Go Back
–+ servings
close up of tofu cubes on a paper towel.
Print Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time38 minutes
Servings: 3
Calories: 171kcal
Author: Nisha Vora

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 to 14-ounce / 340 to 400g) block of extra firm tofu, drained
  • 2 cups (480 mL) boiling water
  • Diamond Crystal kosher salt (see Note 4)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 ½ tablespoons (21g) extra virgin olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) arrowroot powder (or potato starch or cornstarch)
  • Spray oil or cooking spray

Instructions

  • Slice the tofu into ¾” (2 cm) cubes. Add to a large bowl.
  • Soak the tofu: In a heatproof glass or jar, combine the boiling water and 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (see Note 4).
    Stir to dissolve the salt, then pour the hot saltwater over the tofu. Soak for 10 minutes.
  • Drain the tofu in a colander and gently shake it to release excess water. Spread out the tofu on a clean dish towel and gently pat dry.
  • Turn your air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC) and preheat it for 6 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, dry the bowl and return the tofu to it.
    Drizzle the tofu with the 1 ½ tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and several cracks of pepper. Use a silicone spatula to gently coat the tofu all over. Now add 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder and gently toss until tofu is well coated.
  • When the air fryer is done preheating, spray the basket with some spray oil or cooking spray. Add about half of the tofu and spread it out with minimal to no touching (or as much tofu will fit; larger air fryers may be able to fit all the tofu).
    Air fry for 6 minutes, then open and shake the basket a few times to toss the tofu.
    Air fry for another 6 minutes, then open and shake the basket a few times to toss the tofu. If the tofu is done to your liking, you can call it a day.
    Otherwise, air fry for a final 4 to 6 minutes (smaller pieces need less time).
  • Remove the tofu and sprinkle with a pinch of salt as needed.
  • Repeat the air frying process with the remaining tofu (no need to preheat the air fryer again).

Notes

  1. The cook time is listed for cooking one batch of tofu. If your air fryer model is small like mine, you will need to cook the tofu in two batches. 
  2. In testing, I found traditional air fryer models work much better than “smart oven" air fryer hybrid models: the latter required more flipping and came out dry and rubbery, not crispy and moist on the inside. If the only air fryer you have is one of these smart oven hybrid models, I would recommend just making my simple baked tofu instead, which is very hands-off.
  3. This is designed to be very simply seasoned tofu you can use with virtually any recipe; if you want to add spices, check out the Customize section in the blog post.
  4. I specify Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt because it is, teaspoon for teaspoon, about half as salty as table salt. If using table salt, use ½ tablespoon salt in step 2 and ¼ teaspoon salt in step 5. If using sea salt, use a heaping ½ tablespoon salt in step and a heaping ¼ teaspoon salt in step 5.