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No cornstarch is needed to make this flavorful air fryer tofu! Drying the tofu well before marinading in a next-level seasoning blend is all it takes to get crispy tofu in your air fryer (no cornstarch needed here – just five simple ingredients).
Pair it with my Marry Me Chickpeas or toss them on a Veggie Wrap for a complete meal!
save this recipe!It’s the conundrum every tofu-eater has had at some point…“How do I make my tofu taste better?”
Well wonder no more, friends! I’ve unlocked the secret to the very best tofu…air frying! I’ve been cooking tofu in the air fryer multiple times per week for years, so you can be sure this tofu will turn out perfectly for you!
Not to be dramatic but this air fryer tofu is life-changing
- It’s a bit crispy on the outside but pillowy on the inside
- It doesn’t rely on cornstarch to make it crispy (I’ve got three tricks that help give it that perfect texture!)
Reader rating
“I started an air fryer tofu recipe before realizing I was out of corn starch…so I landed here. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of crisp I got without a starch! Easy and delicious!” —Lola
Here’s what you’ll need
This crispy tofu has two main components: the tofu (of course) and the marinade (big yum). Jump to the recipe card for measurements!
- Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu, which has more water squeezed out of it than the soft or silken varieties. Less water = more crisp!
- Soy sauce: Soy (or tamari for gluten-free) adds a rich and salty flavor that levels up your tofu. Feel free to use a low-sodium soy sauce.
- Oil: We’ll use a blend of sesame and olive oil to add flavor and enhance the crispiness. I wouldn’t recommend cutting out the oil completely, but you could use sprayable oil if you’re looking to reduce fat.
- Garlic: I use this for quick and simple flavor in the marinade. Feel free to go crazy with it and at your own blend of spices or herbs!
Secrets to air fryer tofu
There are actually three secrets to making crispy tofu without cornstarch or bread crumbs.
Secret 1 – Press the tofu: Pressing your tofu before cooking with it removes excess moisture (which would otherwise make for soggy, not-at-all-crispy tofu). I recently got this tofu press and absolutely love it, but you can also press your tofu by setting a heavy pan (like a cast iron) on top of your tofu and letting the moisture drain out.
Secret 2 – Air frying: My cooking obsession and the ultimate way to cook anything that needs to be crispy, air frying! I use this air fryer which has held up well with the many (many) kitchen experiments I’ve thrown in it.
Secret 3 – Freeze your tofu: This is optional but highly recommended. Freezing and then thawing your tofu before cooking with it improves the texture and allows it to soak up even more flavor from the marinade!
Want to skip pressing?
You can skip pressing the tofu altogether by buying vacuum-packed tofu! This is the firmest variety and the pressing has already been done for you. Just cut into tofu cubes, flavor, and fry!
The Very Best Air Fryer Tofu (No Cornstarch!)
Ingredients
- 1 16-oz block extra-firm tofu, 453 g
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 30 mL
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil*, 15 mL
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, 15 mL
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Press: Press 1 16-oz block extra-firm tofu for at least 15 minutes, using either a tofu press or by setting a heavy pan on top of it and letting the moisture drain. When finished, cut tofu into bite-sized blocks and transfer to a bowl.
- Flavor: Combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil*, 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 1 clove garlic (minced) in a small bowl. Drizzle over tofu and toss to coat. Let tofu marinate for an additional 15 minutes.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Add tofu blocks to your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to promote even cooking.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
I used this recipe to make vegetarian “chicken” pot pie for my daughter’s family. Her daughter is vegetarian. She raved about how good the pie was. I ate a few pieces for a taste test and would consider making the pie this way for myself.
The air fryer recipe was awesome! No corn flower or starch needed.
Perfect tofu to top off a stir fry. I’ve made this recipe several times and it’s always a winner. Added a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for zing. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the kind words Wen, happy eating!
This is probably the best tofu recipe that I’ve ever tried! I also appreciate that it’s gluten free (I used gluten free soy sauce) because I have celiac disease. I put it in a butter “chicken” that I made, so good!
Love hearing this, thanks for making my day Lillian!
My experience with tofu is extremely limited. This recipe was very easy to follow and the dish is yummy.
Love hearing that, thanks for trying it Laura!