Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (Printable View)

Crunchy golden tofu cubes seasoned with soy, garlic, and smoked paprika, air-fried to perfection.

# Ingredient List:

01 - 14 oz firm tofu

02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if required)

03 - 1 tbsp sesame oil

04 - 1 tbsp cornstarch

05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder

06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

01 - Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Press for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.

02 - Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.

03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

04 - Add tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss until evenly coated.

05 - Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss again to coat all pieces lightly.

06 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes.

07 - Place tofu cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.

08 - Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tofu is golden and crisp.

09 - Serve hot; optionally garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

01 -

Crispy exterior that shatters between your teeth without any greasiness or heavy oil.
Ready in 25 minutes from fridge to table, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Works as a snack, appetizer, or protein-packed addition to grain bowls and salads.

02 -

Pressing the tofu really does matter—I once skipped it thinking it wouldn't make much difference, and ended up with soggy, steamed pieces instead of crispy ones.
Cornstarch is non-negotiable for that shatteringly crispy texture; don't try to substitute it with flour or omit it thinking you'll save time.
Air frying in batches is better than overcrowding; the tofu needs space to get air circulation, and patience here rewards you with even, golden cooking.

03 -

If you're making this for a crowd, prepare the marinated and cornstarch-coated tofu an hour ahead, then air fry it just before serving so it stays crispy.
The air fryer basket matters more than you'd think—if you have a smaller air fryer, two batches of perfectly cooked tofu is better than one basket of crowded, unevenly cooked pieces.