Easy to make – crispy air fryer tofu no oil recipe that is vegetarian, vegan and can be made gluten-free!
This air fryer recipe will show you the best way to air fry crispy tofu with no oil in 10 mins cooking time!
Recipe for Air Fryer Tofu (No Oil)
Looking for a healthier alternative to fried tofu without oil? Try my air fryer tofu recipe that can be air-fried to perfection without being deep-fried.
To make oil-free tofu in the air fryer, all you need to do is mix soy sauce, rice vinegar and maple syrup to create a marinade, marinate tofu pieces in it and then coat your tofu in garlic powder, paprika, salt and cornstarch before popping them in the air fryer with no oil necessary!
The best tip for tasty tofu is to make sure your tofu can marinate in the mixture to absorb all the delicious flavours! Two tips to get your tofu to absorb your saucy marinade like a sponge is to first, press your tofu, squeezing out all the water (using a tofu press or wrapping tofu in absorbent cloth and placing a heavy object on top like a heavy pan to push any water out) and secondly, allowing the tofu as much time as possible to absorb the marinade now that water has been squeezed out. These two techniques help make the tofu absorb more flavour and taste even more delicious.
Enjoy this air-fried tofu as a snack or in any meal you want to make!
This recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or gluten-free alternatives.
Ingredients
- Tofu (extra-firm)
- Soy Sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Maple Syrup
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Cornstarch
How To Make Air Fryer Tofu (No Oil)
To make the best no oil air fryer tofu, press your tofu to squeeze all the extra water out, allowing it to absorb your marinade and flavours. You can use a tofu press or wrap absorbent cloth around tofu and place a heavy object on top such as a heavy pan to press the water out (10-15 mins is best, but completely up to you if you want to press longer or shorter).
Regarding the air fryer, if your air fryer needs preheating, preheat to 400 degrees F. If it doesn’t need preheating, skip this step.
Once tofu is pressed, cut your tofu into small bite-sized squares.
In a small bowl, mix together the tofu marinade: soy sauce, rice vinegar and maple syrup.
Place tofu pieces into a big mixing bowl and pour in the marinade all over tofu. Toss to evenly marinate and let it sit for up to 5-10 mins.
Mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt and cornstarch and after marinating the tofu, coat the tofu evenly in this seasoning mixture.
Next, place tofu pieces inside your air fryer, spacing them out so they’re not touching on your air fryer tray or basket. Depending on what kind of air fryer you have, if you find things stick to your air fryer, use non-stick parchment paper to link your air fryer tray or basket.
Air fry tofu at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes (optionally flipping halfway to cook evenly) or until cooked to your liking.
Enjoy these oil-free tofu pieces on their own, with a dip or tossed in your favourite sauce. You can also add these tofu pieces to any dish for extra protein.
Watch me make this recipe on YouTube here.
AIR FRYER TOFU (NO OIL)
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Tofu Press optional
Ingredients
- 1 block tofu extra firm
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- To make the best no oil air fryer tofu, press your tofu to squeeze all the extra water out, allowing it to absorb your marinade and flavours. You can use a tofu press or wrap absorbent cloth around tofu and place a heavy object on top such as a heavy pan to press the water out (10-15 mins is best, but completely up to you if you want to press longer or shorter).
- Regarding the air fryer, if your air fryer needs preheating, preheat to 400 degrees F. If it doesn’t need preheating, skip this step.
- Once tofu is pressed, cut your tofu into small bite-sized squares.
- In a small bowl, mix together the tofu marinade: soy sauce, rice vinegar and maple syrup.
- Place tofu pieces into a big mixing bowl and pour in the marinade all over tofu. Toss to evenly marinate and let it sit for up to 5-10 mins.
- Mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt and cornstarch and after marinating the tofu, coat the tofu evenly in this seasoning mixture.
- Next, place tofu pieces inside your air fryer, spacing them out so they’re not touching on your air fryer tray or basket. Depending on what kind of air fryer you have, if you find things stick to your air fryer, use non-stick parchment paper to link your air fryer tray or basket.
- Air fry tofu at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes (optionally flipping halfway to cook evenly) or until cooked to your liking.
- Enjoy these oil-free tofu pieces on their own, with a dip or tossed in your favourite sauce. You can also add these tofu pieces to any dish for extra protein.
Notes
Nutrition
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