Crispy Oil-Free Air Fryer Tofu

5 from 2 votes

Easy crispy oil-free air fryer tofu is a versatile 4-ingredient vegan recipe that takes less than 30 minutes with no marinating and minimal prep.

Prep Time15

Cook Time12

Total Time27

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 106kcal

Wrap the tofu block in a paper towel and press it between 2 flat surfaces, weighing down the top. Press for 10-15 minutes if needed. Or use a commercial tofu press.
Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or smaller. In a shallow dish, combine the lemon juice and soy sauce, add the tofu cubes and toss to cover.
Preheat the air fryer to 375 F (190 C). When the air fryer is heated, toss 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the top of the tofu cubes. Gently toss the cubes until there is no visible cornstarch.
Add the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the time for 10 minutes, shaking the cubes after 5. Air fry for another 1-2 minutes if needed. The tofu should be crispy brown on the outside and tender-firm on the inside.
Once the tofu is done, remove it from the heat to stop the cooking process. This keeps it from getting too hard.

Prep time includes 15 minutes to press the tofu and preheat the air fryer, plus 12 minutes of cooking time. For frozen tofu, thaw it, press and cube it, and prepare it as directed.
If the tofu sticks to the bottom of the air fryer when you try to flip it, allow it to continue frying for another 1-2 minutes. Gently nudge the tofu pieces to loosen them from the bottom, then flip.
Try this method with your favorite marinade. If necessary, shake off the excess marinade, then toss the cornstarch after preheating the air fryer.
Store crispy tofu in an airtight container for 5 days in the refrigerator. If you freeze plain tofu cubes (without sauce), keep them in a single layer, separating them with parchment paper. Freeze for 3 months.
Reheat tofu in the air fryer at 375 F. Keep an eye on it, tossing it a few times. It will take about 3 minutes or longer if the cubes are frozen. To reheat in the oven, wrap in foil or cover with parchment paper. Bake at 425 F, tossing the cubes until they are heated through. Uncover them for the last 3-4 minutes to crisp the outside.