15-Minute Air Fryer Tofu {always crispy}

This air fryer tofu features crispy marinated tofu bites that cook up in under 15 minutes! It’s healthy, easy to customize, and guarantees perfectly cooked tofu.

Want more air fryer recipes? Try my air fryer salmon bites, air fryer coconut shrimp, air fryer cauliflower, and air fryer chicken parmesan next.

I try to cook one or two meat-free meals for my family each week, and my air fryer tofu recipe is always a favorite. Tofu can be tricky to cook correctly, but thanks to the air fryer, it yields the best texture—truly crispy on the outside and fluffy and soft in the middle!

Why I love this recipe

• Healthy. Tofu is naturally high in protein, low in saturated fat, and even boasts a hefty dose of fiber (source). Paired with some rice and veggies, it’s a balanced meal I feel good about serving my family.
• Quick. From prep to plate, this tofu cooks up in less than 15 minutes!
• Easy to pair. Serve this tofu as the main protein source for almost anything- I’ve used it for rice bowls, salads, and even sandwiches.
• Versatile. I keep my marinate mix very simple, but I’ve included some flavor combinations to keep things exciting.

Ingredients needed

• Tofu. Use extra firm tofu as it holds onto the sauce better and yields a more crisp exterior. If you only have firm tofu, squeeze out the moisture and/or dry it out for several hours before slicing it up.
• Oil. I use both olive oil and sesame oil. The oils add flavor to the tofu, keep it moist, and help create a nice crust. 
• Soy sauce. I consider this my non-negotiable sauce for almost every tofu dish. Low-sodium soy sauce and tamari will also work.
• Spices. As mentioned earlier, I’m keeping the spices simple to let the tofu shine. Just some garlic powder, ground ginger, and kosher salt.

How to make crispy air fryer tofu

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1 – Prep the tofu. Cut the tofu into even bite-size pieces (aka tofu nuggets). Place them on paper towels or clean kitchen towels to soak up the excess moisture.

Step 2 – Season and air fry. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil with sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, and spices. Add the tofu to the bowl and mix until fully coated. 

Step 3- Air fry. Arrange the tofu in the greased air fryer basket and cook it for 10-12 minutes.

Arman’s recipe tips

• Press the tofu before cutting it to remove the extra liquid and make super crispy air-fried tofu. You can either do it with a tofu press or my cheat method: Place 1-2 large (and heavy!) pots on top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Always add the tofu in a single layer to the air fryer basket. This way, the tofu cubes will brown evenly on all sides. You may also need to cook it in batches.
• Toss the tofu in cornstarch or arrowroot starch (arrowroot powder) before air frying for extra crispy tofu! This is a great idea if you’ll be adding the tofu to soups or stir fries.

Storage instructions

To store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

To freeze. Place the cooked and cooled tofu in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating. Either reheat the tofu in the air fryer for a few minutes or on a non-stick skillet with a touch of oil.

Frequently asked questions

More delicious ways to enjoy tofu

Originally published March 2023, updated and republished June 2024