Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Marinated tofu, air-fried to crispy perfection — an easy and flavorful plant-based main or side.
This crispy air fryer tofu is full of bold flavor and golden brown color, thanks to a simple soy, ginger, and garlic marinade. The tofu is perfectly chewy inside, crisp on the outside, and totally satisfying.
Whether you’re adding cubes of tofu to a rice bowl or noodle dish, tossing them with a salad, or just serving them with a favorite sauce or dip, this tofu delivers. The marinade adds flavor while the air fryer gets everything crisp—no breadcrumbs required.
Why You’ll Love It
Flavor-packed and satisfying. The soy-ginger marinade gives this tofu a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar.
No frying needed. The air fryer gets it crispy with just a bit of oil—no messy pans or deep frying.
Meal prep-friendly. You can marinate the tofu up to 12 hours ahead for extra convenience.
Great for bowls or dipping. Serve it with rice or noodles, toss it on a salad, or pair it with a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu: Press out as much moisture as possible to ensure it crisps up nicely. Use a tofu press or heavy weights.
- Soy sauce: Low-sodium is best, but regular soy sauce or tamari works as well.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty richness to the marinade.
- Brown sugar: Balances the salty and tangy flavors.
- Fresh ginger and garlic: Grated for maximum flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
- Press the tofu using a tofu press or a DIY method with towels and a heavy skillet. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to remove moisture.
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place in a shallow dish.
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients and pour over the tofu. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
- Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil, then arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times for even browning.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy. Add a teaspoon of sriracha, chili crisp, or chili garlic sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Different garnish. Instead of green onions, finish the tofu with coarsely chopped cilantro leaves or sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice or noodles with a drizzle of peanut sauce.
- Pair with sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
- Tuck into lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and sliced cucumbers.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze? Not recommended — the texture of tofu can change after freezing and thawing.
To Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes or warm in a skillet until heated through and crisp.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 16 ounces tofu, extra firm
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for the basket (neutral flavor, such as canola, safflower, etc.)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- Sliced green onions or chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Press the tofu. To remove excess moisture, press the tofu. Use a tofu press or place it on several layers of paper towels and wrap it in a kitchen towel. Place a cast iron skillet on the wrapped tofu and add a few heavy cans for extra weight. Press it for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time.
- Prep the tofu. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and place it in a shallow baking dish or container.
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- Make the marinade. Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and sesame oil in a small bowl and whisk to blend. Pour it over the tofu. Cover and refrigerate the tofu for 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can let the tofu marinate up to 12 hours.
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- Air fry. Brush the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the tofu in it, leaving some space between the cubes. Air fry the tofu at 400 F for 12 to 15 minutes or until crisp, shaking the basket a few times to ensure the cubes brown evenly.
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- Serve and enjoy. Serve the tofu in a simple salad, with rice, or serve it with a sauce for dipping.
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Nutrition
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
