This air fryer tofu is satisfyingly crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor. The tofu soaks up a savory-sweet gochujang marinade, then crisps in the air fryer in about 10 minutes. Finish with a creamy chili mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for contrast. It’s a reliable meatless centerpiece for bowls, salads, or stir-fries.
If you’ve hesitated to cook tofu because it can turn soggy, this method will change your mind. The key steps are pressing out moisture, marinating with bold flavors, and using a small amount of cornstarch so the exterior crisps quickly in the air fryer. Once you master these steps, you’ll have consistently crisp tofu every time.
A few things before you get started…
- Buy extra-firm tofu for the best texture; it contains less water and holds its shape when cooked.
- Allow about an hour for pressing the tofu so you can draw out excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
Notable Ingredients
Below are the ingredients that have the biggest impact on texture and flavor. They’re worth calling out before you begin.
- Extra-firm tofu – Extra-firm tofu presses down quickly and crisps well in the air fryer. If you use firm tofu, press it longer to remove more moisture.
- Gochujang – This fermented Korean chili paste gives the marinade its distinctive tangy-spicy-sweet character. It’s a central flavor in the dish—don’t skip it.
- Cornstarch – A small amount helps form a light, crunchy exterior. Mix it into the marinade so it hydrates and doesn’t burn in the fryer.
- Fish sauce – Just a teaspoon adds depth and umami. If you avoid fish sauce, you can replace it with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of miso for savory balance.
How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
Below is a clear, step-by-step method. Scroll to the ingredient list for exact quantities if you need them.
- Press the tofu: Drain the package, wrap the block in a clean tea towel or paper towels, and place a weighted pan or heavy object on top. Let it press for about 1 hour to remove excess liquid. This step is crucial for crisp results.
- Mix the marinade: Whisk gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch together until smooth. The cornstarch should be dispersed in the liquid so it coats the tofu and crisps during cooking.
- Cube and marinate: After pressing, cut the tofu into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the cubes gently in the marinade and let them sit at least 30 minutes. Longer marinating time yields deeper flavor.
- Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil or spray the basket. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer with space between pieces. Spoon a little extra marinade on top of each cube, drizzle with a bit of avocado oil, and air fry for 10 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through so all sides brown evenly.
- Make the dipping sauce: While the tofu cooks, whisk together the sauce—mayonnaise, a touch of soy sauce, and garlic chili sauce—for a creamy, spicy companion.
- Rest and serve: Remove browned tofu from the air fryer and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. Serve with the mayo-chili sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and diced green onions.
Top Tips for Air Fryer Tofu
Use extra-firm tofu when possible. If you must use firm tofu, press it thoroughly to remove water.
Adjust spice by adding more gochujang or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
Air fryers vary—test a few cubes first to confirm ideal time and temperature for your model.
Storage
Allow the tofu to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the exterior.
More of our favorite meatless recipes:
Meatless Recipes
- The Best Tofu Tacos
- Rainbow Peanut Noodles
- Sheet Pan Meal Prep Tofu
- Creamy Vegan Asparagus Pasta
- Mexican Sweet Potato Quinoa Casserole
Air Fryer Tofu
This air fryer tofu is crispy outside, tender inside, and tossed in a savory gochujang sauce. It’s quick to cook and makes a great vegetarian main or meal prep protein.
By: Linley Hanson
Prep: 20 mins Cook: 10 mins Total: 30 mins Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 14 oz block extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, plus more for the air fryer
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic chili sauce
Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Diced green onion
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and wrap it in a towel. Place a heavy pan or weight on top and press for about 1 hour to remove moisture.
- Whisk together the gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the cubes in the marinade and let sit at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly oil the basket. Arrange tofu in a single layer, spoon a bit of marinade on each piece, drizzle with avocado oil, and air fry for 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
- Mix the mayonnaise, soy sauce, and garlic chili sauce for the dipping sauce.
- When tofu is browned, remove and let rest a few minutes. Serve with the mayo sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips & Notes
- Extra-firm tofu gives the best texture, but firm tofu works if pressed thoroughly.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the gochujang.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories: 261 kcal; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Protein: 12 g; Fat: 17 g; Sugar: 15 g. Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline.
FAQ for Air Fryer Tofu
Can you fry tofu in the air fryer?
Yes. Press the tofu and cut it into cubes before air frying to ensure it crisps up.
Why use avocado oil instead of olive oil?
Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and helps the tofu crisp more effectively in the air fryer.
Do you have to press tofu before air frying?
Pressing removes moisture that prevents crisping. For the best texture, press the tofu before cooking.
How long does tofu need in the air fryer?
About 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping once halfway through. Adjust time based on your air fryer model.
How do you keep tofu from sticking to the air fryer?
Lightly oil the basket and allow the tofu to come closer to room temperature before cooking. Tossing or turning halfway through helps prevent sticking.
Photography: Photos used in this post were provided by the original photographer credited in the source.