Crispy Air Fryer Tofu – Sweet Potato Soul

No healthy meal repertoire is complete without a versatile tofu recipe—perfect for main dishes, pastas, wraps, bowls, and more. This Air Fryer Tofu is just that! Ready in a few simple steps, made with pantry staples, and easily adapted to suit your tastes, it’s my MVP of tofu recipes (and that’s saying a lot). Let’s dive in!

I’ve realized lately that I still haven’t shared some of my most-frequently-made dishes with you. Case in point: this air fryer crispy tofu! It’s ready in just 5 minutes of active prep, a delicious addition to nearly any meal, and a great way to add more plant-based protein to my diet. No joke, I make it almost every week to top stir-fry, curries (like the pumpkin curry pictured below), and other Asian-inspired recipes.

I love making tofu in the air fryer because it crisps it up perfectly—golden and lightly crunchy on the outside, pillowy and tender on the inside—without excess oil or a splattery mess. The seasoning is simple but tasty: avocado oil, soy sauce, and garlic add depth without fuss.

Most importantly, prep is so easy I can handle it on even the busiest weeknights. Once the cubes are in the air fryer, my hands are free to prep the rest of dinner (or—let’s be honest, enjoy a drink or mocktail), making weeknight meals both easy and nutritious.

For more easy air fryer recipes, Crispy Roasted Chickpeas, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, and Air Fryer Zucchini.

Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

• Easy and Quick: It’s made with pantry staples in a handful of steps, so easy you could almost do them with your eyes closed. And, if you’re wondering how to air fry tofu, I’ve got you covered with my fully illustrated instructions below.
• Versatile: Add these crispy cubes to everything from stir-fry and sweet potato noodles to Buddha bowls and salads. The options are endless!
• Wholesome and Nutritious: Tofu is naturally high in plant-based complete protein and abundant in many essential micronutrients (source), avocado oil adds healthy fats, and soy sauce and garlic powder add flavor while keeping the dish light.

Ingredients

Extra Firm Tofu: This variety is lower in moisture, which helps it crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Use one 15-oz block, cut into cubes. Pressing isn’t required, though I recommend it for crispier tofu if you have the time.

Soy Sauce: Adds a light, savory saltiness. I use tamari, which is a naturally gluten-free Japanese soy sauce. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if preferred or to reduce overall sodium.

Avocado Oil: Just 2 teaspoons coat the cubes, helping them crisp evenly and preventing sticking.

Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that adds mild, nutty, and aromatic notes—enough to keep the tofu flavorful yet versatile.

Cornstarch: Optional but highly recommended. A tablespoon of cornstarch (or all-purpose flour) absorbs excess moisture and gives the tofu an extra-crispy finish.

How to Cook Tofu in the Air Fryer

Still wondering how I can make the same air fry tofu recipe every week? Once you see how simple the prep is—and taste the delicious results—I bet you’ll be hooked, too!

• Season Tofu. Add the tofu cubes, soy sauce, and oil, to a mixing bowl and gently stir. Then sprinkle on the garlic powder and cornstarch and gently stir again to coat the tofu cubes.

• Prepare to Air Fry. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, then add and evenly spread out the tofu.

• Air Fry for 15 minutes at 350°F, stir and cook 5 minutes more, or until golden and crispy on the outside.

Recipe Variations

For additional layers of flavor, marinate the tofu or add any of the following seasonings:

• Savory: Add ½ teaspoon onion powder and 1–2 teaspoons nutritional yeast for a deeper savory, cheesy flavor.
• Aromatic: For a zesty twist, sprinkle in a little ginger powder. Smoked paprika adds a smoky, lightly spicy note, while cumin or turmeric bring earthy depth. Ground red pepper turns up the heat, and ground white or black pepper lend a subtle spice.
• Italian: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or basil for Mediterranean vibes—perfect for tossing into pasta dishes.
• Herbal: Crushed dried rosemary, thyme, or Herbes de Provence add lightly floral, herbaceous notes.

Storage Directions

• Refrigerating: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Let the air fried tofu cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. The texture may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
• Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat tofu in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. Alternatively, warm gently in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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