Air Fryer Tofu

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/4/21
salad with air fryer tofu cubes
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Prep: 8 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Press and Marinate: 60 mins
Total: 80 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Yield: 32 to 40 pieces
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
125 Calories
9g Fat
4g Carbs
9g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 125
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 509mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 221mg 17%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 158mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This air fryer tofu is a fast and easy protein that you can enjoy any day of the week, and you can make it with very little cooking oil. If you want perfectly cooked tofu in under 15 minutes without the mess of deep-frying, the air fryer is an excellent choice. This recipe includes a marinade, but feel free to season the tofu cubes as you like. You can skip the marinade and toss tofu cubes with a few teaspoons of sesame or vegetable oil and some soy sauce or toss them with dry seasonings.

For the driest and crispiest cooked tofu, make sure to press out as much moisture as possible. If you're using weights, press the tofu for at least 20 to 30 minutes. If you have a tofu press, 10 to 15 minutes should be sufficient.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces extra-firm tofu

  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil (or another neutral flavor oil)

  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

  • 1 tablespoon sliced green onions, optional, garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    ingredients for air fryer tofu
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  2. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Alternatively, place the tofu on paper towels and cover with paper towels. Place a heavy skillet, a large book, or a cutting board on top of the tofu and place a few heavy cans on top to weigh everything down. This will help press excess moisture out of the tofu. Let the tofu stand for about 30 minutes.

    pressing tofu
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  3. While the tofu stands, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, canola oil, ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic in a small bowl.

    marinade for tofu in a bowl with whisk
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  4. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and place it in a shallow baking dish or similar nonreactive container.

    cubed extra firm pressed tofu in a dish
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  5. Pour the marinade mixture over the tofu. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    tofu cubes marinating in dish
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  6. Preheat the air fryer to 390 F. Arrange the marinated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until crisp.

    tofu cubes in the air fryer

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray
  7. Air fryer tofu in a small serving dish

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Serve the tofu cubes hot or cold.

How To Store

  • Refrigerate leftover fried tofu cubes in a shallow airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat leftover tofu in the oven, a skillet, or in the air fryer. It can be reheated in the microwave but it won't be as crispy.

How To Use Air Fryer Tofu

Recipe Variations

Can Firm Tofu Be Substituted for Extra Firm?

Extra-firm tofu contains less water than firm tofu, making it an excellent choice for frying, baking, and grilling. Firm tofu may be used in place of extra-firm, but make sure it is as dry as possible before using.

Is Tofu Keto-Friendly?

Yes, tofu is keto-friendly. Tofu is an excellent source of protein, and 1 cup of firm tofu contains only 1 gram of net carbs. It's also a great source of calcium and iron.