This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is golden, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. Torn tofu chunks are tossed in oil seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, coated lightly in cornstarch and nutritional yeast, and air-fried until irresistibly crisp on the outside and tender inside. Easy, high-protein, and seriously addictive.
My dad likes this tofu
You need to understand what a big deal that is. My dad hates chickpeas and quinoa and couscous and refers to much of what I make as "vegetarian nose-pick." But when I made this tofu, which, to be honest, wasn't really for sharing, he loaded his plate with it.
He said, "This tofu is good!" multiple times, with a look of shock and awe on his face. I tested the heck out of this recipe, and I'm really proud of it, so let me tell you what makes it so good.
First, we are tearing the tofu into chunks by hand. This means there will be all kinds of nooks and crannies and rough edges, which makes for incredible texture.
Second, we are layering all kinds of flavor into it. It's tossed with olive oil seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, and soy sauce. And then we're finishing it with a mixture of cornstarch (for crispiness) and nutritional yeast (for umami flavor).
Lastly, we are air frying it to golden, crispy perfection so that the tofu will be crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. It's so, so good. Theoretically, you could toss it into a salad or something, but I mostly end up eating it straight from the air fryer because I cannot wait.
Looking for more nutritionist-designed tofu recipes? Healthy and tasty tofu recipes are kind of a big deal here on HNL, so I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you to also try my crispy baked tofu recipe or my Internet-famous tofu scramble, among others.
Let's make air fryer tofu together!
Alright, friend! If you prefer to skip right to the recipe, use the jump-to-recipe button to go there. Otherwise, let's take a visual walk-through together.
Step 1: prepare your tofu
I start by slicing my tofu block into thick slabs, and then drying the slabs with paper towel.
Then, use your hands to tear the tofu slabs into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: prepare the oil
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, and spices.
Step 3: season the tofu
Add the tofu chunks to the bowl with the oil and toss to combine well.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and nutritional yeast, and then toss this mixture with the tofu. I like to add half, toss, then add the other half and toss again.
Step 4: air fry your tofu
Add the coated tofu pieces to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking and/or turning the tofu halfway through. How long this takes will depend a bit on your air fryer.
Step 5: enjoy!
Enjoy your crispy, delicious, seasoned air fryer tofu!
Crispy Seasoned Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 14- ounce package firm or extra firm tofu
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ Tablespoons light soy sauce I use Braggs
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Slice the block of tofu in half lengthwise so you have two slabs that are each about an inch thick. Place the halves on a paper towel, top with another paper towel, and press down to get some of the moisture out. Let the tofu slices sit between the paper towels as you prepare the other ingredients.14- ounce package firm or extra firm tofu
- In a large bowl, whisk together the spices, soy sauce, and olive oil.½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 ½ Tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Using your hands, tear the slabs of tofu into bite-sized pieces. We want craggy edges for maximum crunch!
- Add the tofu pieces into the bowl with the sauce mix, and use a spatula to carefully stir the pieces so they are fully coated in the sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and nutritional yeast.2 Tablespoons cornstarch, 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Sprinkle half the cornstarch mixture over the tofu chunks, and carefully stir with a spatula to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cornstarch mixture over top of the tofu, and stir to combine.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. I just let it run for a minute or two.
- Add the coated tofu pieces to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking and/or turning the tofu halfway through. How long this takes will depend a bit on your air fryer.
- Enjoy your crispy, delicious, seasoned air fryer tofu!
Notes
- Nutritional values are an estimate only
Heather Morrison says
I'm about to make this tofu recipe agin, for the 3rd or 4th time. It's delicious! Flavour and texture are perfect. I'm not tempted to make any changes at all, which is unusual for me!
Katie Trant says
I made it yesterday as well! Such a delicious tofu recipe.
Esther says
Delicious we enjoyed every bite!
Katie Trant says
Yay! It's my favorite tofu recipe!
Janet says
Oh my goodness - I just made this recipe and it is seriously SO good!! I did not think it was possible for tofu to taste that good! I think this would even convert a meat eater. I just gave some to hubby and he did not have a clue what it was and was surprised when I told him it was tofu. He absolutely loved it! I see what you mean, Katie, when you say it is addictive. I think I could just sit down and eat the whole lot. It is just packed with flavour and so nice and crunchy. This is going to be one of my favourite ways to cook tofu from now on. Thanks again for yet another gorgeous recipe to add to my collection. I would give this recipe more than five stars if it was possible ...... yum!
Katie Trant says
Hey Janet! I know this is truly the best tofu recipe there is, in my opinion. Even my dad likes it, and that says a lot! So glad you enjoyed it as much as we do. Thank you so much for the comment.