Crispy, nutritious, and packed with a unique smoky flavor, these air fryer smoky tofu bites are simple and easy to make. Pile them atop rice, alongside some stir-fry veggies, or use them to top off a balsamic vinaigrette salad; this smoky tofu recipe will not disappoint.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a tofu fan… Until I tried air-fried tofu. This recipe comes out crunchy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside. The air fryer is simply the best way to cook tofu. This recipe will show you how to get your tofu perfectly crunchy, fast.
What’s not to love about tofu? It’s one of the best affordable, nutritious, and low-calorie meal options. Packed with protein, tofu is simple and nutritious—and it comes out deliciously crispy when you make it in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Smoky Tofu
- Sweet cinnamon flavor. If you love dishes that have a hint of cinnamon, you’ll love this air fryer smoky tofu recipe.
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. The air fryer is easily the best way to cook tofu. This tofu dish gets deliciously crispy in just 12 minutes.
- Great for meal prep! These tofu bites pair perfectly with veggies and rice, making them a great protein for meal prep.
If you love this air fryer smoky tofu recipe, check out more crispy air fryer tofu options like Air Fryer Sticky Ginger Tofu and this classic Air Fryer Tofu recipe.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use a tofu press to remove water, enhance flavor, and get that crispy texture. I love using this Tofu Press by Tofuture. It fits 8-12 ounce blocks of tofu, has just three simple parts, and is super easy to use. Just pop the tofu into it, pull down the rubber clips, and let it do its thing.
- Give your tofu bites space to get crispy. Make sure to place your tofu in an even layer in your air fryer basket. If your tofu is too close together, it won’t cook to crunchy perfection.
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe. There are many different types of tofu, and choosing which one to use can be intimidating for tofu first-timers. To get the crispiest results, use firm tofu. It has less liquid and will hold its shape much better than soft tofu.
You can also make this recipe using chicken breasts instead of tofu; check out the full recipe right here.
How to Store Air Fryer Tofu
Air fryer smoky tofu will stay fresh for up to four or five days in the refrigerator. And, it’s a fantastic recipe for food prepping! Just divide the tofu into containers with rice, vegetables, or salad and save it in the fridge for the coming days.
You can even freeze the tofu after cooking it in your air fryer. Just make sure it’s sealed in an air-tight container or bag and store it in your freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just put it back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 370°F.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Smoky Tofu
Air fryer smoky tofu pairs wonderfully with these balsamic mushrooms. The mushrooms come together in just a few minutes, contrasting nicely with the crunchy tofu and smoky flavors.
You can also make it meal prep: I love pairing tofu with brown rice, vegetables, or this delicious vegetable chow mein to create filling and nutritious meal prep options that last the whole week.
More Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipes
- Air Fryer Tofu Poke Bowls: This plant-based meal has 23 grams of protein and is ultra-flavorful. Red cabbage, edamame, avocado, carrots, and cucumber combine magically with the ginger, soy sauce, and garlic-flavored tofu pieces.
- Classic Air Fryer Tofu: These tofu bites are coated with coconut aminos and cornmeal, then cooked to crispy perfection.
- Sticky Ginger Tofu: This garlic-and-ginger-packed dish is another fantastic meal prep option. Pair it with steamed or stir-fried veggies and it’s the perfect meal.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from fellow home chefs and air fryer fans. Comment below, follow Air Fryer Eats on Instagram, pin this recipe to Pinterest, and join our Air Fryer Recipes Facebook group too.
Air Fryer Smoky Tofu
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Tofu press
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Press the tofu in a tofu press for 10-12 minutes, tightening the knobs every 3-4 minutes. Drain the liquid and cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Place the tofu cubes into a gallon-sized plastic bag. Add the olive oil to the bag.
- Mix all the spices together.
- Add the spice mixture to the plastic bag.
- Seal the bag and gently shake it, coating the tofu in the spice mixture.
- Place the tofu cubes into your air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 370°F (187°C) for 12 minutes.
Notes
- This recipe can be made in an air fryer unit with a basket or an air fryer oven. If you are using an air fryer oven, use the middle rack and choose the “Air Fry” function.
- Check your food as it cooks. Each air fryer runs a bit differently. Make sure to check your food as it’s cooking to learn your air fryer better and avoid over- or undercooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tofu has a sponge-like texture that retains and absorbs liquid. Using a tofu press helps reduce the tofu’s liquid content, making it much crispier when you cook it in the air fryer.
I love using this tofu press—with thick rubber bands that you can adjust to three different levels of pressure, it’s super easy to use and extremely effective.
The key to crispy tofu is minimizing the amount of liquid in your tofu block. Make sure you buy extra-firm tofu and use a tofu press to prepare your tofu before cutting, seasoning, and cooking it in the air fryer.
There are lots of different kinds of tofu. If you want that crispy and crunchy texture when cooking tofu in the air fryer, use extra firm tofu. Other types of tofu, like Silken tofu or soft tofu, are great for other tofu recipes, but will crumble or turn mushy when cooked in the air fryer.
