The Best Air Fryer Tofu!


Just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes prep to make The Best Air Fryer Tofu everrrrr! This tofu has a lightly crispy super flavorful chicken-like seasoning on the outside and is fluffy on the inside. This will become a new go-to recipe! This tofu is delicious all on its own as a snack, or you can serve it as a main with some sides, on pasta, on salad, on rice in a wrap, in a taco, or anywhere you want more scrumptious tofu (which is everywhere)!

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I love my air fryer. Like, really love it. I think I use it at least once a day, whether it’s to make a full meal or just blast something back to life. Something else that I love? TOFU! I have over 65 tofu recipes here on my blog, and even more recipes in my two cookbooks, Fuss-Free Vegan, and Fast Easy Cheap Vegan. So yes, I love tofu.

So with this recipe, I combined my two favorite loves: air fryer + tofu. I have been making this crispy air fryer tofu recipe on repeat because it is so easy to whip up and so tasty that I have become completely obsessed with this! The flavor, the texture, the yumminess… Now technically you can store this tofu in the fridge for later and it will keep fresh for a few days, but I wouldn’t know anything about that, because every time I make this air fryer tofu, it’s gone within a few minutes! You have been warned.

air fryer » Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

And for those who asked, I have (and LOVE) the Cosori Air Fryer! (Not sponsored). The square-shaped basket, the one-button cook settings, and the easy to clean features make it a total win for me!

Just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes prep to make The Best Air Fryer Tofu everrrrr! This tofu has a lightly crispy, super flavorful chicken-like seasoning on the outside and is fluffy on the inside. This tofu is delicious all on its own as a snack, or you can serve it as a main with some sides, on pasta, on salad, on rice in a wrap, in a taco, or anywhere you want more scrumptious tofu (which is everywhere)!

Common Questions:

How long should I air fry tofu? About 20 minutes seems to be the perfect amount of time for this recipe. The result will be a golden, crisp, super tasty tofu!

What type of tofu is best for air frying? Extra-firm tofu is best. It will hold it’s shape and won’t break apart when shaking the basket. In a pinch, you can use firm tofu as well, but anything softer than that won’t likely hold up well.

Is it OK to air fry tofu? Not only is it ok, but it’s delicious! It’s definitely one of my favorite ways to prepare tofu.

Do I have to press the tofu before frying? I don’t find it necessary to use a tofu press. Pressing the tofu removes extra water, but since the air fryer will dry out the tofu anyways, pressing it is just an extra step that isn’t needed for this recipe.

Mix the simple marinade in a bowl.

How to make the best air fryer tofu:

Preheat your air-fryer to 350F (180C).
In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce (or tamari if preferred), olive oil, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).

Feel free to sub the olive oil for another flavor of oil you like, such as avocado oil, or 1 – 2 teaspoons of sesame oil for Chinese-inspired flavors. If you are oil-free, you can sub the oil for water or vegetable broth.

Add the tofu and gently toss to coat

Add the tofu cubes and toss gently to evenly coat in the sauce.

Just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes prep to make The Best Air Fryer Tofu everrrrr! This tofu has a lightly crispy, super flavorful chicken-like seasoning on the outside and is fluffy on the inside. This tofu is delicious all on its own as a snack, or you can serve it as a main with some sides, on pasta, on salad, on rice in a wrap, in a taco, or anywhere you want more scrumptious tofu (which is everywhere)!

Spray the heated air fryer basket with cooking spray oil, then spread the tofu in a single layer in the basket, allowing space between each tofu cube for the best airflow. Air fry the tofu for about 20 minutes, shaking 1 to 2 times, until golden. If desired you can sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
Serve hot or store in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze to use later. Great as main, as nuggets, on salads, in sandwiches, in tacos, on pasta, on nachos, with a side of broccoli, brussels sprouts, or cauliflower, added to a stir fry, on any dish you like, the options are endless! See the recipe for the full nutrition breakdown.

Just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes prep to make The Best Air Fryer Tofu everrrrr! This tofu has a lightly crispy, super flavorful chicken-like seasoning on the outside and is fluffy on the inside. This tofu is delicious all on its own as a snack, or you can serve it as a main with some sides, on pasta, on salad, on rice in a wrap, in a taco, or anywhere you want more scrumptious tofu (which is everywhere)!

This air fryer tofu is…

  • crispy
  • SUPER tasty
  • easy to make
  • a new staple recipe

More tofu recipes to try:

Quick & Easy Vegan Tofu Bacon
Vegan Tofu Fillets
Easy Sticky Teriyaki Tofu
Vegan Tofu Bacon Bits
Brown Sugar & Mustard Glazed Tofu
Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu

If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don’t forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also follow me on Pinterest or Facebook. 🙂
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.

the best air fryer tofu recipe crispy cornstarch easy » Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

Print Recipe

The Best Air Fryer Tofu

This tofu has a lightly crispy, super flavorful chicken-like seasoning on the outside and is fluffy on the inside.Adapted from my baked tofu bites recipe

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 123kcal

Author: Sam Turnbull • It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 (350g/ 12.3oz) block extra-firm tofu cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional for spice)

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Instructions

  • Preheat your air-fryer to 350F (180C).

  • Make sure to have your tofu cubed and ready to go. If the sauce sits for a while it can thicken and be difficult to coat the tofu. Once your tofu is prepped, in a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Add the tofu cubes and toss gently to evenly coat in the sauce.

  • Spray the heated fryer basket with spray oil, then spread the tofu in a single layer in the basket, allowing space between each tofu cube for the best airflow. Air fry the tofu for about 20 minutes, shaking 1 to 2 times, until golden.

  • Serve hot or store in an air-tight container in the fridge, or freeze to use later. Great as main, as nuggets, on salads, in sandwiches, in tacos, on pasta, on nachos, the options are endless!

Notes

Oven-baked option: if you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the tofu in your oven. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the sauce and tofu as instructed. Spread the tofu evenly across the baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden.
Oil-free option: sub the olive oil for vegetable broth or water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (recipe makes 4 servings) | Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 559mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 52IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

More amazing tofu recipes and variations you might enjoy:





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