This ultra-crispy air fryer tofu is seasoned with a delicious spice rub and cooked in just 13 minutes! Golden and crisp on the edges while soft on the inside.
The air fryer is such a great appliance for making crispy chickpeas, zucchini fries, and so much more. One of our favorite ways to use it is to make crispy tofu!
Tofu gets a bad reputation for lacking in flavor and texture. I get it; it leaves a lot to be desired when not cooked properly. If you are skeptical of this meat alternative, I will change your mind! Like our Easy Baked Tofu, this air fryer tofu is crispy and coated with a delicious seasoning blend that gives it so much flavor!
And the best part is that by cooking it in the air fryer, we reduce the cook time from 45 minutes to just 13 minutes. Yeah!
Reasons to ♡ air fryer tofu
- These crisp tofu nuggets have SO MUCH FLAVOR and are super versatile!
- You don't need to make a sauce or marinade; simply season with a few spices.
- It is super speedy! It cooks in just 13 minutes.
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Choose the right tofu
High in protein and containing all the essential amino acids, tofu is a great plant-based protein option.
Tofu is made from compressed soybean curds, and comes in many different varieties including including silken, regular, smoked and extra firm (among many other varieties!). We want our tofu to hold its shape while cooking, which is why you'll need extra firm tofu for this recipe.
Start by pressing the tofu
Pressing the tofu is important for a few different reasons: 1) it helps remove excess moisture from within the tofu, and this helps the tofu get nice and crispy; 2) it improves the flavor by pressing out the flavor-less liquid; 3) it helps the tofu retain it's shape- unpressed tofu can be more delicate and may crumble in the air fryer.
To press the tofu, place tofu between paper towels and plates, then stack a heavy can on top (pictured above). Press for 30 minutes. You can also purchase a tofu press, which may be a good investment if you eat tofu often.
Making the seasoning
The superstar hero of this crispy tofu recipe is the seasoning blend, made with simple pantry ingredients but gives the tofu so much extra flavor.
Mix together paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and salt. You can double or triple this recipe and store it for later (up to a year) in an air tight container! It works great on roasted vegetables, potatoes, and more.
How to cook tofu in the air fryer
- Press tofu for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat air fryer to 390°F/200°C.
- In a bowl, toss the tofu in avocado oil. Then, toss in cornstarch until completely coated.
- Next, coat the tofu with a seasoning blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the tofu cube to your air fryer basket. Air fry, shaking the basket occasionally, for 13 minutes, or until tofu is crispy to your liking
Storage
Air Fryer tofu does not keep well. As it cools and is chilled in the fridge, it will lose all crispiness and, when reheated, will not have the same texture. This is best served fresh.
Serve it with
Crispy tofu goes so well with a dip. Here are some tasty ideas:
- The peanut sauce from this Peanut Ginger Tofu Stir Fry
- Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing
- One of these 7 Amazing Hummus Recipes
- Super Speedy Tzatziki
- Healthier Caesar Dressing
More air fryer recipes
- Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
- Air Fryer Chickpea Cauliflower Tacos
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Honey Lime Shrimp
- Air Fryer Thai Salmon Patties
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Crispy Seasoned Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 12 oz block extra firm tofu (350 g)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (see note 1)
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Press tofu:Sandwich between paper towels and two plates. Place a heavy object (like a 28 oz can) on the top plate. See photo in post for a visual. Press for 30 minutes or more.
- Heat air fryer to 200°C/ 390°F.
- Cut tofu into ½ inch or ¾ inch cubes.
- Toss tofu in avocado oil, then in cornstarch.
- Toss tofu in all remaining spices until evenly coated, then place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 13 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- Tofu is ready when it is firm on the outside. It should still be soft on the inside, as it hardens as it cools.
- Enjoy immediately!
Tips:
Nutrition Information
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