Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many delicious ways. Using an air fryer to prepare tofu offers a quick and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. I will share nine of the best tofu air fryer recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

These recipes highlight how easy it is to make crispy, flavorful tofu at home. Whether you are a tofu lover or looking to try something new, these dishes will add excitement to your meals. Each recipe is designed to showcase the unique qualities of tofu while making the most of your air fryer.

Table of Contents

1. Sesame Tofu Sticks

a white plate holds several cooked tofu sticks, browned and sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions. the tofu sticks are arranged loosely, and the sesame seeds and green onions add a pop of color and texture. the plate sits on a light surface, and the tofu appears to be crispy and flavorful

Sesame tofu sticks are a tasty, healthy snack or appetizer made from firm tofu seasoned with sesame flavors. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a satisfying texture.

Making sesame tofu sticks is easy and quick. I can prepare them in just a few simple steps. First, I start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. This helps achieve a better texture when cooked.

Next, I cut the tofu into stick shapes. Then, I mix sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds in a bowl. I toss the tofu sticks in this mixture, making sure they are well-coated.

For cooking, I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C). I place the tofu sticks in the basket in a single layer. I cook them for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Once done, I enjoy these flavorful sesame tofu sticks as a snack or as part of a meal. They are not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them a healthy choice.

2. Spicy Sriracha Tofu Bites

a white plate holds several cooked tofu cubes, browned and drizzled with a red sauce and sesame seeds, resting on a bed of greens and vegetables. a black plate with more tofu cubes and a white bowl with sauce are visible in the background. the tofu appears to be crispy and flavorful

Spicy Sriracha Tofu Bites are a tasty and simple dish. Tofu is a plant-based protein made from soybeans. It is known for its ability to absorb flavors.

I find this recipe easy to make, even for beginners. The steps are straightforward, and it doesn’t take long to prepare. Here’s how I make them:

Start by pressing 1 block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into bite-sized cubes.
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of Sriracha, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. This will be your marinade.
Toss the tofu cubes in the marinade and let them soak for at least 15 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the marinated tofu in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Once done, the tofu should be crispy.

These bites are great as a snack or a topping for salads and bowls. Enjoy!

3. Garlic Herb Tofu Nuggets

a white plate holds several cooked tofu cubes, browned and seasoned with herbs. the tofu cubes are arranged loosely, and the herbs add a pop of color and flavor. the plate sits on a light surface, and the tofu appears to be crispy and flavorful. the image is shot from above

Garlic Herb Tofu Nuggets are a tasty and easy-to-make snack. Tofu is a versatile ingredient that absorbs flavors well. These nuggets are a great source of protein and can be a satisfying addition to any meal.

To make these nuggets, I start with firm tofu. I press it to remove excess moisture, which helps it crisp up better in the air fryer.

Here’s how I prepare the nuggets:

Cut the Tofu: I slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Marinate: In a bowl, I mix together olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs like thyme and oregano, salt, and pepper. I coat the tofu pieces in this mixture and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.

Air Fry: I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, I place the marinated tofu nuggets in the basket in a single layer.
Cook: I cook them for about 15-20 minutes. I shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

These Garlic Herb Tofu Nuggets are deliciously crispy and perfect for dipping or as a side dish.

4. Maple Teriyaki Tofu

two white plates hold cooked tofu cubes, glazed with a red sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions. the tofu cubes are arranged in a stack on one plate, and loosely on the other. a wooden bowl and chopsticks are visible in the background. the tofu appears to be crispy and flavorful

Maple Teriyaki Tofu is a delicious dish that combines the sweet flavor of maple syrup with savory teriyaki sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a tasty and healthy option that is easy to prepare.

I find this dish simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time. The main components are tofu, maple syrup, teriyaki sauce, and some spices.

Here are the steps to prepare Maple Teriyaki Tofu:

Prepare the Tofu: Press 14 ounces of firm tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes.
Marinate the Tofu: In a bowl, combine ¼ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup teriyaki sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder. Add the tofu cubes and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Tofu: Place the marinated tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve: Once the tofu is golden and crispy, serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

This dish highlights the wonderful flavors of maple and teriyaki while providing a satisfying texture.

5. Lemon Pepper Tofu Cubes

a white plate holds several cooked tofu cubes, browned and seasoned with herbs and spices. the tofu cubes are arranged loosely, and some have a glossy sheen from oil. another plate with tofu cubes is partially visible in the background. the tofu appears to be crispy and flavorful. the image is shot from a low angle

Lemon Pepper Tofu Cubes are a tasty and simple dish to prepare. Tofu is a versatile ingredient made from soybean curds. It is a good source of protein and can absorb flavors well.

I find this recipe easy to make. It requires just a few ingredients: firm tofu, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and a small amount of olive oil.

Here’s how I prepare Lemon Pepper Tofu Cubes:

Press the Tofu: Start by pressing a 14-ounce block of firm tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, I cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Marinate: In a bowl, I mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning. I toss the tofu cubes in this mixture and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Air Fry: I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, I arrange the marinated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. I cook them for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

These Lemon Pepper Tofu Cubes are delicious and can be served over rice, in salads, or as a snack.

6. Crispy BBQ Tofu Wings

a blue plate holds several cooked tofu sticks, browned and drizzled with a red sauce. the tofu sticks are arranged loosely, and the sauce adds a glossy sheen. a small bowl of sauce is visible in the top left corner. the plate sits on a wooden surface with a burlap cloth

Crispy BBQ tofu wings are a tasty, plant-based alternative to traditional chicken wings. They offer a savory flavor combined with a satisfying crunch.

I find these wings easy to make. First, I press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve that crispy texture I want.

Here are the steps I follow:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Cut the pressed tofu into wing-sized pieces.
In a bowl, mix my favorite BBQ sauce with some olive oil.
Toss the tofu pieces in the BBQ mixture until well coated.

Place the tofu wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

These wings are perfect for snack time or as part of a meal. I like to serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

7. Coconut Curry Tofu

a white bowl holds a vibrant orange curry with tofu cubes, broccoli florets, and sliced bell peppers. the tofu cubes are arranged in the center, and the vegetables are scattered around them. the curry has a glossy sheen, and the bowl sits on a light surface. the image is shot from above

Coconut curry tofu is a flavorful dish that combines tofu with a rich coconut curry sauce. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy a tasty vegetarian meal.

Making coconut curry tofu is quite easy. First, I press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps it absorb more flavors and improves the texture during cooking.

Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

Ingredients: I gather firm tofu, coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
Preparation: I cut the tofu into cubes and set it aside.
Cooking: In an air fryer, I cook the tofu at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until it’s golden and crispy.

Sauce: Meanwhile, I mix coconut milk and curry paste in a pan, heating it over medium heat.
Combine: Once the tofu is ready, I add it to the curry sauce, stirring well.
Serve: I serve it hot, often with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

This dish offers a delightful blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that make it a favorite for many.

8. Buffalo Tofu Fingers

a white plate holds several cooked tofu sticks, coated in a bright orange sauce and garnished with parsley. the tofu sticks are arranged loosely, and the sauce adds a glossy sheen. the plate sits on a light surface, and the tofu appears to be crispy and flavorful. the image is shot from above

Buffalo Tofu Fingers are a tasty, spicy twist on traditional buffalo wings. They are made from tofu, which is a plant-based protein. This dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare.

To make this recipe, I start with firm tofu. I press it to remove excess moisture, making it easier to absorb flavors. Cutting the tofu into strips gives a nice finger-food size.

Next, I coat the tofu in a mixture of flour, spices, and a little water to help the batter stick. I then dip the strips in buffalo sauce, which adds heat and flavor.

For cooking, I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). I place the tofu fingers in the fryer basket in a single layer. Cooking takes about 12–15 minutes. I shake the basket halfway through for even crispness.

Once done, I take them out and toss them in more buffalo sauce if I want extra heat. These Buffalo Tofu Fingers are perfect as a snack or appetizer, especially with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Enjoy your spicy treat!

9. Sweet Chili Tofu

a white plate holds cooked tofu cubes, browned and drizzled with a red sauce and garnished with green onions. the tofu cubes are arranged in a stack, and the sauce adds a glossy sheen. the plate sits on a wooden surface, and the tofu appears to be crispy and flavorful. the image is shot from a low angle

Sweet chili tofu is a flavorful dish that combines crispy tofu with a sweet and spicy sauce. Tofu is made from soybeans and is a great source of plant-based protein.

Making sweet chili tofu is easy. I start by pressing a block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu become crispier when cooked.

Next, I cut the tofu into cubes. I then toss them in cornstarch for an extra crunch. After that, I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

I place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket. I cook them for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

While the tofu cooks, I prepare the sweet chili sauce. I mix together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of lime juice.

Once the tofu is golden brown and crispy, I toss it in the sauce. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main meal. I often serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Tofu?

Tofu is a nutritional powerhouse. It offers numerous benefits, especially in protein content and low calorie count, making it a great choice for those looking to enhance their diet. I find its versatility and health benefits appealing, particularly for plant-based diets.

Why Is Tofu High in Protein?

Tofu is an excellent source of protein. A typical serving contains about 10 grams of protein, which can help meet daily dietary needs.

This is especially significant for vegetarians and vegans. Tofu provides a complete amino acid profile, crucial for muscle growth and repair.

Incorporating tofu into meals can help balance protein intake without relying on animal products.

It’s also easy to prepare in various dishes, from stir-fries to smoothies.

For individuals looking to increase protein while managing calorie intake, tofu is a go-to option.

Why Is Tofu Low in Calories?

Tofu is low in calories, typically containing around 70-100 calories per serving. This makes it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake.

The low calorie density allows me to enjoy satisfying meals without overeating.

Tofu’s mild flavor pairs well with many ingredients, making it versatile for different recipes.

It also has the potential to replace higher-calorie meats and dairy products.

This balance between low calories and high nutrition makes tofu a smart addition to any diet.

What Are the Advantages of Air Frying Tofu?

Air frying tofu offers some distinct benefits. The method creates a delightful crispy texture while using less oil than traditional frying. This not only enhances flavor but also makes for a healthier meal.

How Does Air Frying Give Tofu a Crispy Texture?

One of the main advantages of air frying tofu is achieving a crispy texture. Unlike boiling or steaming, air frying circulates hot air around the food. This process allows the tofu to develop a crunchy outer layer while keeping the inside tender.

To enhance crispiness, I often marinate the tofu in my favorite seasonings before air frying. I also like to cut the tofu into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area that gets crisped up. With high heat and quick cooking time, I can enjoy perfectly crisp tofu every time.

How Does Air Frying Tofu Reduce Oil Consumption?

Air frying tofu dramatically reduces the amount of oil needed for cooking. Traditional frying often requires submerging food in oil, which adds calories and fat. In contrast, air frying uses just a small amount of oil, or sometimes none at all, while still achieving similar outcomes.

This method not only lightens the dish but also keeps it healthier. I find that I can still enjoy the flavor and texture I love without excessive oil. The result is lighter meals that fit well into my health-conscious lifestyle.

9 Best Tofu Air Fryer Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals