe is just awesome, simply awesome. The tofu comes out crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside! It is simply perfect to enjoy “as is” or eat on top of a salad.

plate of air fryer tofu cubes with fresh parsley sprinkled over

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, (whether it’s airfried tofu or not!)

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.

plate of Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with fresh parsley sprinkled over

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!

Prepping the Air Fryer Tofu with Smoked Paprika on a baking sheet

How to make Tofu in an Air Fryer (aka extra crunchy tofu)

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.

tofu cubes in an air fryer Tofu cubes being cooked in an air fryer

How to make Air 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. I am not joking when I tell you this airfryer tofu is super easy!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu cubes on a plate

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!

Still wondering about the exact air fryer tofu steps? Let me break it down for you step by step.

  1. Press your tofu to help remove extra liquid.

  2. After pressing the tofu, cut into squares or little bite sized pieces.
  3. Mix the cornstarch and smoked paprika together then sprinkle over tofu.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Put into Air Fryer basket.
  6. 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) Your air fryer tofu is almost ready!

  7. Every 4 minutes remove the air fryer basket and “shake” to stir up the tofu. Every air fryer is different, be sure to monitor how it is cooking.

  8. Enjoy your air fryer tofu!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu cubes on a plate Crispy Air Fryer Tofu cubes on a plate

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!

Pro Tip: To help crisp up your tofu and eliminate the powdery coating to your airfried tofu, you can give the tofu bites a quick spritz of oil. This helps the coating to crisp up! Then you will have crispy airfried tofu that will keep you coming back for more!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a quick an easy air fryer recipe!

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 unique flavor each and every time. It’s 100% possible that you can make your fried tofu taste different each and every time.

Air Fryer Tofu with Smoked Paprika chunks in the air fryer basket


pin this air fryer tofu for later:

Air Fryer Tofu - an easy air fryer recipe

 

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a quick an easy air fryer recipe! Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a quick an easy air fryer recipe!

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!

Air Fryer Tofu Tips – 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!*

Air Fryer TOFU Tips

  • Be sure to press your tofu before adding your cornstarch and paprika.
  • Be sure to coat your tofu on all sides so it cooks evenly.
  • Be sure that you are using a firm or extra firm tofu for this recipe.
  • Be sure to “shake” your air fryer basket during the cooking so that your tofu turns and cooks on all sides.

What to serve with Air Fryer Tofu:

  • Vegetarian Instant Pot Baked Beans
  • Thai Kale Salad
  • Cucumber Pea Salad

Ready for this easy air fryer tofu recipe?

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a quick an easy air fryer recipe!
Print Recipe
4.85 from 20 votes

Air Fryer Tofu - with a touch of smoked paprika

How do you air fry tofu? Tofu can be tricky to cook, but don't let that stop you! Air Fryer Tofu is a delicious recipe and a simple method for getting a crunchy outside and a soft inside for all your airfryer tofu bites.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer tofu
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 74kcal
Author: Cindy Gordon (Vegetarian Mamma)

Ingredients

  • 1 block of extra firm tofu pressed
  • 2-3 T cornstarch
  • 1 T smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Press your tofu to help remove extra liquid.
  • After pressing the tofu, cut into squares or little bite sized pieces.
  • Mix the cornstarch and smoked paprika together then sprinkle over tofu.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Put into Air Fryer basket.
  • 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) Your air fryer tofu is almost ready!
  • Every 4 minutes remove the air fryer basket and "shake" to stir up the tofu. Every air fryer is different, be sure to monitor how it is cooking.
  • Enjoy your air fryer tofu!

Notes

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!*
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!

Air Fryer TOFU Tips

  • Be sure to press your tofu before adding your cornstarch and paprika.
  • Be sure to coat your tofu on all sides so it cooks evenly.
  • Be sure that you are using a firm or extra firm tofu for this recipe.
  • Be sure to "shake" your air fryer basket during the cooking so that your tofu turns and cooks on all sides.

Nutrition

Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 192mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 860IU | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1.5mg


All though this website attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, the information should only be considered an estimate. Varying factors such as different product types, different brands, etc. can change nutritional information. It is your responsibility as a consumer to read all labels to make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs as well as calculate your own nutritional information as a double check.

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!

Air Fryer Tofu with Smoked Paprika

Filed Under: Air Fryer, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Tofu Tagged With: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

About Cindy Gordon

This is Cindy Gordon’s website. You might also know her as Vegetarian Mamma. Cindy is an author, recipe developer, social media and content marketer. In addition to her digital roles, Cindy’s interests are gluten-free vegetarian foods, food allergies, gluten-free travel and wellness. Want to know more? Click the ABOUT tab at the top of your screen!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lynndee says

    December 11, 2018 at 10:56 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      December 11, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      I hope that you enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Nancy L. says

    December 11, 2018 at 11:26 am

    5 stars
    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! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      December 11, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      Fantastic! That sounds like a plan!

      Reply
  3. Rachel says

    December 11, 2018 at 1:38 pm

    I keep reading things about air fryers. I am debating on getting one. These recipes are tempting me.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      December 11, 2018 at 3:27 pm

      I think you should. Its such a nice addition to any kitchen!

      Reply
  4. rika says

    December 12, 2018 at 12:06 am

    My husband and I love tofu! We don’ have air fryer. Sounds like a great cooking tool for healthier cooking.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      December 12, 2018 at 1:26 pm

      Such a great tool!

      Reply
  5. Wendy Polisi says

    December 12, 2018 at 1:28 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for the tips on cooking tofu. I have never cooked it, nor have I been brave enough to use the air fryer.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      December 12, 2018 at 1:25 pm

      No worries at all! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

      Reply
  6. Carla Flaim says

    December 29, 2018 at 3:40 pm

    4 stars
    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

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      December 30, 2018 at 1:29 pm

      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!

      Reply
  7. Nancy says

    January 3, 2019 at 1:16 pm

    4 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      January 5, 2019 at 5:19 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  8. Christina says

    January 20, 2019 at 6:17 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      January 20, 2019 at 11:03 pm

      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!

      Reply
  9. akua lum-reeser says

    February 7, 2019 at 2:10 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      February 8, 2019 at 12:21 pm

      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

      Reply
  10. Olga says

    February 28, 2019 at 3:01 pm

    5 stars
    Cindy!it looks perfect and tasty! Can’t wait to have this anytime of the day, love it!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 8, 2019 at 11:41 am

      Enjoy!

      Reply
  11. Heather says

    March 4, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    I’m not such a fan of tofu but I have never had them air fried either. The method can make the difference.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 8, 2019 at 10:46 am

      I think this method will make a difference for you!

      Reply
  12. Melissa Dixon says

    March 5, 2019 at 7:31 am

    I have not tried this in my air fryer yet. I think this is a really cool idea and I may have to try it now.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 8, 2019 at 10:45 am

      When you try, come back and let me know!

      Reply
  13. Lisa Favre says

    March 5, 2019 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    This tofu looks absolutely amazing! It’s so hard to get tofu looking great and I had no idea that the Air Fryer could make it look like perfection.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 8, 2019 at 10:44 am

      Perfection for sure!

      Reply
  14. Laura Dove says

    March 5, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    I’ve been thinking of buying one of these but wasn’t sure whether they would be worth it. Now I am convinced I need one in my life!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 8, 2019 at 10:44 am

      I do not regret getting one, we love it!

      Reply
  15. Lisa Marie Heath says

    March 5, 2019 at 1:15 pm

    I might actually try this out. I’ve had tofu and enjoy it, but I’ve never been the one preparing it. I’m intimidated by it for some reason!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 8, 2019 at 10:44 am

      Give it a try and let me know!

      Reply
  16. Pam says

    March 5, 2019 at 9:17 pm

    That sounds yummy! I need to get an Air Fryer and try this recipe! I have only had tofu once and it was in the form on “scrambled eggs”. I think I would like it this way more!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 8, 2019 at 10:43 am

      I think you’ll like it this way!

      Reply
  17. Alyssa says

    March 7, 2019 at 7:15 am

    5 stars
    Cindy, thank you very much! I really liked the recipe, I took it to my recipe book)

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 8, 2019 at 10:40 am

      Awesome, so glad you tried it and loved it! Thanks for letting me know!

      Reply
  18. Julia says

    March 19, 2019 at 1:05 pm

    5 stars
    WOW! so simple, yet SO tasty! This is fantastic, yum. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      March 20, 2019 at 3:54 pm

      You are so welcome, glad you liked it!

      Reply
  19. Susan Phillips says

    June 7, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    Just found your page and am looking forward to trying your recipes. A note on crispy tofu, this is the recipe I use now and it is perfection. I’ll be trying it in the air fryer, too: 1 T oil, 1 T tamari, 1 T cornstarch (though I usually use a bit more). I’m only posting it because I’ve seen the comments from people thinking it needs a bit of oil. https://cookieandkate.com/how-to-make-crispy-baked-tofu/

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      June 7, 2019 at 8:08 pm

      AWESOME, thank you SO much!! I appreciate you sharing!!

      Reply
  20. Sheila says

    July 23, 2019 at 9:44 pm

    I liked the texture but did not like the taste. I love smokey paprika but this tasted blah on the outside–too powdery. And needed salt or something else besides the paprika which we are very fond of. I used a whole 14 oz tub. It coated it all well, but just didn’t care for the flavoring. Like the texture inside and outside though. Does anyone else have some flavorings they like. btw I only used two tablespoons and not three of the corn starch.

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 24, 2019 at 8:08 am

      Hi Shelia, thanks for coming back and letting me know that you didn’t like the taste but did like the texture. Yes, finding spices and combinations that work for your palette is key. You might try marinating your tofu in a sauce before coating it with the corn starch, that might be helpful. Tofu for sure isn’t flavorful it is what you add to it to make it tasty. You might want to try a spice such as chili powder or cayenne to up the flavor factor as well 🙂

      Reply
  21. Natasha says

    July 26, 2019 at 4:57 pm

    5 stars
    Yes!!! CRISPY tofu!! Delicious. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Cindy Gordon says

      July 28, 2019 at 10:38 pm

      So very welcome! Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
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