Air fryer tofu has been a game-changer for me. I used to sauté tofu in a skillet before and have also tried to bake it in the oven but when I first tried to air fry tofu a few years ago, it was a revelation for me. The end result of air fryer tofu is tofu that is crispy and slightly chewy on the outside and soft on the inside.
As part of vegetarian/vegan meal prep, I air fry tofu every week. There are so many uses of air fryer tofu: use it in bowls, salads, wraps, and stir-fries. My son just likes to eat them as is as they freshly come out of the air fryer, so I always make sure I make plenty!
For this recipe of Air fryer tofu, we are serving it with a yummy spicy peanut dipping sauce. It is the dipping sauce I used for the Tofu Lettuce Wraps. This marinated air fryer tofu makes a great appetizer when served with peanut dipping sauce.
The air fryer method of cooking tofu is so easy and hands-off with amazing results that you will never go back to baking, frying, or sautéing tofu again.
So without any delay, let me show you how it’s done!
What is the difference between Air frying and Baking?
Baking and air frying are two popular cooking methods that are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two:
- Cooking process: Baking is a dry heat cooking method that involves placing food in an oven or on a baking sheet and cooking it with hot air. Air frying, on the other hand, is a method that circulates hot air around the food using a fan.
- Time and temperature: Baking generally takes longer than air frying, as it requires a lower temperature and longer cooking time to cook food all the way through. Air frying, on the other hand, can cook food quickly due to the high temperature and air circulation.
- Texture and taste: Baked food tends to have a softer, more moist texture than air fryer food, which can be crispier and drier. Air fryer food also tends to have a slightly different taste due to the lack of oil or fat used in the cooking process.
- Health benefits: Air frying is often considered to be a healthier cooking method than baking because it requires less oil or fat to achieve a crispy texture.
Ingredients used to make Air fryer Tofu
For the Tofu and marinade
- 14 oz of extra firm or firm tofu packed in water
- 3 tablespoons Light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
For the Spicy Peanut dipping sauce:
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or any other Asian-style hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon finely grated garlic (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
- Hot water, as needed
How to Make Air Fryer Tofu?
Here is how you make air fryer tofu in 5 steps:
- Drain the tofu and press it down for at least an hour to remove the extra water. Cut the block of tofu into 1-inch square pieces.
- In a shallow bowl combine all the other marinade ingredients and mix. Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and move around to coat completely. Marinate for an hour and place it in the refrigerator if you are doing it for longer.
- Add the tofu pieces to the Air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your basket, you may have to do it in 2 batches. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, turning the tofu pieces midway through the process.
- Remove from the air fryer and place it on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with spicy peanut sauce.
- To make the sauce, mix all the ingredients. Add hot water as needed to thin out the sauce. The sauce should be of pouring consistency.
Recipe tips- Air fryer Tofu
- I use a tofu press to press tofu in 1 hour. If you are weighing it down with heavy kitchen objects, you may need to press it for 2-3 hours to press the tofu properly. If you use tofu on a regular basis, I would suggest investing in a good tofu press. Here is my recommendation.
- Marinate the tofu for at least an hour. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator if marinating for longer.
- Air fryer tofu can be served with the dipping sauce hot, warm, or at room temperature.
FAQs- Air fryer tofu
Substitute Soy sauce for Tamari to make this recipe gluten-free. Note that tamari is less salty than Soy sauce so you will have to add some additional salt to the recipe.
If you are not vegan, yes you can use honey in place of maple syrup. Honey is not a vegan-friendly food.
Yes, you can. But please note that there will be a textural difference between baked tofu vs. air fryer tofu. Bake it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping it halfway through the baking process.
Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, turning the tofu pieces midway through the process.
Some other uses of Air Fryer Tofu
You can air fry the tofu per the method in this recipe and use it for these other recipes:
Recipe Card – Air fryer Tofu
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Discover the ultimate way to cook tofu with this easy Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe, paired with a mouthwatering Spicy Peanut Sauce! With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, achieve perfectly crispy tofu every time.
6
servings2
hours10
minutes12
minutesIngredients
- Ingredients for Air fried Tofu
14 package package of extra firm or firm Tofu
3 tablespoons Light soy sauce
1 tablespoon Cooking Oil
1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
1 tablespoon Chili garlic sauce
- Ingredients for Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup Peanut butter
2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chili garlic sauce or any Asian-style hot sauce
1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
1 teaspoon finely grated garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
hot water, as needed
- Garnish
Chopped green onion (optional)
sesame seeds (optional)
Method
- Drain the tofu and press it down for at least an hour to remove the extra water. Cut the block of tofu in 1-inch square pieces.
- In a shallow bowl combine all the other marinade ingredients and mix. Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and move around to coat completely. Marinate for an hour and place it in the refrigerator if you are doing it for longer.
- Add the tofu pieces to the Air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your basket, you may have to do it in 2 batches. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, turning the tofu pieces midway through the process.
- Remove from the air fryer and place it on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with spicy peanut sauce.
- To make the sauce, mix all the ingredients. Add hot water as needed to thin out the sauce. The sauce should be of pouring consistency.
Recipe Video
Tips
- Note that the Prep time on the recipe card includes the time to press and marinate the tofu.
- I use a tofu press to press tofu in 1 hour. If you are weighing it down with heavy kitchen objects, you may need to press it for 2-3 hours to press the tofu properly. If you use tofu regularly, I would suggest investing in a good tofu press. Here is my recommendation.
- Marinate the tofu for at least an hour. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator if marinating for longer.
