If you're looking for the best air fryer tofu, this easy recipe delivers every time. This Air Fried Tofu Nuggets recipe creates perfectly crispy tofu with a golden outside and a soft, tender center. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, it's a go-to method for anyone wanting a reliable, flavorful tofu air fryer recipe.
Table Of Contents
Air frying tofu is a game-changer. Compared to pan-frying, this method is less messy and requires less oil. With just a few simple ingredients like soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and cornstarch, you can create crispy tofu in the air fryer that rivals your favorite restaurant. Plus, it's naturally plant-based, high in protein, and perfect for meal prepping! We also love to make a spicy Korean tofu soup for an easy lunch and meal prep bowls too.
Air fried tofu is fantastic in salads and grain bowls, dipping into your favorite sauce, or as a wholesome snack and lunch. As a meal, serve it alongside steamed broccoli, air fried asparagus or green beans, buttery carrots or on top of a bed of brown rice, farro or barley.
Why You'll Love Air Fried Tofu
- Perfect texture every time - Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside.
- Quick and easy - Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Minimal oil needed - All the crunch without deep frying!
- Great for beginners - Simple steps make it easy to learn how to air fry tofu.
- Customizable flavors - Adjust seasonings or sauces to match any meal.
- Less mess - No splattering oil or extra pans to clean!
Ingredients
- 14-16 ounce block of firm tofu: extra firm, super firm are fine too. Silken tofu won't work in the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: tamari is a great choice here, as it adds unami flavor to make your tofu even better.
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup: optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: adjust to your personal taste.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: adjust to your taste.
- Paprika and black pepper: just a pinch adds color and flavor, but add more if you'd like.
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch: essential for a crispy exterior.
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: use more or less as desired, but always use at least 1 teaspoon.
Equipment Needed: air fryer, bowl, cutting board, knife and spoon.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Remove excess water by gently pressing the tofu while it's still in the package. There's no need to press for long, just press lightly.
- Cut the block into 4 lengthwise sections, then 4 sections the other way. Cut each row into thirds to get about 48 small cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and cornstarch. Add the tofu cubes and stir until they are evenly coated. Alternatively, cover the bowl with a lid and shake.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 400℉ for 15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Enjoy hot with your favorite dip or sauce!
Chef's Tips
- Coat thoroughly: Incomplete or uneven coating leads to uneven crisping.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak salt, garlic, or paprika to taste. You can even use an enchilada seasoning, taco seasoning or cheesesteak seasoning (or any other pre-made seasoning that goes with your meal).
- Oil matters: Use at least 1 teaspoon; more oil gives extra crispiness.
- Do not omit the cornstarch. This is what helps the tofu crisp up in the air fryer.
How To Store
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 390℉ for about 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
Removing excess moisture helps tofu crisp up better, though some people find simply patting it dry works too.
Coating tofu in cornstarch or arrowroot, lightly oiling it, and spacing pieces out in a single layer improves crispiness.
Yes! You can eliminate the oil from the sauce and instead spray the tofu lightly with oil after spreading it onto the air fryer basket or tray.
Yes. Marinating can add flavor, but wet marinades should be light or you may lose crispiness.
Too much moisture, overcrowding in the air fryer, or lack of starch coating are common reasons tofu stays soft instead of crispy.
Lightly greasing the basket helps reduce sticking.
Recipe
Air Fried Tofu Nuggets
Ingredients
- 14-16 oz block firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- paprika to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove excess water by gently pressing the tofu while it's still in the package. There's no need to press for long, just press lightly.
- Cut the block into 4 lengthwise sections, then 4 sections the other way. Cut each row into thirds to get about 48 small cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and cornstarch. Add the tofu cubes and stir until they are evenly coated. Alternatively, cover the bowl with a lid and shake.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 400℉ for 15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Enjoy hot with your favorite dip or sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Kristina Tipps says
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. It turned out great!