These Air Fryer Tofu Cubes have a crispy exterior and a chewy bite. They're neutral in flavor, so they're perfect for adding to just about any dish where you need a bump of vegan protein. Just 4 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes!
Need to add a healthy protein to your meal, but don't have a lot of time? These quick Air Fryer Tofu Cubes are the answer. Think of them as an easy vegan alternative to chicken.
They're chewy and crispy and can hold up in any dish. Or add your favorite seasonings or sauces and make them the star of the meal.
Whether you're a longtime vegan or you're just looking for meatless Monday ideas, these Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Bites need to be in your recipe box!
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Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this Air Fryer Tofu Cubes recipe.
- super firm tofu -- This tofu comes vacuum sealed and doesn't need to be pressed. Just drain off the extra water, pat it down, and get chopping. If you can't find that, use extra firm tofu that has been pressed for 15 to 30 minutes. See these tips for pressing tofu. Do NOT use silken or soft tofu for this recipe, as it will fall apart.
- soy sauce -- Or tamari sauce. This just adds a touch of saltiness and color that won't overpower other flavors.
- olive oil or avocado oil -- This helps the tofu to get a little crispier on the outside. If you prefer oil-free, just leave it out.
- cornstarch or arrowroot powder -- This helps the tofu to get a crispy exterior.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Here are step-by-step instructions for how to make air fryer tofu cubes.
- Cut the tofu into ½-inch cubes.
- Pat the tofu with a clean dish towel or paper towel to remove any excess liquid.
- Add the tofu, soy sauce, and oil to a mixing bowl. Gently mix until all of the cubes are coated in the liquid.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch onto the tofu cubes. Gently toss until all of the cubes are coated.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the tofu cubes to a lined air fryer basket. Try not to get any excess liquid in the basket.
- Air fry at 400F or 200C for 12 to 15 minutes, stopping halfway to shake the basket. (No need to preheat the air fryer). The tofu is done when it is crispy and nicely browned.
Hint: After you toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch there might be extra liquid leftover at the bottom of the bowl. Transferring the tofu to the air fryer basket with tongs or a slotted spoon will help avoid getting excess liquid in the air fryer so that the tofu cubes can get crispier.
Variations
This is a super versatile recipe with a neutral flavor, which makes it perfect for adding to a variety of dishes. However, if you want to add more flavor to the tofu, here are a few options.
- Spicy - add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Garlic and Herb - add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and 1.5 teaspoons of your favorite dried herbs like oregano or basil.
- Curried - add 2 teaspoons of curry powder.
- Tex Mex- add 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon oregano.
Equipment
For this recipe, you need an air fryer, a cutting board, and a mixing bowl. If you need to press your tofu, you'll also need a tofu press or something heavy. Tongs or a slotted spoon are helpful for transferring the tofu to the air fryer. I also like to use a liner for easy cleanup!
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How to serve
These air fryer tofu cubes are versatile and have a neutral flavor, which makes them perfect for adding to a variety of dishes, including curries, soups, and stews.
You could also add them to a wrap or salad for more protein and texture. Add them to fried rice or add them to a burrito bowl. The possibilities are endless!
Alternatively, you could make the tofu the star by tossing it with your favorite sauce like BBQ, Teriyaki, or Buffalo. Or season them with dry spices (see ideas above) and serve them as your main vegan protein with any meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To serve, they can be reheated in the air fryer, microwave, or skillet. Or they can be served cold as part of a salad, wrap, or quick high-protein snack.
Top tip
These Air Fried Tofu Cubes have a neutral flavor, so you can add them to a variety of dishes, top them with your favorite sauce, or spice them up with dry seasonings. It doesn't get much more versatile than that!
FAQs
The firmer the tofu, the better. I used super firm tofu, which comes vacuum-sealed and doesn't need to be pressed. You can also use extra firm tofu that has been pressed for 15 to 30 minutes. For great texture, you could also try this freezer method. Do not use silken or soft tofu for this recipe.
Choose the air fryer that best meets your needs. Consider things like price, size, and functionality. I personally love my Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Grill and Air Fryer, because it has a bigger capacity, which better suits my family of four.
For more info, see my post What Air Fryer Should I Buy? or check out Good Housekeeping's review of the Best Air Fryers of 2024.
Related
Looking for more vegan air fryer recipes? Try these:
Air Fryer Tofu Cubes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 oz super firm tofu (or extra firm tofu that has been pressed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrow root powder)
Instructions
- Cut the tofu into ½-inch cubes.
- Pat the tofu with a clean dish towel or paper towel to remove any excess liquid.
- Add the tofu, soy sauce, and oil to a mixing bowl. Gently mix until all of the cubes are coated in the liquid.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch onto the tofu cubes. Gently toss until all of the cubes are coated.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the tofu cubes to a lined air fryer basket. Try not to get any excess liquid in the basket.
- Air fry at 400F or 200C for 12 to 15 minutes, stopping halfway to shake the basket. (No need to preheat the air fryer). The tofu is done when it is crispy and nicely browned.
Notes
- If you are using extra firm tofu, press the tofu for 15 to 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
Nutrition
Air Fryer and food safety tips
Here are a few safety tips for cooking with an air fryer.
- Cook food to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always use oven mitts or some protective hand covering when shaking the basket or removing food from the air fryer.
- Hot air comes out the back of the air fryer. Try to keep the back of the air fryer at least a hands length away from the wall, other ingredients, or anything else that could be damaged by heat.
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