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.
And for those who asked, I have (and LOVE) the Breville Joule Air Fryer Smart Oven! (Not sponsored). 
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.
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) to make a thick paste-like sauce.
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 cubes and toss gently to evenly coat in the sauce.
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.
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.
(click stars to vote)
The Best Air Fryer Tofu
Servings:
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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)
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) to make a thick paste-like sauce. Add the tofu cubes and toss gently to evenly coat.
- 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
Nutrition
More amazing tofu recipes and variations you might enjoy:
Audrey says
Absolutely delicious!
Mix the tofu with cornstarch first, then add the spice paste.
I've subbed chili powder for the cayenne and added 1/4 tsp salt and it's perfect.
Scrape/shake the air fryer early and often to keep from sticking!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you love it Audrey!
Sheri G says
I love this recipe and make it AT LEAST every other week. It's so easy to throw together, and so versatile for using in different meals. My favorite way to use is throwing it on top of a salad. I love the crunch it gives - and the taste is *chef's kiss*.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for sharing!
Sue says
This is a staple in our house! So delicious and easy to make!
Evan says
This is a winner! One of my favourites. I like to sub a couple tablespoons of chickpea flour for some of the cornstarch...just because everything's better with chickpeas. Then I put it on top of a big salad along with some roasted broccoli. Thanks for finding tasty ways for us to eat plants!
Gina says
This recipe is a staple for me! It's quick, easy and always no fail! Not to mention delicious! It will make anyone that doesn't think they like tofu, think twice. 🙂
Chris says
I have recently purchased an airfryer and this recipe was so tasty and easy. Love it!
Crimson says
I literally crave these tofu nuggies, I could eat these every day no joke
Lisa M Glassman says
This recipe is amazeballs! So delicious and goes with so many of your other recipes. You're awesome. Keep these fabulous dishes coming!
Alex Dezj says
Just made this and it was surprisingly delicious. I served it over brown rice with green onions, sesame seeds and barbecue sauce. Super tasty.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So thrilled you loved it Alex!
Mary Hussey says
Just made this tonight and it was great! You weren't kidding about greasing the pan - the whole batch stuck when I went to turn the pieces. Now I have it soaking. (Mine has a mesh grate for the air-fryer part, so not always easy to grease.)
Still, definitely making this again!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Sorry for the mess but we're so glad you enjoyed the outcome!
Mary Hussey says
I made it again, but substituted the cayenne for smoked paprika - delish!
Mary Hussey says
By accident, the sauce got too thick, and my pieces were too small. The pieces ended up a bit crushed. It ended up making crispy crumbles, which I added to my salad - delish! I really love this recipe!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yummy!
lizzie says
These are terrific, I use them in a lot of things : ))
Kirsten says
I think it would work better if I tossed the tofu in the cornstarch first, then then a mix of all of the other ingredients. I had everything ready, but the cornstarch still gummed up right away. I think I'll keep using your fabulous recipe for tofu bites, which is very similar, but no cornstarch.
Michele Steinberg says
I have had an air fryer for about a year, and this recipe is my favorite thing to make with it! This is the easiest, most foolproof and delicious way to prepare tofu that I have tried. I have to prevent my husband from snacking on it if I want it to go into one of my veggie stir-fries! I usually add this to stir fried veggies toward the end of cooking and stir in an easy cornstarch-water-soy finishing sauce. Scrumptious!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Yes to all of that! We're so glad you love it as much as we do.
Bridget says
Love, Love, Love this tofu! Have made it twice already this week! Delicious and filling! All of your recipes have helped my family deliciously transition to more healthy diets! Your are a true talent! Thank you Sam for all you do to make this world a healthier, more compassionate place.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Bridget! So happy you are loving my recipes 🙂
Mae says
I just acquired a free air fryer, and this is the first thing I made with it! it turned out great! The tofu was a little dry...I think it would be best with a sauce. I served it with brown rice and veggies. Very yummy!
Anne says
I have to confess to taking some small liberties with the recipe, but hopefully they'll help someone else. I am the last person in North America who doesn't own an air fryer. I know. But I do have a toaster oven with convection. So, why not?
I prepared the tofu as directed, except I pressed it (because I already had it pressing before I found the recipe.) I preheated the oven, then put the tofu on one of those copper grill mats. My oven defaulted to 30 minutes, so I left it there.
The tofu didn't come out crispy, but it is nicely chewy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I paired it with brown rice and sauteed cabbage.
Definitely a keeper, would bookmark again.
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We're glad you liked it!
Val says
Next level tofu… and so simple, who would have thought?! You’re truly a gifted cook and your recipes have made the transition to vegan so much easier and fun then I could have hoped! Thanks for sharing❤️
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We're so glad you're a fan, Val!