Tofu in the Air Fryer
Tofu can be pale and rubbery or crisp and golden, and the difference is mostly water and heat. Pressing out the moisture, tossing the cubes in a little cornflour and cooking them in a hot air fryer gives you crunchy edges and a soft middle with only a tablespoon of oil. It takes around 15 minutes and works in stir fries, salads, noodle bowls and wraps.
- Temperature
- 200°C
- Total time
- 40min
- Prep
- 10min
- Servings
- 3
- Per serving
- 155kcal
Why the air fryer works for tofu
Cooking tofu in an air fryer solves the problem that stops many people liking it: moisture. Tofu is around 80 per cent water, and in a frying pan it spits, sticks and often ends up pale and spongy. The air fryer's circulating dry heat drives water out of the surface, forming a firm crust while the inside stays soft, and it does it with a fraction of the oil you would use in a pan.
You also get consistent results with little effort. Once the cubes are in the basket you only need to shake it a few times. The method is the same whether you want tofu in air fryer form for a stir fry, a salad topping or a snack with a dipping sauce, and the timings below help you adapt it to cubes, slices and nuggets.
How to make tofu in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Press the tofu Drain the block, wrap it in a clean tea towel or kitchen roll and put a heavy pan or chopping board on top. Leave it for so the surface water drains away. This is the step that decides how crisp the tofu gets.
- Cut and marinate Cut the tofu into 2 cm cubes and put them in a bowl. Add the soy sauce and gently toss, then leave for while the air fryer heats up.
- Coat Mix the cornflour with the smoked paprika, garlic granules and salt. Sprinkle it over the tofu and toss carefully until each cube has a thin, even dusting. Drizzle with the oil and toss once more.
- Preheat and cook Heat the air fryer to 200 °C for . Spread the cubes in a single layer in the basket and cook for at 200 °C, shaking the basket every so the sides colour evenly.
- Check and serve The tofu is ready when the outside is deep golden and firm to the touch. If it still feels soft, give it another . Scatter over the spring onions and sesame seeds and serve while hot.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Tofu | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tofu cubes, 2 cmShake every 5 minutes | 200 °C | 15 min |
| Tofu slices, 1 cmTurn halfway | 200 °C | 10–12 min |
| Tofu nuggets, breadedPlant milk and panko (not gluten-free) | 200 °C | 12–14 min |
| Tofu without cornflourChewier finish | 200 °C | 15–18 min |
| Crumbled tofuFor salads and bowls | 190 °C | 10–12 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Buy extra-firm tofu. It holds its shape and needs less pressing. Plain tofu in a block is best, rather than marinated packs, which tend to burn.
- Keep the cubes about 2 cm. Smaller pieces dry out and become hard, while larger ones stay soft in the middle.
- Sauce at the end. Sugary glazes such as sweet chilli or teriyaki burn in the basket. Toss the hot, crisp tofu in the sauce once it is out.
Serving
Spoon the tofu over rice with steamed broccoli and a sticky sauce, or toss it into noodle soup, a wrap or a grain salad. It works as a protein alongside green beans and sesame dressing, and is good with cauliflower in a vegan curry. Crispy tofu air fryer cubes are also good cold in a packed lunch.
Storing and reheating
Leftover tofu keeps for up to 3 days in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat it in the air fryer at 190 °C for 4–5 minutes until steaming hot all the way through (75 °C) and crisp again. Keep any unused raw tofu covered in fresh water in the fridge and change the water daily, using it within 3 days.
Variations
- Sesame and ginger: Add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil to the soy marinade for a stronger Asian flavour.
- Tofu nuggets: Dip the cubes in plant milk, then in panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic granules, spray with oil and cook at 200 °C for 12–14 minutes. These are not gluten-free.
- Katsu-style slices: Coat 1 cm slices in the same crumb, cook for 10–12 minutes and serve with curry sauce and rice.
Troubleshooting
- The tofu is soft and not crispy
- There was too much water in it or the basket was overcrowded. Press it for at least 15 minutes, dry the cubes on kitchen roll and keep them in one layer so air can reach every side.
- The coating comes off in the basket
- Too much cornflour or a very wet tofu. Use just enough to give a thin dusting, shake off the excess and handle the cubes gently when you toss them.
- The tofu tastes bland
- Tofu takes on flavour at the surface only. Use a marinade with soy sauce or miso, or toss the cooked cubes in sauce straight after cooking.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook tofu in an air fryer?
Cubes of 2 cm take about 15 minutes at 200 °C, shaken every 5 minutes. Thin slices of 1 cm take 10–12 minutes, turned halfway.
Do you have to press tofu before air frying?
It is worth it. Pressed tofu for 15 minutes browns much better. If you are in a hurry, pat the cubes very dry, but expect a softer finish.
Can you cook tofu in an air fryer without cornflour?
Yes. Toss pressed cubes in oil and seasoning only and cook for 15–18 minutes. They will be chewier and less crunchy. Nutritional yeast and a little extra oil also help browning.
Can you cook tofu in the air fryer without oil?
You can, but the cubes will be drier and paler. A tablespoon of oil per 400 g is enough for good colour and a crisp surface.
Which tofu is best for an air fryer?
Extra-firm or firm tofu holds its shape. Silken tofu is too soft and falls apart, and is better for sauces and puddings.
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