Discover the ultimate crispy air-fried tofu recipe! This easy, delicious dish is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights. I love it; the kids can't get enough of it, and you won't need another crispy air-fried tofu recipe ever again.
Cooking healthy meals on busy weeknights can often feel daunting, especially when trying to satisfy everyone at the table. Sometimes, all you have left lying at the back of the fridge is an old block of tofu, and this recipe will help you transform what can come across as bland and uninteresting into delicious crispy cubes.
Tofu, which can sometimes seem boring or tricky to prepare, has been a game changer for me—especially when made in the air fryer. This recipe for marinated tofu has saved me countless evenings when I need a quick, crunchy, and delicious meal that also feels comforting.
Tofu is a blank canvas that absorbs any marinade’s flavor and is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s high in plant-based protein, making it an excellent meat alternative, with about 10 grams of protein per serving. It’s rich in iron, calcium, and essential amino acids and low in calories and fat.
Its versatility makes it a favorite in our household, and using the air fryer helps me achieve that crispy exterior that everyone loves without needing extra oil or long cooking times. There’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing a meal that tastes great and is packed with nutrients, and this tofu dish ticks all the boxes for a healthy weeknight dinner.
With the air fryer, marinated tofu becomes crispy and golden in no time, providing that crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a salad. I love the ease of this recipe, knowing that I can marinate the tofu ahead of time and let the air fryer do the rest when dinner time comes.
Air fried tofu is my go-to when I want to serve something comforting, nourishing, and quick without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Tofu to Use In The Air Fryer?
Tofu comes in a few different varieties, the most common being silken, firm, and extra-firm. Silken tofu has a much softer, custard-like texture and is often used in desserts or smoothies, while firm and extra-firm tofu hold their shape better and are ideal for frying, grilling, or baking.
For this air fryer recipe, I always recommend using extra firm tofu. It has less moisture than the other varieties, which helps it crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, creating a delightful, crunchy texture without falling apart. Firm tofu is also acceptable, though you may need to press it a little longer to remove excess water.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
- Extra-firm tofu: Choose extra-firm tofu for its ability to hold its shape and achieve the perfect crispiness in the air fryer.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the marinade, giving the tofu a savory, salty flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the tofu crisp up in the air fryer and adds richness to the marinade.
- Maple syrup: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness and give the tofu a slightly caramelized finish.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly grated garlic (or garlic powder) and ginger infuse the tofu with a bright, aromatic flavor.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the marinade that pairs well with the soy sauce.
- Sesame seeds: These little seeds give a nutty flavor and a nice crunch when sprinkled on top after cooking. You can also drizzle over a bit of sesame oil.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Directions to Make Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
Press and Prepare the Tofu
Press tofu to remove any excess water. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture in the air fryer. Place the block of tofu between two paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth, and weigh it down with a heavy object (like a skillet or a can) for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help drain out the moisture, ensuring your tofu gets a nice, crisp finish.
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Marinate the Tofu
While the tofu is pressed, prepare the marinade. Whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Place the tofu in the marinade and let it soak for at least 30 minutes or longer if you have time. The longer the tofu marinate, the more flavorful it will be.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat it for a few minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures cubed tofu will start to crisp up immediately.
Air Fry the Tofu
Cut the tofu and transfer it to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure it doesn’t overlap. This allows the air to circulate around each piece, creating an even, crispy texture. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy. The tofu should come out golden and crispy outside, with a tender center.
Top Tips to Take Your Tofu from Good to GREAT!
- Press the tofu: Removing excess moisture is key to achieving crispy tofu. Be patient with this step for the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Tofu needs space for the air to circulate and crisp up evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Marinate longer: The longer you let the tofu marinate, the more flavorful it will be. If you have time, let it sit overnight for maximum taste.
- Flip halfway through: Shaking or flipping the tofu pieces halfway through the cooking time ensures all sides get nice and crispy.
What to Do When You Don't Have An Air Fryer
Pan-Seared Tofu
If you don’t have an air fryer, pan-searing the tofu is a great fried tofu alternative. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated tofu and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan so each piece can cook evenly. This method gives a great crispy texture, requiring a bit more oil.
Oven-Baked Tofu
Baking is another easy way to cook tofu. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The baked tofu will come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, though the texture won’t be as crunchy as with the air fryer.
Storage for Best Air Fryer Tofu
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or heat it in a skillet until warmed through. You can also enjoy the tofu cold, as it holds up well in salads or bowls.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
If you’re a fan of air-fried tofu, there are plenty of other delicious recipes to try. Try this Asparagus Recipe with capers and almonds for some green to enjoy alongside your crispy tofu bites. Another quick and easy air-fried delicacy to snack on is these crispy cheese bites. They're absolute to die for!
For dips to enjoy with your tofu bites, try this creamy white bean hummus or chickpea hummus. For a beautiful purple hummus, you have to make this beet hummus recipe. Fall-themed? Yes, you can have that, too, with this carrot dip. If you are looking for a creamy-cheesy dip for your tofu, you have to try this baked feta dip with dates and honey or baked brie dip with peaches.
To Make This a Full Meal
Consider serving your marinated tofu with instant pot chicken and pepper stew or instant pot fish soup.
Alternatively, these crispy tofu blocks make an excellent topping for my infamous breakfast pizza, or you can add it to your salmon and cauliflower casserole.
Recipe
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How to Cook Marinated Tofu
Equipment
- cooking spray
- Air Fryer Liners
- Large pan or skillet
- Cast Iron Skillet optional
- Reusable silicone mat optional
Ingredients
- 1 pkg package of firm or extra-firm tofu
Asian Tofu Marinade
- 6 Tbs soy sauce Tamari sauce, or Bragg's amino acids
- 3 Tbs rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tb Sambal Oelek or Sriracha sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder OR cumin
- 3 Tbs water
Instructions
- Press the tofu to drain between your hands to extract fluids. Alternatively, to get even more liquid out, place the tofu on a cutting board, top it with a plate, and top the plate with a heavy can. Leave to drain for 15 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into small cubes, each slightly smaller than 1-square inch. You can also cut it into triangles for sandwiches.
- In a square or rectangular bowl, make the marinade by whisking together soy, rice vinegar, hot sauce, spices and water. Add cubed tofu to bowl and toss the tofu in the marinade, covered with plastic wrap or lid, overnight or at least for a few hours (you can even let it marinate for a few days, soaking up flavour as it goes along, so don't hesitate to plan several meals from this tofu). Give the tofu pieces a stir every few hours, to ensure all are evenly coated with sauce.
- Uncooked, marinated tofu stays good for 3 days in an airtight container.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375F. Spray with non-stick spray, or drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil. Remove the tofu from the marinade, arrange in the air fryer so there’s no overlap. Air fry tofu for 15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times in the process. You want your tofu nice and golden brown for this simple recipe.
- Remove tofu from the air fryer and top with a few spoonfuls of the remaining marinade, if desired.
Pan Fried Tofu Method
- Preheat a grill pan, a cast iron pan or a non-stick pan to high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of oil. Remove the tofu from the marinade, add tofu to the pan and grill 2-3 minutes per side. Turn each piece over to the other side, repeating until the tofu is browned on all sides and you can see grill marks if using a grill pan.
- Top with a few spoonfuls of the remaining marinade, if desired.
Oven Baked Tofu Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Cover a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Remove the tofu from the marinade, arrange on a baking sheet so there’s no overlap between the slices. Bake for 15 minutes on one side; flip over, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Top with a few spoonfuls of the remaining marinade, if desired.
