Air Fryer Tofu
Temperature
400°F
200°C
Time
12 min
1 block
Safe internal
-
No minimum
Getting tofu crisp without deep-frying used to be impossible in my kitchen - the air fryer finally cracked it for me. I press out the water, toss the cubes in a bit of oil and cornstarch, and they come out chewy and golden and actually hold a sauce.
How to air fry tofu
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Add the fresh tofu to the basket. Keep the cubes in a single layer.
- Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
Pro tip
Press the tofu to remove water before seasoning.
How to tell when it's done
It's ready when the cubes are firm, golden and crisp on a few sides - I give the basket a couple of shakes so they don't fuse together. There's no safety temperature to worry about with tofu, it's all about the texture.
Converting from an oven recipe
If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 400°F for 12 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Air fryer tofu: FAQ
How long does it take to air fry tofu?
Air fry tofu at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 1 block in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.
What temperature do you air fry tofu at?
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for tofu?
A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.