Air Fryer Tofu: Can It Be Done?

Tofu is a healthy, versatile source of protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is to use an air fryer, which gives tofu a crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying. Air-fried tofu is a quick, easy, and healthy option that can be used in a range of dishes, from salads to stir-fries.

To make tofu in an air fryer, start by pressing the tofu to remove excess liquid. This can be done using a tofu press, or by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel and placing a heavy weight on top. Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces.

Next, prepare a marinade or seasoning mix. A simple option is to use soy sauce, maple syrup, and cornstarch, but you can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor. Toss the tofu in the marinade or seasoning until it is evenly coated.

Finally, place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to toss the tofu.

Your crispy, delicious tofu is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to press tofu

Yes, you can make tofu in an air fryer! Here's a guide on how to press tofu, a necessary step to achieving the perfect crispy texture in an air fryer.

Method 1: Using a Tofu Press

Place the block of tofu in the drainage container of your tofu press. Nest it inside the larger container, which will collect the water released by the tofu. Place the press on top and attach the rubber bands to the hooks on the sides. Start on the first or second hook and adjust the bands as needed. Close the hooks to begin pressing the tofu. Leave it for 20-30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge, depending on how much time you have.

Method 2: Using Paper Towels and a Weight

Wrap a block of firm or extra-firm tofu in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel/dishcloth. Place the wrapped tofu on a flat surface or a rimmed baking sheet to capture the excess liquid. Put a weight on top of the tofu—a cast-iron skillet, small cutting board, heavy book, or canned goods work well. Leave the tofu for at least 30 minutes to allow the paper towels to absorb the moisture. Replace the towels if they become fully saturated before 30 minutes have passed.

Tips:

• Pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes will help remove excess moisture, improving the texture and making the tofu less likely to fall apart when cooked.
• You can also slice and freeze the tofu after pressing to make it even firmer and more absorbent for grilling, baking, or stir-frying.
• If you cook tofu often, investing in a tofu press is recommended for convenience and effectiveness.
• Always press tofu when you want it to be firm or crispy, such as in stir-fries, air frying, or baking.
• Do not press tofu when you want it to have a soft texture, such as in purees, vegan desserts, or tofu scrambles.

Marinating tofu

Pressing

Before you marinate your tofu, it's important to press it to remove any excess moisture. This will help your tofu get crispy when cooked in the air fryer. You can buy a tofu press, or simply wrap your tofu in a clean towel and place something heavy on top to press out the moisture. Leave for around 15 minutes.

Marinade Ingredients

There are lots of different ingredients you can use to marinate your tofu. Here are some ideas:

• Soy sauce or tamari
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne or paprika
• Lemon juice
• Sriracha
• Maple syrup
• Hot sauce
• Fresh garlic
• Dried herbs
• Spices and seasonings of your choice

Marinating Time

You can marinate your tofu for as little or as long as you like! The longer you leave it, the more flavour it will absorb. You can leave it for just 15 minutes, or even overnight.

Cooking

Once your tofu is marinated, it's time to cook it! Place the tofu in the air fryer in a single layer, and cook at around 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Your tofu is ready when it's golden and crispy!

The best tofu types for air frying

Air-fried tofu is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is also a healthy alternative to deep-fried tofu as it uses very little oil.

To make tofu in an air fryer, cut a block of extra-firm tofu into cubes, and toss it with seasonings and a small amount of oil. The tofu is then arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked for around 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and browned.

Extra-firm tofu

Extra-firm tofu is the best type of tofu for air frying as it contains less water than softer varieties, which means it will hold its shape better during cooking and produce a crispier texture. It is also less likely to fall apart when tossed with seasonings.

Super-firm or high-protein tofu

If you don't want to press your tofu to remove excess moisture, you can use super-firm or high-protein tofu, which is even denser than extra-firm tofu and will crisp up well without pressing.

Vacuum-packed tofu

Vacuum-packed tofu is the firmest variety available and has already been pressed, so you can simply cut it into cubes, season, and air fry.

Freezing your tofu

Freezing and then thawing your tofu before cooking improves its texture and allows it to soak up more flavour from the marinade.

Silken tofu

Silken tofu is not suitable for air frying as it has a softer texture that will break apart when pressed or tossed with seasonings.

Seasoning and marinade options:

• Soy sauce or tamari
• Avocado oil, sesame oil, or olive oil
• Cornstarch (for a crispy coating)
• Spices and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or ground ginger

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking tofu in an air fryer is 400°F for 10–15 minutes. This will give you crispy tofu with a chewy middle.

Air Fryer Temperature

Set your air fryer to 400°F. This is the ideal temperature for cooking tofu in an air fryer. It will give you crispy tofu without the need for deep-frying or pan-frying.

Air Fryer Time

The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the texture you want to achieve. For crispy tofu, cook for 10–15 minutes at 400°F. Shake the basket after 5 minutes, then continue cooking. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can prevent the tofu from crisping up.

Tips

• If you want extra crispy tofu, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• If you want to cook tofu in an air fryer, make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy texture.
• If you don't have a tofu press, you can wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top for 30 minutes.
• For extra flavour, marinate the tofu before cooking. A simple marinade of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce works well.

Tofu seasonings and coatings

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned and coated in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas for seasonings and coatings to elevate the flavour and texture of tofu cooked in an air fryer:

Seasonings:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Ground black pepper
• Sea salt
• Italian seasoning (dried parsley, oregano, dried basil)
• Taco spice
• Jerk seasoning
• Curry powder
• Mala spice
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika

Coatings:

• Cornstarch - helps to draw out excess liquid and gives the tofu a crispy exterior
• Potato starch
• Arrowroot starch
• Breadcrumbs
• Nutritional yeast - gives a uniquely salty, nutty, umami flavour

Frequently asked questions