Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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If you are looking for a new addition to your meatless Mondays, this air fryer teriyaki tofu recipe hits all the right notes! Tofu is air fried til crispy and then tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce for one delicious bite.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Air Fryer Tofu Recipe (Teriyaki Tofu)

If you think you don’t like tofu, try this Air Fryer tofu recipe with flavorful teriyaki sauce, then think again!

Fried to perfection, this vegetarian recipe is so simple to make, and I guarantee even the tofu haters will love it!

The homemade teriyaki sauce is so perfectly rich, just serve the tofu over rice for one tasty Air Fryer family dinner.

Be sure to try my Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs and Teriyaki Chicken Sub Sandwich too!

Why You’ll Love this Healthy Dinner Recipe:

  • EASY: Made with just a few simple ingredients, this air fried tofu is simple to make.
  • HEALTHIER: Because this recipe is made in the air fryer, it’s a much healthier option compared to deep frying but just as tasty! Plus, the homemade teriyaki sauce contains less salt and sugar than store bought.
  • DELICIOUS: If you don’t like the texture of tofu normally, then you have to give this air fried method a go! It’s been such a popular recipe in my house!
Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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How to Make Teriyaki Tofu in an Air Fryer

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Press the tofu and cut into cubes.
  2. Coat the tofu in cornstarch and cook in the air fryer.
  3. While the tofu is cooking, make the teriyaki sauce.
  4. Add the ingredients for the sauce to a pan, bring to a boil and simmer til it has thickened.
  5. Pour the sauce over the tofu and toss to coat.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

What kind of tofu should I buy to air fry?

For air frying, a firm or extra firm tofu is best because it will hold up well as it’s dipped in cornstarch and later when it’s sauced. I do not recommend using silken, soft, or medium tofu for this recipe, as these will fall apart and won’t get crispy.

Do I have to press tofu before air frying?

Yes, to get nice crispy tofu with a firm texture, it’s important to press it before dredging and cooking it. Use a tofu press if you have one. Otherwise, wrap the tofu block in paper towels and weight it down with a chopping board topped with some heavy books. Allow at least 30 minutes to press the tofu. This removes excess moisture resulting in the best flavor and texture.

Can I make teriyaki tofu ahead of time?

This is best served straight away once the the tofu has been tossed in the sauce so it’s nice and crispy, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu can be reheated at 375°F for 5 minutes in the air fryer to get it nice and crispy again.

What should I serve with teriyaki tofu?

To make this a meal, serve with air fried broccoli and rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and/or a splash of sriracha!

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover teriyaki tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze leftover air fried tofu in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow the tofu to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tip for Extra Firm Tofu

If you like your tofu extra firm and chewy, freeze the sealed package of tofu overnight before pressing it. This will change the texture, making it firmer, chewier, and more absorbent.

Make It A Meal

Serve air fried teriyaki tofu with a side of air fried broccoli and white rice. Top with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick!

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Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

Tips!

  • To make this a full meal, remove the tofu from the air fryer and add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for 4-5 minutes at 400°F and then serve with the sauced tofu.
  • Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove the excess water.
  • Once cooked, allow the tofu to cool for a few minutes before tossing in the sauce. This will help it to get extra crispy.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

This air fryer teriyaki tofu is so delicious, and it’s a great meatless option that the whole family will love. Simple and easy to make and loaded with tasty flavors, this recipe is a keeper!

More Air Fryer Recipes We Love

  • Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
  • Air Fryer Burgers
  • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
  • Air Fryer Tater Tots
  • Air Fryer Ham

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 45 minutes minutes

Cook: 15 minutes minutes

Total: 1 hour hour

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

Serves4

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If you are looking for a new addition to your meat-free Mondays, this air fryer teriyaki tofu hits all the right notes! Tofu is air fried til crispy and then tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce for one delicious bite.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ingredients

For the Tofu

  • 1 pound firm tofu cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ¾ cup cornstarch

For the Sauce

  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For Serving

  • Cooked white rice
  • Sesame seeds
  • Green onion
  • Sriracha optional

Instructions

For the Tofu

  • Wrap the tofu block in paper towels and press it for 30 minutes to remove any extra liquid.

    1 pound firm tofu

  • Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel.

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  • Dip the tofu cubes into the cornstarch, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.

    ¾ cup cornstarch

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  • Spray the air fryer insert with nonstick spray and add the tofu, making sure to not overcrowd the basket.

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (15)

  • Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 15-18 minutes, turning half way through cooking.

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

  • Allow the tofu to cool for 3-4 minutes before you sauce them to maintain crispness.

For the Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, whisk all of the sauce ingredients together.

    ½ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (17)

  • Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the sauce until it has thickened, about 5 minutes.

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (18)

  • Remove the sauce from the heat and allow the it to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

  • Pour the sauce over the tofu and toss to combine. Serve over rice, if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion (and a squeeze of sriracha if you like it spicy)!

    Cooked white rice, Sesame seeds, Green onion, Sriracha

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (19)

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Storage: Store teriyaki tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To make this a full meal, remove the tofu from the air fryer and add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for 4-5 minutes at 400°F and then serve with the sauced tofu

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 258kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 32g (11%) Protein: 13g (26%) Fat: 9g (14%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Sodium: 1628mg (71%) Potassium: 80mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 4g (4%) Vitamin A: 1IU Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 154mg (15%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

    Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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    FAQs

    Why is my tofu not crispy air fryer? ›

    If the cubes are too crowded in the basket, they won't crisp up as they cook. Feel free to work in batches if necessary! Air fry at 400°F for 11-15 minutes, tossing halfway so that the tofu cooks evenly on all sides. The tofu is ready when it's crisp and browned around the edges.

    Do you have to press tofu before air frying? ›

    Making the best possible crispy air fryer tofu is a matter of four key components. Press the Tofu. This removes excess water that could make the tofu soggy. Marinade.

    Is tofu better pan fried or air fried? ›

    Frying your tofu adds calories

    If you want to reduce the calorie content of your dishes, baking or air-frying are better options. Air-frying is an excellent alternative to traditional frying methods, as it delivers the same delicious flavor and crispy texture without the added oil.

    Why is my baked tofu not crispy? ›

    Why won't my tofu get crisp? This could likely be a result of not drying out the tofu enough to drain out the extra moisture. It's also possible that your oven temperature is not hot enough. Make sure it's preheated and heat the pan in the oven for extra crispness.

    How to get the crispiest tofu? ›

    Spread your Tofu on a Silicone Baking Mat, leaving enough space between each cube. Bake at 425F for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the Tofu and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.

    What happens if you don't drain tofu before cooking? ›

    Here's the thing: even though tofu might be labeled firm or extra-firm, it contains a lot of water. This excess water can cause the tofu to crumble when you cook it, and it will also have a hard time crisping up. But when you press tofu, you remove the excess moisture.

    What temperature do you air fry tofu? ›

    Place in your air fryer in a single row, so that all the tofu has a little bit of space around each piece. Set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes, then continuing to cook. Remove after tofu is cooked. Allow to cool for a few minutes then serve.

    How do you keep tofu from sticking to the air fryer? ›

    After the hot water soak, it's still important to completely blot the pieces of tofu dry so that they don't stick to the air fryer. Combining the soak, thorough blot drying, and a good dusting of arrowroot powder will get you nicely crispy results! It only takes about 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

    Do you marinate tofu before or after frying? ›

    A classic way to spice up your tofu game, this crispy marinated tofu recipe is packed with flavor and so easy to make. Simply marinate your tofu then fry, bake, or cook in the air fryer for beautifully crispy tofu that tastes delicious every single time. Ready in 40 minutes, vegan-friendly, and so good.

    What to pair with fried tofu? ›

    There's lot of different sides that go well with tofu. Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be eaten with grains (rice, quinoa, barley, and more), pasta, veggies (stir fry, air fried, roasted, and more), on top of salads, and in buddha bowls.

    How unhealthy is fried tofu? ›

    Despite the nutritional benefits of tofu, fried tofu is not a healthy food choice. The problem lies in the frying cooking method. Although tofu is naturally low in calories and fat, frying adds tons of fat grams to the tofu and drastically increases the dish's calorie count.

    What not to mix with tofu? ›

    I love tofu and spinach, but she told me not to mix the two because calcium in tofu will react to oxalate in the spinach and promotes the formation of kidney stones.

    Do you season tofu before or after baking? ›

    Allow tofu to cook, undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crispy. Step 2: Flip the tofu pieces and season the cooked side with salt. Allow the second side to cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the second side is golden brown and crispy.

    What does adding cornstarch to tofu do? ›

    A light coating of cornstarch will absorb even more moisture from the tofu's surface and contribute to a distinct coating. Sprinkle over the starch (potato starch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot all work too) a little bit at a time and toss the tofu, pressing gently so the starch adheres.

    Why are things not getting crispy in air fryer? ›

    Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

    Why aren t my air fryer chips crispy? ›

    So I'm sharing how I made my soggy chips crispy again! Why did chips not brown in the air oven fryer? The most common reasons would be moisture or wrong temperature. Potatoes contain a lot of moisture so you should dry the chips with paper towel before cooking.

    Why is my air fryer not crisping fries? ›

    If your fries are not crispy, air fry them a little longer. Once all batches are finished, toss them all back into the air fryer (no need to place in a single layer this time) for 1 to 2 minutes to warm and re-crisp any that got cold from the first few batches.

    Why are my vegetables not crispy from the air fryer? ›

    Air Fryer Vegetables Tips

    If these pieces are too large, they won't cook through by the time the zucchini and peppers are tender. Don't crowd the air fryer basket. The #1 rule of air frying! In order for the vegetables to become caramelized and crisp, the hot air must be able to contact them on all sides.

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