Crispy Air Fryer Tofu [Oil Free] This Healthy Kitchen

Name: Air Fryer Tofu
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 350 grams (12 ounce) block extra firm tofu (GMO free preferred); 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce if not avoiding gluten); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet); 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

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Crispy air fryer tofu that’s jam packed with flavour, low in calories and fat, oil free, high in protein and absolutely delicious! Crispy on the outside, soft and tender in the middle.

air fryer tofu on white serving dish with dipping sauce.

Enjoy as a healthy snack with a dip, or make it a main dish with some rice and veggies.

Just like my air fried hash browns, home fries, garlic bread and chickpeas, you can expect crispy, flavourful and delicious results!

Fork dunking cube of tofu into spicy mayo dip.

Why air fry tofu?

It’s FASTER than baking and cooks up in just 13 minutes!!
Super crispy, and all without any oil required.
Far healthier than frying, but with similar flavour results.
And the best reason, it’s delicious!

Crispy air fried tofu cubes in white serving dish with dipping sauce on the side.

How to make it

(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Gather your ingredients. All you’ll need is a block of extra firm tofu and some spices and seasoning for the marinade.

Block of tofu, bowl of seasoning and bowl of soy sauce and vinegar on white deck.

Begin by preparing and pressing your tofu. Slice and cut into half inch cubes. (photos 1-2)

Then line a cutting board with paper towels or a clean dish towel and arrange the cubed pieces in a single layer on top. (photo 3)

Add more paper towels above the tofu cubes and then place a baking sheet or another cutting board on top. And finally, place something heavy like a cast iron skillet or books on top.

Press like this for 15 minutes. Then remove the weight/s and peel off the paper towels. You’ll notice that the paper towels have absorbed a lot of moisture. (photo 4)

Tofu on cutting board being sliced and cut into cubes and then pressed.

Transfer the cubed tofu pieces to a shallow dish or container and pour the soy sauce and rice vinegar mixture on top. Toss to evenly coat. (photos 5-6)

Marinade being poured on top of cubed tofu pieces.

Mix up your seasoning and the corn starch and sprinkle over the tofu. (photos 7-8)

Then mix well to evenly coat. If you’re using a container, you can place the lid on and gently rotate and shake it to evenly spread the seasoning. (photos 9-10)

Tofu cubes being seasoning and mixed well to coat.

Now place the seasoned cubes in an even layer in your fryer basket and air fry at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. (photos 11-12)

NOTES: Work in batches if needed so you don’t overcrowd the tofu. Start checking around the 10 minute mark, since different fryers will operate at different speeds.

Tofu cubes inside air fryer basket before and after cooking.

Serve your air fryer tofu with a dip like spicy mayo or cashew cream. Or add it to a stir fry with rice and veggies.

Fork with cubed tofu on it that has been dunked into a pink dip.

What kind of air fryer do I need?

We use a Ninja Foodi 8 quart that we absolutely love. However, for this recipe, any basket style of fryer will work well.

Just keep in mind that individual models will cook at different temperatures and speeds, so be sure to check on your tofu often, starting around the 10 minute mark.

Commonly Asked Questions

What does tofu taste like?

I find tofu pretty flavourless on its own, which is why a good marinade is key to preparing it.

What kind of tofu do I use?

Make sure to grab EXTRA FIRM tofu, not silken extra firm. Extra firm will hold best and result in the best crispy air fryer tofu.

Do you need to press the tofu?

Yes. Don’t skip pressing for this recipe as it helps remove excess water and moisture from the tofu, for crispier results. It also allows more flavour to be absorbed from the marinade.

Is tofu healthy?

Yes! It’s a great source of protein, essential amino acids, calcium, iron and a variety of other vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, making it a great protein choice for weight loss or management.

Is tofu gluten free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten free in its plain form. However, if you purchase a flavoured or breaded variety, be sure to read the ingredients.

Should I buy non GMO tofu?

Luckily, most tofu in stores is already non GMO, which I do recommend. Since we hear that much of the soy produced is genetically modified, it’s a good idea to use non GMO, if you’re concerned.

Expert Tips

Do not overcrowd the tofu, or it won’t get as crispy. If you have a smaller fryer, work in two batches for best texture and results.

If you’re working in batches, remember that your second batch will cook faster since your fryer is already hot, so start checking on the tofu sooner.

Try your best to cut your cubes into similarly sized pieces for even cooking and best results.

Plan to consume your air fryer tofu the same day its made as it will begin to lose its crispiness the longer it sits.

More air fried dishes you’ll love

If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

Buon appetito

Rosa

Air Fryer Tofu

Crispy air fryer tofu that's jam packed with flavour, low in calories and fat, oil free but absolutely delicious! Crispy on the outside, soft and tender in the middle.

5 from 48 votes

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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American, Asian, Canadian

Servings: Servings

Calories: 67kcal

Author: Rosa

Equipment

Ninja Foodi appliance on white background.

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer

Ingredients

▢ 350 grams (12 ounce) block extra firm tofu GMO free preferred
▢ 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce if not avoiding gluten
▢ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
▢ 1 tablespoon cornstarch
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet
▢ ¼ teaspoon sea salt optional

Instructions

Press the Tofu

Cut your tofu into half inch cubes. Then arrange some paper towels or a clean dish towel on a cutting board and place the tofu cubes in a single layer on top. Now add more paper towels on top of the cubes and place another cutting board, flat plate or baking sheet on top. Finally place something very heavy on top like a cast iron skillet or a heavy book. Press like this for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Prepare the Tofu

Combine all the dry seasoning, including the corn starch in a small bowl, and set aside.
Place the pressed tofu cubes in a shallow dish or container and pour the tamari and rice vinegar on top, toss to evenly coat. Then sprinkle all the seasoning on top and mix well. If you use a container, you can put the lid on and gently rotate the container around to evenly spread the seasoning.
Arrange your cubes in your fryer basket in a single layer working in two batches, if you have a small fryer. Do not over crowd your tofu to ensure maximum crispiness. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, mixing or shaking your basket around the halfway point. Mine were perfect at 13 minutes, but start checking on the tofu around the 10 minute mark.
Serve with a dip like spicy mayo or cashew cream. Or use to top some rice and veggies.

Notes