Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
If you’re searching for a crave-worthy plant-based meal that comes together in a flash and explodes with flavor, Air Fryer Tofu is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine golden, ridiculously crispy cubes of tofu, coated in a sticky, garlicky sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami. It’s nutritious, totally satisfying, and you don’t even need to turn on your oven. Trust me, even tofu skeptics will be reaching for seconds when you pull this one out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of key ingredients for Air Fryer Tofu, but don’t be fooled—each one plays a crucial part in making the final dish shine. From the tofu’s hearty base to the bright, punchy flavors in the sauce, every component builds on the others to create something truly irresistible.
- Extra Firm Tofu (1 14-ounce block): The sturdier the tofu, the crispier the end result—make sure it’s extra firm so it holds up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Low Sodium Tamari or Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon + 3 tablespoons): Adds deep, savory notes and gives flavor to both the crispy coating and the bold sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon + 2-3 teaspoons): The secret to that magical crunchy exterior and the glossy, thick sauce.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings gentle warmth and a pop of color to the tofu coating.
- Garlic (1/2 teaspoon powder + 2 teaspoons minced): Doubles up the garlicky goodness in both the coating and the sauce.
- Gluten Free Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): These add a satisfying crunch; regular breadcrumbs work perfectly if gluten isn’t a concern.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (5-6 tablespoons): Sweetens the sauce and pairs wonderfully with the spicy elements (maple syrup keeps it vegan!).
- Vegetable Broth (3/4 cup): Balances the saltiness and gives the sauce just the right consistency.
- Ground Ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, zesty bite that brightens the sauce.
- Sriracha (2 teaspoons or more): A dash or more brings that signature spicy kick—customize it to your preferred heat level.
- Toasted Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): A tiny amount delivers a knockout nutty aroma in the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For an extra flame if you love things spicy!
How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
Step 1: Drain and Prep Your Tofu
Start by removing your tofu from its packaging and draining off all the excess water. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and give it a gentle squeeze—this helps get rid of as much moisture as possible. If you’re craving ultra-crispy Air Fryer Tofu, take an extra 20 minutes to press the tofu under something heavy (a saucepan works great), though you can skip this step if you’re pressed for time.
Step 2: Chop and Marinate
Slice the tofu into bite-sized, one-inch cubes. Transfer the cubes to a large bowl and drizzle with one teaspoon of your tamari or soy sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece, imparting a savory base layer that soaks right into the tofu.
Step 3: Coat for Crunch
In a separate bowl, whisk together one tablespoon cornstarch, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this over the marinated tofu cubes. Gently toss until each piece looks evenly coated—this step will help your Air Fryer Tofu develop a mouthwatering crispy shell.
Step 4: Add Breadcrumbs
Now, toss the tofu cubes with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs stick to the surface and will transform into a satisfyingly crunchy crust once air fried. Think of it as giving your tofu a little suit of armor that gets perfectly golden.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Hot and Crispy
Spray your air fryer basket with a bit of oil, or use a parchment liner designed for air fryers to keep clean-up a breeze. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake every five minutes to ensure all sides get crispy. If you want the crispiest Air Fryer Tofu ever, add an extra couple minutes until it’s exactly how you like it.
Step 6: Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce
While your tofu’s working its magic, heat the sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook until the edges turn golden brown and fragrant. Then whisk in your honey (or maple syrup), vegetable broth, tamari or soy sauce, ground ginger, sriracha, and (if using) red pepper flakes. Let the sauce gently simmer, whisking occasionally. Want it thicker? After about five minutes, whisk in a little extra cornstarch dissolved in a splash of water, and keep simmering until glossy and thick.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Once both the tofu and sauce are ready, let them both cool off for about 5 minutes so the sauce thickens up even more. Then, add your crispy tofu cubes to a big bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss gently until every piece is gloriously coated. Serve immediately and let the compliments roll in.
How to Serve Air Fryer Tofu
Garnishes
Garnishing your Air Fryer Tofu is the best way to add extra color, flavor, and crunch! Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and if you like, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime over the top can bring a fresh, zippy note that really sets off the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
This tofu is fabulous over a mound of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, letting those saucy morsels shine. Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or red bell pepper are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, serve over a crisp salad for a nourishing and energizing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Air Fryer Tofu makes a fun and elegant appetizer, especially when arranged on toothpicks for a party platter. Or, stuff warm tofu cubes into lettuce wraps with shredded carrot and cucumber for a playful twist. You can also pile them into grain bowls with pickled veggies, or toss them into noodle salads for a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Air Fryer Tofu (lucky you!), store cooled tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the sauce and tofu separate if possible so your tofu stays as crispy as it can.
Freezing
You can freeze Air Fryer Tofu! Lay the cooled cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. For best texture, freeze without the sauce.
Reheating
Pop leftover tofu cubes back into the air fryer or use a hot oven to re-crisp them. Heat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through. If you’ve stored the sauce separately, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave and toss with the reheated tofu just before serving.
FAQs
Do I have to press the tofu before air frying?
Pressing helps remove excess water, making the Air Fryer Tofu crispier, but it’s not absolutely required. If you’re short on time, just pat it dry very well—you’ll still get delicious results!
Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?
Absolutely! While tofu is the star here, tempeh or even cauliflower florets can work beautifully with the same method and sauce. Just adjust cook times as needed.
What’s the best way to keep breadcrumbs gluten free?
Look for certified gluten-free breadcrumbs at most grocery stores or make your own from toasted gluten-free bread blitzed in a food processor. They crisp up perfectly with Air Fryer Tofu.
Is there a way to make the sauce less spicy?
Of course! Simply use less sriracha and skip the red pepper flakes. The honey or maple syrup in the sauce will balance out any remaining heat, leaving you with a lovely sweet-and-savory glaze.
Can I batch cook Air Fryer Tofu for meal prep?
Definitely! Double the recipe and cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Store tofu and sauce separately for best texture, then toss together when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Tofu is one of those recipes that’s endlessly versatile, boldly flavored, and so fun to make. With a few pantry staples and a little creativity, you’ll soon be adding this to your weekly dinner rotation. Give it a go, share with friends, and prepare to fall in love with tofu in a whole new way!
Print
Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Tofu recipe is a delicious and crispy way to enjoy tofu at home. With a flavorful sauce and crispy coating, this tofu is perfect for a tasty meal.
Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Tofu:
- 1 14 ounce block extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 teaspoon low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or regular)
For the Sauce:
- 5–6 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2–3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Drain Tofu: Remove tofu from package, drain excess water, and wrap in a towel.
- Press Tofu: Optional: Press tofu with a heavy object for 20 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Cut: Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss with soy sauce. Whisk cornstarch, paprika, and garlic powder; add to tofu.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Coat tofu in breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Place tofu in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Shake: Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
- Cook Until Crispy: Adjust cooking time for desired crispiness.
- Sauce Garlic: Saute minced garlic and sesame oil until golden.
- Make Sauce: Combine remaining sauce ingredients, simmer until thickened.
- Cool: Toss cooked tofu in sauce; let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha and red pepper flakes.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Tofu, Tofu Recipe, Crispy Tofu, Vegan Tofu
