Experience a burst of flavor with Air Fryer Curry Tofu! This easy and healthy recipe features crispy tofu marinated in aromatic spices, making it a perfect plant-based dish for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a delightful blend of textures and tastes, ideal for any meal!

Plate of golden Air Fryer Curry Tofu garnished with fresh herbs.
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If you love crispy air fryer tofu, this is the recipe for you! Made with a few simple ingredients, this is the perfect addition to stews, soups, bowls or wraps. My favorite way to serve curry tofu is over rice.

My son’s college features Indian Food, and one of his favorites is Curry Tofu, so while he was home on winter break, I made him an Indian Feast in my air fryer, including Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Masala and Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, and of course, the star of our dinner, was this curried tofu, infused with flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

If you have been looking for a great recipe for Meatless Monday or want to know how to cook tofu in the air fryer, you will love it. I looking to cook tofu in the air fryer for several reasons, including:

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed to make air fryer tofu curry.
  • Super firm or high protein tofu (or extra firm): For best results, this is important, since you want the tofu to hold it’s shape, while it’s air frying.
  • Oil: Any high-heat oil, such as sesame oil, olive oil, or coconut oil, will work.
  • Soy Sauce: You can use liquid aminos, or low-sodium (Gluten-Free) Soy Sauce
  • Onions: Use yellow or white onion, finely diced.
  • Tomato Paste: Make sure you use tomato paste, not tomato sauce, as the sauce will not thicken.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes that have been drained.
  • Greek Yogurt: Base of the curry sauce.
  • Seasonings and Spices: Fresh Ginger, Minced Garlic Curry Powder, Bay Leaf, Kosher Salt, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Cayenne Pepper, Ground Cloves

How To Make Air Fryer Curry Tofu

Cutting tofu on a wooden cutting board with a sharp knife.

Step One: This step will help you get a crispy batch of tofu from the air fryer. Do not skip! Place your tofu onto a cutting board, and then place a heavy skillet on top of the tofu. Leave for about 10 minutes.

Step Two: Add your diced tofu, sesame oil, soy sauce, and diced onion in a large bowl, and add all your seasonings and spices. Toss well to coat.

Step Three: Add the coated tofu to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around the tofu for the hot air to circulate around the tofu, which will help it crisp up. Set the air fryer cooking temperature to 400 degrees F, and set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes; shake the basket frequently, during the cooking process.

Making the tofu sauce in a large mixing bowl, with a whisk.

Step Four: In a small saucepan, add the Greek Yogurt, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, and water, simmer over medium-high heat, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce is thickened. Air-Fried Curry Tofu Toss the cooked tofu with the sauce, and serve over rice.

Healthy Air Fryer Curry Tofu dish with a vibrant curry sauce.

Air Fryer Curry Tofu Recipe Tips

  • Press the Tofu: Before cooking, press the tofu to remove excess moisture.
  • Cut Evenly: Cut the tofu into evenly sized cubes or slices to ensure they cook uniformly. Smaller pieces will get crispier.
  • Marinate Well: Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to allow the curry flavors to penetrate.
  • Use Cornstarch: Toss the marinated tofu in a light coating of cornstarch before air frying.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
  • Shake the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to make sure all sides of the tofu cubes are evenly cooked and crispy.
  • Adjust Temperature and Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the size and moisture content of the tofu.
  • Add Extra Seasoning: After cooking, taste the tofu and sprinkle additional curry powder, salt, or other seasonings if needed.
  • Serve Immediately: Air-fried tofu is best enjoyed immediately while it’s hot and crispy.

Air Fryer Curry Tofu Recipe Faqs

How do I prepare tofu for air frying? Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 20-30 minutes.

What type of tofu is best for air frying? Extra-firm tofu is the best choice for air frying.

How long should I marinate the tofu? Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Do I need to use oil for air frying tofu? While you can air fry tofu without oil, using a small amount helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Can I add other vegetables to the air fryer with the tofu? Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini.

How can I make the tofu crispier? Toss the marinated tofu in cornstarch before air frying. This helps achieve a crispier exterior.

Can I reheat leftover air-fried tofu? Yes, you can reheat leftover tofu in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.

What can I serve with air fryer tofu curry? Air fryer tofu curry pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

How do I store leftover tofu curry? Store leftover tofu curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Plate of Air Fryer Curry Tofu with fresh herbs and slices of lemon on the side.

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Air Fryer Curry Tofu

Air Fryer Curry Tofu

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Are you looking to add some spice and flavor to your dinner routine? Introduce a delicious, plant-based twist to classic Indian fare with this Air Fryer Curry Tofu.

Ingredients 

Curry Tofu:

  • 1 block extra firm tofu, pressed dry
  • 4 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Curry Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 15 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  • Place your tofu onto a cutting board, and then place a heavy skillet on top of the tofu. Leave for about 10 minutes.
  • Add your diced tofu, sesame oil, soy sauce, and diced onion in a large bowl, and add all your seasonings and spices. Toss well to coat.
  • Add the coated tofu to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around the tofu for the hot air to circulate around the tofu, which will help it crisp up.
  • Set the cooking temperature to 400 degrees F, and set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes; shake the basket frequently as it cooks up!
  • In a small saucepan, add the Greek Yogurt, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, and water, simmer over medium-high heat, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.
  • Toss the cooked tofu with the sauce, and serve over rice (optional)

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 10gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 778mgPotassium: 374mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 2mg

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