• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Indian Veggie Delight logo

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Kids Lunch Box
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Rice & Grains
    • Lentil & Beans
    • Millet
    • Vegan
    • Keto/Low Carb Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Kids Lunch Box
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • About Me
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Kids Lunch Box
  • About
×

Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

Air Fryer Tofu

Published: Oct 4, 2021 · Modified: Jul 29, 2022 by Bhavana Patil ·This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

172 shares
Jump to Recipe

This crispy tofu recipe is full of flavor made by cooking cubes of marinated tofu in the air fryer with very little oil and made to perfection every time. They can be served as a side dish or topped on salads, pasta, or noodles.

Ingredients for making Air Fryer Tofu

  • Tofu – Always ensure to use organic extra-firm tofu and press for at least 30 minutes.
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce - Or tamari (for gluten-free). Because it adds the extra zing to the dish. You can also use liquid aminos or coconut aminos.
  • Sesame oil - using sesame oil or any oil helps to crisp up the tofu. So dont skimp on the oil.
  • Spices – I have used garlic powder, red chili powder (or paprika), salt, and pepper for seasoning. You may use your favorite go-to spices.
  • Maple Syrup – you can also use agave. Helps to balance the flavors, and doesn't make it sweet.
  • Rice vinegar - gives a tart and sweet taste to the dish. You can skip it if you don't have one.
  • Cornstarch – This is the secret ingredient to make extra crispy tofu.
Air Fryer Tofu Ingredients

How to Make Air Fryer Tofu

Press extra-firm tofu with some heavy objects for at least 30 minutes. This will drain the excess moisture.

step to remove excess moisture form extra firm tofu collage

Then cut the tofu into cubes.

step to cut the extra firm tofu into cubes collage

In a mixing jar, add garlic powder, red chili powder (or sriracha), soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or agave), sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well with a whisker until well blended and keep aside.

step to prepare dressing collage

In a medium-sized bowl place the pressed tofu. Add the prepared soy sauce marinade and toss to coat. Let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

step to marinate the tofu collage

Then when you are ready for Air frying, add a tablespoon of corn starch and toss well to combine. Cornstarch helps to make the tofu crispier and is optional.

step to add corn starch and mix collage

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (203°C). Add the marinated tofu to the air fryer basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).

step to air fry tofu in the air fryer basket

Air fryer them at 400°F (203°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown, and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through.

air fried tofu in the basket

The air fryer marinated tofu is ready to serve. Remove to a serving plate, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm.

How to Make Marinated Tofu on Stovetop

Heat the pan or skillet over medium-high heat, and add some oil. Then arrange all the marinated tofu in a single layer. Again lightly brush or spray some oil on the top. Cook from both sides until it turns golden brown in color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this air-fried tofu as a side dish with a dipping sauce, or as an appetizer, or top it on stir-fries, pasta, noodles, or salads.

Seasoning Variations

  • Italian seasoning
  • Cajun spice seasoning
  • Chili Lime Seasoning

Tips & Variation

  • Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes or a few hours so they absorb more flavors from the marinade.  
  • If you see your tofu becoming dry, then brush some oil on them to retain the moisture.
  • Highly recommend adding cornstarch to the tofu, as it helps to absorb excess moisture and makes it extra crispy.
  • Cut the tofu into cubes of the same size, this helps for quick and even cooking.
  • To make a Keto-friendly version, skip the cornstarch and maple syrup in this recipe.

More Tofu Recipes

  • Tofu Bhurji
  • Tandoori Tofu Tikka
  • Palak Tofu
  • Tofu Paratha
  • Thai Red Curry
  • Panang Curry

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Perfect Roasted Asparagus
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
  • Masala Peanuts
  • Tandoori Gobi
  • Beetroot Cutlet
  • Green Beans
Tried this recipe?Don’t forget to give a ★ rating below
air fryer tofu served on a plate with peanut butter dressing on the side

Air Fryer Tofu

Bhavana Patil
These crispy tofu are full of flavor made by cooking cubes of marinated tofu in the air fryer with very less oil and made to perfection every time
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories : 114
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb, Vegan
Method: Air Fryer
Prep Time : 10 minutes
Cook Time : 10 minutes
Resting Time : 30 minutes
Total Time : 50 minutes

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl Set
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

Measuring cup used ,1 cup = 250ml

  • 16 oz extra firm tofu pressed for 30 minutes, cut into 1” cubes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika/red chili powder (or sriracha)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or liquid aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any oil)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Press extra-firm tofu with some heavy object for at least 30 minutes. This will drain the excess moisture. Then cut the tofu into cubes.
    step to cut the extra firm tofu into cubes collage
  • In a mixing jar, Add garlic powder, red chili powder (or sriracha), soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or agave), sesame oil, salt and pepper. Stir well with a whisker until well blended and keep aside.
    step to prepare dressing collage
  • In a medium sized bowl place the pressed tofu. Add the prepared soy sauce marinade and toss to coat. Let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
    step to marinate the tofu collage
  • Then when you are ready for Air Frying, add a tablespoon of corn starch and toss well to combine. Cornstarch helps to make the tofu crispier and is optional.
    step to add corn starch and mix collage
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (203°C). Add the marinated tofu to the air fryer basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
    step to air fry tofu in the air fryer basket
  • Air fryer them at 400°F (203°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown, and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through.
    air fried tofu in the basket
  • The air fryer marinated tofu is ready to serve. Remove in a serving plate, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm.
    air fryer tofu served on a plate with peanut butter dressing on the side

Notes

Tips & Variation

  • Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes or few hours so they absorb more flavors from the marinade.  
  • If you see your tofu becoming dry, then brush some oil on them to retain the moisture.
  • Highly recommend adding cornstarch to the tofu, cornstarch helps to absorb excess moisture and makes it extra crispy.
  • Cut the tofu into cubes of the same size, this helps for quick and even cooking.
  • To make a Keto-friendly version, skip the cornstarch and maple syrup in this recipe.
 
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 9gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 332mgPotassium: 214mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 148IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg
Keyword air fryer tofu
Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @indianveggiedelight or #indianveggiedelight

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for healthy & tasty video recipes

« Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sabudana Kheer (Tapioca Pudding) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen says

    July 15, 2022 at 5:55 pm

    5 stars
    This is the perfect marinade! I made this and kept in the fridge in a plastic bag for a few days while flipping before using. I ended up making it for about four meals, air frying just what I needed. I just got more tofu just so I can eat it again this week. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Bhavana Patil says

      August 01, 2022 at 12:44 pm

      Thanks for sharing your feedback Jen.. We love this marinated tofu as well in our house.Happy Cooking

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi There! Welcome to my blog! I’m Bhavana. Here you’ll find easy recipes for your Instant Pot, Kids Lunch Box ideas, Keto/LowCarb, Air-fryer recipes plus more wholesome, easy Vegetarian/Vegan Indian recipes that your family will love. More about me →

Popular Posts

  • Instant Pot Bisibelebath
  • The Best Avocado Pasta
  • Barbeque Nation Style Cajun Potatoes
  • Healthy Kids Lunch Box Recipes
  • Dominos Style Stuffed Cheesy Garlic Bread (Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe)
  • Lauki Ki Sabji (Bottle Gourd Curry)

Don’t miss a new recipe

  • About Me
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright © 2022 Indian Veggie Delight on the Seasoned Pro Theme