Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Marinated tofu, air-fried to crispy perfection — an easy and flavorful plant-based main or side.
Crispy air fryer tofu is a reliable recipe that turns a simple block of tofu into something deeply savory and satisfying. A quick marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil soaks into the tofu cubes, creating layers of flavor before they ever hit the air fryer. Once cooked, each piece develops a golden crust on the outside while staying pleasantly chewy inside—no cornstarch, no breading, and no deep-frying required.
This tofu is especially convenient because it works with nearly any meal. Toss the cubes into a rice bowl or noodle dish, add them to salads for extra protein, fold them into lettuce wraps, or enjoy them straight from the basket with your favorite dipping sauce. It’s a fast, flavorful, plant-based option that’s just as good for meal prep as it is for a simple weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Bold flavor with minimal effort. The soy-ginger marinade infuses every cube with savory notes, a touch of sweetness, and aromatic depth. The flavor builds quickly, even with a short marinating time.
Crisp texture without frying. The air fryer circulates hot air around each piece, giving the tofu a crisp exterior that would normally require pan-frying or deep-frying. A light brushing of oil is all it needs.
Great for meal prep. You can marinate the tofu hours ahead or cook a batch for lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and stays flavorful and chewy.
Works in endless dishes. From salads and bowls to stir-fries and wraps, crispy tofu adds protein, texture, and a savory punch wherever you use it.
Customizable marinade. You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice, or richness depending on what you’re serving. Add more ginger, swap soy sauce for tamari, or bump up the heat for a spicier version.
Ingredient Notes
- Extra-firm tofu – Pressing removes moisture so the tofu can crisp properly; a tofu press works best, but weighted towels do the job too.
- Soy sauce – Low-sodium soy sauce adds depth and savory saltiness without overwhelming the tofu, though tamari is a good gluten-free option.
- Sesame oil – Adds nutty richness and rounds out the marinade with toasty flavor.
- Brown sugar – Balances the saltiness with a hint of caramel sweetness and helps the tofu develop deeper browning.
- Fresh ginger and garlic – Grated aromatics provide bright, bold flavor that infuses directly into the tofu.
How to Make It
- Press the tofu to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial because dry tofu browns faster, crisps better, and absorbs the marinade more effectively.
- Cut the tofu into evenly sized cubes so they cook uniformly. Smaller cubes get crispier, while larger pieces stay chewier—choose based on your preferred texture.
- Whisk the marinade ingredients until smooth, then coat the tofu thoroughly so each piece absorbs flavor. A longer marinating time deepens the seasoning, but even 30 minutes works well.
- Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer, giving them space for airflow. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Air fry until browned and crisp, shaking the basket a few times for even cooking. Serve immediately while the edges are hot and crunchy.
Pro Tips
- Press the tofu longer for an even crispier result. Removing more moisture allows the exterior to brown faster and gives the tofu a firmer, meatier texture.
- Cut the tofu consistently. Uniform cubes cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from overbrowning while others remain soft.
- Don’t skip shaking the basket. Moving the tofu ensures that all sides crisp evenly and prevents sticking.
- For extra crispness, spray or brush the tofu lightly with oil just before air frying. The oil helps the edges blister and brown beautifully.
- Use parchment liners only if perforated. Solid liners block airflow and prevent crisping in the air fryer.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy. Add a teaspoon of sriracha, chili crisp, or chili garlic sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick that caramelizes nicely in the air fryer.
- Different garnish. Instead of green onions, top the tofu with coarsely chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or thinly sliced Thai basil.
- Citrus-forward. Add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of lime zest to brighten the flavor and complement rice bowls or salads.
- Sweet and sticky. Toss the cooked tofu in a little honey, maple syrup, or teriyaki glaze for a glossy finish and sweeter flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice or noodles with a drizzle of peanut sauce or sesame dressing.
- Pair with sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or stir-fried cabbage for a balanced meal.
- Tuck the tofu into lettuce wraps with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and a creamy or spicy dressing.
- Add to meal-prep bowls with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh herbs.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftover tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The texture will remain pleasantly chewy even after chilling.
Freeze? Not recommended—the tofu’s structure changes after freezing and becomes spongey rather than crisp.
Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes or warm in a lightly oiled skillet. Both methods bring back the crisp exterior better than microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve and enjoy. Serve the tofu in a simple salad, with rice, or serve it with a sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
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.
