This Air Fryer Tofu is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and made without cornstarch. With just a small amount of oil and the right technique, you can get a golden, lightly crisp texture in minutes with no coating needed.
Most recipes rely on cornstarch for crunch, but it isn't necessary all the time!
When done right, the air fryer can create a crisp exterior using simple ingredients and proper preparation.
This recipe shows you exactly how to prep, season, and air fry tofu for the best texture every time, along with tips to avoid soggy or unevenly cooked pieces.
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Ingredients
These ingredients work together to create a crisp exterior without using cornstarch.
Extra-Firm Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu, as it contains less moisture and holds its shape better. Press for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water.
Soy Sauce: Adds salt and moisture, helping the seasonings coat the tofu evenly.
Nutritional Yeast: Replaces cornstarch by creating a light coating that helps the tofu crisp in the air fryer.
Spray Oil: A light coating of oil helps the exterior crisp and prevents sticking.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make This Recipe
Follow these steps to prepare and cook the tofu for the right texture in the air fryer!
Step 1: Toss with soy sauce and let it absorb for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add nutritional yeast and seasonings. Toss to coat evenly. Lightly spray with oil and toss again to help the coating stick.
Step 3: Transfer the tofu to the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Air fry at 400°F for 13 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking.
Note: Air fryers vary. Check the tofu halfway through and again during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.
Substitutions & Variations
Tofu: Tempeh can be used instead. Cut into cubes and follow the same process.
Seasonings: Use any spice blend depending on how you plan to serve it.
Nutritional Yeast: Helps create a light coating that promotes crisping. It can be omitted, but the texture will be less crisp.
No Air Fryer? Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is firm and lightly crisp. For a crispier, more coated texture, you can try my crispy baked tofu recipe using cornstarch.
Serving Ideas
Use this air fryer tofu in a variety of dishes:
- Grain bowls: Add to rice or quinoa with greens, roasted vegetables, and a sauce like this Tahini Lemon Dressing.
- Stir-fries: Toss into a vegetable stir-fry and coat with a sauce like this Vegan Orange Teriyaki Sauce or my 5-minute Vegan Stir Fry Sauce and serve with rice or noodles.
- Salads: Add to mixed greens with chopped vegetables and a vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
Tips & Tricks
Press the tofu using a tofu press to remove excess moisture. If you don't have one, you can press it using a clean towel and something heavy.
Arrange in a single layer. Spread the tofu in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
If the tofu isn't crisping, increase the cook time slightly. If it's browning too quickly, lower the temperature.
For a breakdown of different methods, see this guide to making tofu crispy.
Storage
Store: Let cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Enjoy cold or reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
Freeze: The texture of tofu changes when frozen. I don't recommend freezing this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Excess moisture or overcrowding can prevent crisping. Make sure to press the tofu well and cook it in a single layer.
Yes. The air fryer's circulating heat and a light coating of nutritional yeast help create a crisp exterior without cornstarch.
A small amount helps the tofu brown and crisp more evenly, but it can be reduced if needed.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:
Don't forget to leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating down below if you try this recipe! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Instagram for more recipes and updates.
Recipe
Air Fryer Tofu without Cornstarch
Ingredients
- 1 block Extra-Firm Tofu drained and pressed
- 1 tablespoon Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Spray Avocado Oil or other neutral oil
Instructions
- Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or wrap the block in a clean towel and place something heavy on top to drain.
- Cube the tofu and add it to a shallow bowl.
- Toss the tofu cubes into the low-sodium soy sauce and let it absorb for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the nutritional yeast and seasonings, then toss to coat evenly. Lightly spray with oil and toss again until the coating sticks to the tofu.
- Transfer the tofu to the air fryer basket and air fry at 400F for 13-15 minutes or until crispy, shake the basket often to ensure even cooking. No need to preheat the air fryer.
Notes
Disclosure: This page contains some affiliate links. Please know that I may receive a percentage or commission from a link included on this page, at no extra cost to you. I will only ever recommend a product that I have used and believe has substantial value to my readers.
Liza J says
I made this today, and using the nutritional yeast instead of the cornstarch was a game changer, that’s how I will be making my tofu from now on when I want to make it like this. Soooo good, thank you!
Liv says
So happy you enjoyed! 🙂
Jennifer says
I made this last week twice and it was really good. I will use this way of making crispy tofu from now on. Delish.
Liv says
Yay! Glad you are enjoying 🙂