Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many different ways. One of the most popular methods is cooking tofu in an air fryer. Air frying tofu gives it a crispy outer texture while keeping the inside soft and silky. It takes just a few minutes to cook and requires minimal prep work. Here is a comprehensive guide on how long to cook tofu in an air fryer and tips for getting perfect results every time.
What is Tofu?
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a food made from condensed soy milk. The milk is curdled and then pressed into solid white blocks. Tofu is made up of soy protein and water. It has very little flavor on its own so it easily absorbs the flavors of other ingredients and seasonings.
Tofu comes in soft, medium, firm, and extra firm textures. For air frying, firm or extra firm tofu is best as it holds up well to being tossed and fried. Softer varieties can fall apart easily. When raw, tofu has a jiggly, jelly-like texture. Once cooked, it takes on a meaty, chewy texture.
Benefits of Air Frying Tofu
Air frying is a healthy cooking method that uses hot air circulated at high speed to cook food. It produces a crispy exterior while using little to no oil. Air frying also cooks food very quickly compared to other methods like baking or pan frying.
The benefits of air frying tofu include:
- Crispy crust – The circulating hot air causes the exterior to become perfectly crispy.
- Soft interior – The inside stays tender and moist.
- Quick cooking time – Tofu can be air fried in just 15-30 minutes.
- Minimal oil needed – Only a small amount of oil is used to coat the tofu.
- Versatile – Air fried tofu can be enjoyed on its own or used in many different recipes.
- Healthy – Much less fat and calories compared to deep frying.
How to Prepare Tofu for Air Frying
Preparing the tofu properly before air frying is essential for getting the best results. Here are some tips:
- Press the tofu – Pressing removes excess moisture from the tofu so it air fries up crisper. Slice the block of tofu horizontally into 1/2 inch thick slices. Wrap the slices in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place something heavy like a cast iron pan on top and let sit for 30 minutes. Flip and press the other side for another 30 minutes.
- Cut into cubes – Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Cubes will air fry more evenly than large blocks or slices.
- Marinate if desired – For added flavor, marinate the pressed and cubed tofu for 30 minutes to an hour. Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and chili oil all make great marinades.
- Coat with starch – Dust the tofu lightly in cornstarch, potato starch, or cornmeal. This helps create a crispy crust.
- Coat with oil – Lightly coat all sides of the tofu cubes with just 1-2 teaspoons of oil. Canola, vegetable, avocado, grapeseed, and olive oil all work well.
How Long to Cook Tofu in an Air Fryer
The cooking time for air fried tofu can vary slightly depending on the model of air fryer used. However, when using a standard sized air fryer basket, these general guidelines will ensure perfect results:
| Amount of Tofu | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1/2 block (about 8 oz) | 15-18 minutes |
| 1 block (about 16 oz) | 18-22 minutes |
| 2 blocks (about 32 oz) | 22-28 minutes |
When air frying tofu, set the temperature to 390°F-400°F. Higher heat ensures the exterior gets ultra crispy. Cook for the minimum cooking time listed, gently tossing halfway through. If after the minimum time it is still not as crisp as desired, cook 2-3 minutes longer, checking frequently to avoid burning.
The tofu is done when the cubes are lightly browned and the edges are crispy when squeezed. The center should still look moist and not dried out. Cooked properly, air fried tofu has a satisfying crunch on the outside while staying soft and pillowy inside.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tofu
Follow these tips every time for perfect air fried tofu texture and flavor:
- Cut even sized cubes – Uniform pieces will air fry evenly. Avoid overly thick cubes.
- Don’t overcrowd – Allow space between cubes for air circulation. Work in batches if needed.
- Preheat properly – Fully preheat the air fryer before adding food for fastest cooking.
- Toss halfway – Stir or shake the basket gently midway through cooking.
- Avoid excess moisture – Pat tofu dry before cooking so it crisps better.
- Use light coat of oil – Too much oil results in oily, soggy tofu.
Flavor Ideas
Plain air fried tofu is delicious, but marinades and seasonings can take it to the next level. Here are some recommended flavor ideas:
- BBQ Tofu – Toss in barbecue sauce after air frying.
- Taco Seasoned – Use taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
- Teriyaki Tofu – Marinate in teriyaki sauce before air frying.
- Jamaican Jerk Tofu – Use Jamaican jerk seasoning.
- Lemon Pepper Tofu – Season with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Crispy Buffalo Tofu – Toss in buffalo wing sauce post-fry.
- Thai Chili Tofu – Use Thai red curry paste or chili garlic sauce to marinate.
- Spanish Smoked Paprika – Dust with smoked paprika before air frying.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavoring air fried tofu. Use your favorite sauces, rubs, and seasonings to customize it exactly how you like.
Serving Ideas
Air fryer tofu can be served:
- As a protein on salads
- In rice bowls or noodle bowls
- On kebabs or skewers
- In tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
- Over stir fries and curries
- In sandwiches and wraps
- On top of pizza
- Mixed into scrambles
- As an appetizer with dipping sauce
- Over roasted veggies
- In Buddha bowls
Tofu holds up well after air frying so the cooked cubes can be served right away or enjoy leftovers for several days. Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer or microwave as needed.
Best Air Fryers for Cooking Tofu
Look for an air fryer with the following features to get perfect crispy tofu every time:
- Adjustable Temperature – Temp should reach up to 400°F.
- Large Capacity – At least 5 quarts to fit multiple servings.
- Simple Controls – Easy to use with preset programs.
- Non-stick Basket – Tofu won’t stick for easy tossing.
- Dishwasher Safe – Makes cleanup a breeze.
- Automatic Shut Off – For added safety.
The top rated air fryer models for cooking tofu include:
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Air Fryer
- Holds 5 quarts
- 6 convenient cooking functions
- Advanced Pro Control Panel is easy to use
- Features TenderCrisp Technology to quickly cook and crisp
Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer
- Room for 6 quarts
- One-touch programs for air frying, broiling, roasting, etc
- EvenCrisp Technology prevents cold spots
- Easy cleaning with dishwasher safe parts
GoWISE USA Air Fryer
- Budget-friendly price
- Straightforward manual operation
- 7 quart capacity
- Shake reminder alerts when to toss food
Common Air Fryer Tofu FAQs
Should tofu be pressed before air frying?
Yes, always press tofu before air frying for best results. Pressing removes moisture and allows it to get crispy instead of soggy and steamed.
Does air fried tofu really taste fried?
While it’s not exactly the same as deep fried, air fried tofu gets crispy, golden brown, and delicious. With just a touch of oil and high heat, you can achieve a similar flavor and texture to traditional frying.
Can you air fry tofu from frozen?
It’s best not to air fry tofu directly from frozen. Thaw it first in the refrigerator overnight, then press out moisture and air fry as usual for the crispiest texture.
Should tofu cubes be marinated before air frying?
Marinating is optional but recommended for adding lots of flavor. The light coating of oil helps the marinade adhere. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes.
How long does air fried tofu last in the fridge?
Properly stored, leftovers will last 3-5 days refrigerated. Reheat them in the air fryer to restore the crispy texture.
Conclusion
With just a few simple steps, you can make deliciously crispy air fried tofu at home in your air fryer. All it takes is 15-30 minutes to transform flavorless tofu into a protein-packed snack, side, meal, or topping. Experiment with your favorite seasonings and marinades to customize the taste.
Compared to other cooking methods, air frying is fast, easy, and healthy. The circulating hot air gives a satisfying crunch without needing to submerge the tofu in oil. Air fried tofu is sure to become a go-to for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.