If tofu has ever felt like more work than it’s worth, this extra-crispy air fryer tofu completely changes the experience. There’s no pressing, no complicated marinades, no stovetop babysitting—and you still get golden, crunchy edges with a tender center in about 15 minutes.
At Sustainable Action Now, we focus on everyday, realistic food choices that make plant-forward eating easier, faster, and more appealing—because small shifts in daily meals add up to meaningful environmental impact. This recipe does exactly that. It delivers a satisfying, affordable, high-protein plant option that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, bowls, wraps, salads, and just about everything in between.
For more easy, sustainable, and plant-forward cooking ideas, explore our full recipe collection here: 👉 https://sustainableactionnow.org/category/recipes/ & The Air Fryer Tofu (Extra Crispy, No Pressing Required) is a Food with Feeling Recipe.
Why Air Fryer Tofu Is One of the Most Sustainable, Weeknight-Friendly Proteins
Tofu is already one of the most climate-friendly protein choices available—but how it’s prepared often determines whether people actually stick with it.
After testing baked tofu, pan-fried tofu, sautéed tofu, and dozens of marinades, this air fryer method stands out for three big reasons:
It gets genuinely crispy.
The hot circulating air combined with a light starch coating creates the kind of crunchy edges people usually only expect from deep frying.
It’s lighter and cleaner than frying.
You avoid large amounts of oil and the mess that comes with it—while still achieving a deeply satisfying texture.
It’s fast and hands-off.
You can load the air fryer, walk away, and prep the rest of your meal while it cooks.
This is exactly the kind of practical recipe that makes plant-based and low-impact meals more accessible.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Extra-Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
You’ll find the full measurements in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick look at what you need—and how to swap ingredients easily.
Tofu
Super-firm tofu (sometimes labeled “high-protein tofu”) works best and does not require pressing.
Extra-firm tofu also works, but you’ll need to press it first to remove excess moisture.
Toasted sesame oil
Adds subtle depth and richness. Any neutral oil works if that’s what you have.
Soy sauce
Provides salt and umami. Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes.
Fine sea salt and black pepper
Simple seasoning that allows the tofu itself to shine.
Cornstarch
This is the key to the crisp. Arrowroot powder works just as well.
Optional spices and flavor boosters
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, nutritional yeast, or everything bagel seasoning all pair beautifully.
You can also leave the tofu plain and finish it with sauce after cooking.
Why Tearing Tofu (Instead of Cutting It) Makes It Crispier
One of the most effective tricks in this recipe is tearing the tofu into chunks rather than cutting it into cubes.
Tearing creates uneven, jagged surfaces. Those irregular edges crisp faster and brown more deeply in the air fryer. The result is a texture that feels much closer to fried tofu—without the oil.
It’s a small step that makes a surprisingly big difference.
How to Make Extra-Crispy Tofu in the Air Fryer
Below is a quick visual walkthrough. The full printable recipe is included later in this report.
1. Prep the tofu
If you’re using super-firm tofu, you can skip pressing completely. Tear the block into medium-sized chunks (about quarter-sized pieces work well).
2. Season
Place the tofu into a large bowl. Toss with oil, salt, pepper, and soy sauce until evenly coated.
3. Add the crisping layer
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until every piece is lightly coated. You can add a little more starch if you want an even crunchier finish.
4. Air fry
Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
Air fry for 10 minutes, toss, then continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
Recipe Tips for the Crispiest Tofu Every Time
- Tear the tofu instead of cutting for better texture and browning.
- Do not overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Toss or shake halfway through for even color.
- If your air fryer only reaches 390°F, simply add one or two extra minutes.
- Lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking.
These small adjustments make the difference between “good” tofu and seriously crave-worthy tofu.
Flavor Variations That Work for Almost Any Meal
One of the strengths of this recipe is how neutral and versatile it is. You can take the same batch of tofu and adapt it to completely different cuisines.
Spicy
Add chili powder or cayenne to the cornstarch mixture.
Savory and classic
Garlic powder and onion powder are simple and always reliable.
Asian-inspired
Finish the tofu with hoisin or teriyaki sauce after air frying.
Everything bagel style
Toss the cooked tofu with everything bagel seasoning while it’s still hot.
This flexibility is what makes it ideal for sustainable meal planning—you can cook once and use it across multiple dishes.
For more flexible, plant-forward recipes like this, browse our growing recipe archive here: 👉 https://sustainableactionnow.org/category/recipes/
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to press the tofu?
Not if you use super-firm tofu.
Firm and extra-firm tofu should be pressed first to release excess moisture.
Can I make this oil-free?
You can reduce the oil significantly, but a small amount helps the tofu brown and crisp more evenly.
How long does air fryer tofu last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it keeps for up to four days.
To re-crisp, place it back in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
The Best Air Fryer Tofu (Extra Crispy, No Pressing Required)
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 253 kcal
Ingredients
- 15–16 oz tofu (super-firm recommended)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (or other oil)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos / tamari)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (arrowroot powder also works)
- Optional spices as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (390°F is also fine).
- Tear the tofu into medium-sized chunks and place in a large bowl.
- Season the tofu with oil, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Toss well.
- Add the cornstarch and toss again until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
- Air fry for 10 minutes. Toss the tofu and continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes, depending on your preferred level of crispiness.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or as part of a bowl, salad, or wrap.
Notes
Best tofu to use
Super-firm tofu is ideal and does not require pressing.
Firm or extra-firm tofu also works, but must be pressed first.
Spices and seasoning
This base recipe is intentionally simple so it can be used in many different meals. If serving without sauce, feel free to add garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or a spice blend.
Marinating option
If you choose to marinate the tofu beforehand, skip the soy sauce and oil in this recipe to avoid oversaturating the tofu.
Optional addition
1–2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast adds a savory, slightly cheesy flavor.
Storage and reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 253 kcal
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 269 mg
Iron: 3 mg
Crispy, Affordable, and Climate-Friendly
This extra-crispy air fryer tofu proves that sustainable eating doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or long prep sessions. With one bowl, a handful of pantry ingredients, and about 15 minutes of cooking time, you get a versatile plant-based protein that fits easily into real life.
If you’re building a more climate-conscious kitchen—or simply looking for fast, satisfying meals—you’ll find many more practical, plant-forward recipes in our Sustainable Action Now recipe collection:
👉 https://sustainableactionnow.org/category/recipes/
The Air Fryer Tofu (Extra Crispy, No Pressing Required) is a Food with Feeling Recipe.
