Air fryer cooking guide
Air Fryer Tofu
How long to cook tofu in an air fryer — the right temperature, times for crispy cubes, and the press-and-toss method for golden tofu without deep-frying.
200°C / 392°F
12–18 min
How long to cook tofu in an air fryer?
Air fry pressed, cubed firm tofu at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking once or twice, until golden and crisp on all sides. Press the tofu first and toss with a little cornflour for the crunchiest results.
Crispy air fryer tofu is the gateway to loving tofu: golden, craggy edges and a tender centre, ready to soak up any sauce. Press it well, dust it with cornflour, and give it room — that's the whole secret.
Time & temperature chart
| Size / cut | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firm, cubed (pressed) | 200°C | 12–15 min | Shake twice |
| Extra-firm, cubed | 200°C | 14–18 min | Extra crispy |
| Slabs / steaks | 200°C | 14–16 min | Flip halfway |
| Frozen-then-thawed (chewy) | 200°C | 15–18 min | Press hard first |
Times are a guide — air fryers vary by 10–20%. Always cook to the safe internal temperature, not just the timer.
How to air fry tofu
- 1
Press the tofu for 15–20 minutes to remove water — this is the key to crispiness.
- 2
Cut into even cubes and toss with oil, soy sauce or seasoning, then a tablespoon of cornflour.
- 3
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- 4
Spread the tofu in a single layer and air fry, shaking the basket once or twice.
- 5
Cook until golden and crisp on the outside. Toss in sauce after cooking, not before.
Pro tips
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu only — silken tofu will fall apart in the basket.
- Cornflour (cornstarch) gives the crispiest shell; arrowroot works too.
- Freezing and thawing tofu before cooking gives it a chewier, sponge-like texture that soaks up marinade.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature for tofu in an air fryer?
200°C (400°F). High heat drives off surface moisture and crisps the edges so the cubes don't turn out soft.
How long does tofu take in an air fryer?
About 12–15 minutes at 200°C for pressed, cubed firm tofu, shaking the basket once or twice for even browning.
Do you need to press tofu before air frying?
Yes, for the crispiest result. Pressing out the water lets the surface dry and crisp instead of steaming inside the basket.
