Air Fryer Tofu – EXTRA CRISPY! (VIDEO)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu are tossed in a flavorful dry seasoning that will make this your new favorite way to eat tofu! Best part is that all you have to do is cube the tofu, season, and put them in the air fryer – the easiest 30 minute meal!
Watch the Air Fryer Tofu Recipe Video!
A Note from CJ
This is the best Air Fryer Tofu recipe!
I tested this recipe several times to figure out how to get the tofu super crispy on the outside, while tender on the inside, without a heavy or thick batter. The trick is using a mix of cornstarch and baking powder, with generous sprays of neutral oil! The tofu is seasoned so it tastes delicious as is but can also be tossed in your favorite sauce!
If you love air fryer recipes, try Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly, or Air Fryer Chicken Skewers!
Ingredient Tips
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements!
- firm or extra firm tofu – use firm or extra firm tofu – it has the least amount of water and is dense, similar to the consistency of meat. It will hold up best when dredging and air-frying.
- cornstarch and baking powder – this combination makes the tofu super crispy but not heavy – the cornstarch helps dry out the tofu (so it can get crispy in the air fryer) and the baking powder helps the tofu develop a light, airy crunchy texture because of it’s leavening properties.
- Neutral oil spray – neutral oil spray is a key ingredient, as the tofu needs a source of fat to crisp up in the air fryer. I used avocado oil spray.
How to Make Crispy Tofu in the Air Fryer!
Remove Excess Water from Tofu – Take a block of tofu out of the package, drain and pat dry with a paper towel then press it for 15 minutes with a heavy bowl and paper towel to dry it further. While the tofu is pressing, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper in a small bowl.
Cube, Season, Dredge, and Air Fry the Tofu – Cube the tofu then season with half of the dry seasonings and the soy sauce. Mix together to combine and let sit while you mix together the cornstarch and baking powder in a large bowl. Add the seasoned tofu and coat evenly in the dry mixture. Spray the tofu with neutral oil and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, give the tofu a shake and spray then air fry again at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Sprinkle the crispy tofu cubes with the remaining dry seasoning to taste or toss in your favorite sauce and enjoy!
PRO TIPS
CJ’s Recipe & Storage Tips
Moisture is your enemy when creating crispy food in the air fryer. Do not skip pressing the tofu block for 15 minutes to remove as much water as possible – this makes a huge difference!
When coating the tofu cubes in cornstarch/baking powder, make sure to thoroughly coat each piece so there are no bald spots but shake off any excess – otherwise it will create a thick, pasty coating.
Store any leftover Air Fryer Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Refrigerating will change the crispy texture of the Air Fryer Tofu, but you can pop them back in the airfryer along with a light spray of neutral oil spray to re-crisp them. Reheat the tofu at 375°F for 6-8 minutes in the air fryer until warmed through!
If you tried this Air Fryer Tofu Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Air Fryer Tofu – EXTRA CRISPY! (Video)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm tofu, or extra firm tofu; do NOT use soft tofu
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Neutral oil spray, I prefer avocado oil
Instructions
- Take a block of tofu out of the package, drain and pat dry with a paper towel. Take a couple 3 layers of dry paper towel and place the tofu block on them, followed by another 3 layers of paper towel on top and a heavy plate or bowl. Place weight on the plate or bowl and let press for 15 minutes to remove excess water.
- While the tofu is pressing, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper in a small bowl.
- Slice the tofu into 1” cubes and place in a bowl. Add half of the dry seasonings from step 2 to the tofu along with the soy sauce. Mix together to combine and let sit while you prepare the dry batter.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch and baking powder. Add the seasoned tofu and coat evenly in the dry mixture.
- Place the tofu in the air fryer basket and spray with neutral oil spray. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the batter has set. Give the tofu a shake, spray with another spray of neutral oil, and then air fry again at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Immediately sprinkle the crispy tofu cubes with the remaining dry seasoning to taste or toss in your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Air Fryer Tofu recipe was originally published in October 2024, and updated in January 2026.
Everyone in my family gave it 5 stars – including my kids!
Love to hear it, Brittany! Thanks so much for the great review 🙂
Finally, a recipe that lives up to its name “CRISPY”!!! This is the first recipe I’ve found that combines baking powder with corn starch. Baking powder is the magic ingredient! This coated tofu doesn’t stick to the fryer basket, aided with multiple shakings and oil spraying. Thanks,CJ!!!
Yes it totally is! Thank you Lynda for trying the recipe and your kind words!