Air Fry Tofu Recipe

Learn how to make crispy air fryer tofu with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect golden cubes with tender centers - a healthy plant-based protein that's ready in minutes using simple ingredients and foolproof technique.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

12 mins

Serve

Kcal

140

Carbs: 6g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 8g

140

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g extra-firm tofu</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp cornflour (or potato starch)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp soy sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp sesame oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain completely. Place the tofu block on a clean kitchen towel, then fold the towel over to cover. Gently press down with your hands to remove excess moisture, then place a heavy book or cutting board on top and let it press for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior we're after, so don't skip it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>While the tofu is pressing, preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and aromatic.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>After pressing, cut the tofu into 2cm cubes - aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Pat each cube dry once more with kitchen paper to ensure maximum crispiness. Add the tofu cubes to your seasoning mixture and gently toss with your hands or a spoon, making sure every piece is well coated. Let them sit for 2 minutes to absorb the flavours.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Sprinkle the cornflour over the marinated tofu cubes and toss gently until each piece has a light, even coating. The cornflour will help create that golden, crispy exterior we're aiming for. Don't worry if it looks a bit clumpy at first - it will smooth out during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching each other. Cook at 200°C for 7 minutes, then carefully flip each piece using tongs. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Once cooked, remove the tofu immediately and serve while hot for maximum crispiness. The exterior should be golden and crunchy while the interior remains soft and tender. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve with your favourite dipping sauce or add to stir-fries, salads, or grain bowls.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fry Tofu Recipe

What type of tofu works best for air frying?

Extra-firm tofu is ideal for air frying as it holds its shape well and has less water content, resulting in a crispier exterior. Avoid silken or soft tofu as they'll break apart during cooking.

How long should you press tofu before air frying?

Press tofu for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. This crucial step ensures maximum crispiness by allowing the exterior to get golden and crunchy rather than steaming.

What temperature should you cook tofu in an air fryer?

Cook tofu at 400°F (200°C) for best results. This high temperature creates the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Lower temperatures may result in chewy texture.

Can you make crispy tofu without cornstarch in an air fryer?

While possible, cornstarch is highly recommended for maximum crispiness. It creates a light coating that turns golden and crunchy. You can substitute with potato starch or arrowroot powder.

How do you prevent tofu from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Ensure your air fryer basket is clean and the tofu is properly coated with oil and cornstarch. Don't overcrowd the basket and flip carefully with tongs to maintain the coating.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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"author": "Fatima Al-Zahra",
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August 26, 2025

Air Fry Tofu Recipe

Learn how to make crispy air fryer tofu with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect golden cubes with tender centers - a healthy plant-based protein that's ready in minutes using simple ingredients and foolproof technique.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 6g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Directions

What type of tofu works best for air frying?

How long should you press tofu before air frying?

What temperature should you cook tofu in an air fryer?

Can you make crispy tofu without cornstarch in an air fryer?

How do you prevent tofu from sticking to the air fryer basket?