Air Fryer Tofu and Broccoli – Perfectly Crispy Every Time

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this air fryer tofu and broccoli will change the way you think about plant-based meals forever. I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe on a busy Tuesday night, and my meat-loving husband actually asked for seconds.

The golden-brown tofu cubes paired with perfectly charred broccoli florets create a symphony of textures that’s simply irresistible. What makes this dish truly special is how effortlessly it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep sessions.

If you loved my crispy air fryer chickpeas, you’re going to fall head over heels for this protein-packed wonder that’s both kid-friendly and sophisticated enough for dinner parties.

What is Air Fryer Tofu and Broccoli?

Ever wondered why air fryer tofu and broccoli has taken the internet by storm? It’s basically the ultimate marriage between convenience and flavor—crispy, golden tofu cubes dancing alongside tender-crisp broccoli florets, all kissed by hot circulating air instead of oil.

Some people call it “the gateway recipe” for tofu skeptics, and honestly, they’re not wrong. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish has converted more tofu doubters than I can count. Ready to join the crispy revolution?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tofu and Broccoli

The Texture Game-Changer

Let me tell you what makes this dish absolutely irresistible. The air fryer works its magic by creating an incredibly crispy exterior on the tofu while keeping the inside silky smooth. The broccoli gets these beautiful caramelized edges that taste almost like broccoli chips. No more soggy, bland tofu disasters. This method delivers restaurant-quality results that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with traditional frying methods.

Budget-Friendly Brilliance

Making air fryer tofu and broccoli at home saves you a small fortune compared to ordering takeout. A block of tofu costs around $2-3, and a head of broccoli rarely exceeds $3. That’s less than $6 for a meal that serves 3-4 people. Compare that to a $15-20 restaurant dish, and you’re looking at serious savings without sacrificing flavor.

Flavor Explosion with Simple Ingredients

The beauty lies in the simplicity. A basic soy sauce marinade, a touch of garlic, and a hint of sesame oil transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The slight sweetness from maple syrup or honey balances the savory notes perfectly. If you enjoyed my honey garlic air fryer salmon, you’ll recognize that same addictive sweet-savory balance here. Feel free to customize with your favorite Asian-inspired sauces or keep it simple with just salt and pepper. Either way, you’re winning.

How to Make Air Fryer Tofu and Broccoli

Quick Overview

This recipe is beginner-friendly and practically foolproof. The air fryer does most of the heavy lifting, creating crispy perfection without the mess of traditional frying. The combination of protein-rich tofu and nutrient-dense broccoli makes this a complete meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.

Total Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Serves: 3-4 people

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Tofu and Broccoli

For the Tofu:

• 14-16 oz block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Broccoli:

• 3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Press the Tofu

Remove the tofu from its package and drain the water. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron skillet or a few cookbooks) and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step removes excess moisture, which is the secret to achieving that coveted crispy texture. The drier your tofu, the crispier it’ll get in the air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu Marinade

While the tofu is pressing, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This marinade is your flavor foundation, so taste it and adjust according to your preferences. Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup. Craving heat? Double the red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Cut and Coat the Tofu

Once pressed, cut the tofu into ¾-inch cubes. Pat them dry one more time with paper towels. Add the tofu cubes to your marinade and gently toss to coat every piece. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator if you’re meal prepping). Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss gently until each cube is lightly coated. The cornstarch creates that irresistible crispy coating.

Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli

Cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets, keeping them relatively uniform in size for even cooking. In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every floret gets a light coating of oil—this helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry the Tofu

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching or overlapping. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the cubes halfway through. You’re looking for golden-brown edges and a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Air Fry the Broccoli

Remove the tofu and set it aside (keep it warm in a low oven if desired). Add the seasoned broccoli to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking. The broccoli is done when it’s tender-crisp with slightly charred edges.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Transfer the crispy tofu and broccoli to a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining marinade (heat it briefly in the microwave first) or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

What to Serve Air Fryer Tofu and Broccoli With

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are my favorite combinations:

• Fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice – The perfect vehicle for soaking up all those delicious flavors
• Cauliflower rice – For a low-carb option that keeps things light
• Rice noodles or soba noodles – Toss everything together for a complete bowl meal
• Quinoa or farro – Adds extra protein and a nutty flavor
• Asian cucumber salad – The cool, refreshing crunch is the perfect contrast
• Steamed edamame – Extra protein and a fun finger food
• Miso soup – A warm, comforting starter that complements the crispy textures
• Spring rolls – Make it a full Asian-inspired feast

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Tofu and Broccoli

Press Your Tofu Properly

I cannot stress this enough—pressing tofu is non-negotiable if you want crispy results. The extra 15 minutes of pressing time makes the difference between sad, soggy tofu and golden, crispy perfection. If you make tofu regularly, invest in a tofu press. It’s a game-changer.

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch

Cornstarch is your secret weapon for crispiness. It creates a light coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch work just as well. In a pinch, all-purpose flour can work, but the results won’t be quite as crispy.

Avoid Overcrowding

The biggest mistake people make with air fryers is cramming too much food in the basket. Air needs to circulate freely around each piece. If you overcrowd, you’ll end up with steamed tofu instead of crispy tofu. Cook in batches if necessary.

Shake That Basket

Don’t just set it and forget it. Shaking the basket or flipping the food halfway through ensures even browning on all sides. Set a timer so you don’t forget.

Adjust Cooking Times for Your Air Fryer

Every air fryer is different. Some run hotter than others. Start checking your tofu and broccoli a minute or two before the recommended time, especially the first time you make this recipe. You’ll quickly learn your air fryer’s quirks.

Customize Your Marinade

Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles. Try ginger-scallion with fresh ginger and lots of green onions. Go spicy with sriracha and gochujang. Or keep it Mediterranean with lemon, garlic, and oregano. The air fryer technique works with virtually any flavor combination.

Use Extra-Firm Tofu Only

Soft, medium, or firm tofu won’t hold up in the air fryer. You need extra-firm or super-firm tofu for this recipe. It maintains its shape and develops that perfect crispy exterior.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover air fryer tofu and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the tofu and broccoli separate from any rice or noodles to prevent sogginess. I like to use glass containers because they don’t retain odors.

Freezing Instructions

While broccoli doesn’t freeze particularly well after cooking, the tofu freezes beautifully. Freeze the cooked tofu cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen solid. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. This is perfect for meal prep.

Reheating for Best Results

The air fryer is your best friend for reheating. Preheat to 350°F and reheat for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it makes everything soggy and defeats the purpose of that beautiful crispy coating.

Meal Prep Strategy

This recipe is fantastic for weekly meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out into containers with rice and vegetables. The tofu actually gets more flavorful as it sits in the fridge and absorbs the seasonings. Just reheat in the air fryer or oven right before eating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Wet Tofu

The number one mistake is not pressing the tofu long enough or thoroughly enough. Wet tofu will never get crispy, no matter how long you air fry it. Be patient with the pressing process.

Cutting Pieces Too Small

Tiny tofu pieces dry out and become hard in the air fryer. Stick to ¾-inch to 1-inch cubes for the perfect ratio of crispy exterior to tender interior.

Forgetting to Preheat

Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures even cooking from the moment you add your food. It’s like preheating an oven—it makes a real difference.

Not Drying After Marinating

If your marinade is too wet, pat the tofu dry slightly before adding cornstarch. Excess liquid prevents the cornstarch from adhering properly and creating that crispy coating.

Opening the Air Fryer Too Often

Resist the temptation to check on your food constantly. Every time you open the basket, you release heat and extend the cooking time. Trust the process and only check at the recommended intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Fresh broccoli works best for air fryer recipes. Frozen broccoli contains too much moisture and won’t crisp up properly. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely, pat it very dry with paper towels, and expect slightly different results.

What’s the best tofu for air frying?

Extra-firm or super-firm tofu is essential. These varieties have less water content and hold their shape better during cooking. Sprouted tofu is another excellent option that’s slightly firmer and more nutrient-dense.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, but the results won’t be as crispy. You can use water or vegetable broth instead of oil in the marinade. The tofu will still cook through and absorb flavors, but it won’t develop that golden, crispy exterior.

How do I know when the tofu is done?

Look for golden-brown edges and a firm, crispy exterior. The tofu should be slightly darkened in color with visible caramelization. If you tap it with tongs, it should feel firm and make a slight crunching sound.

Can I cook the tofu and broccoli together?

While it’s tempting to save time, they have different cooking requirements. Broccoli cooks faster and can burn while waiting for the tofu to crisp up. Cooking them separately ensures both turn out perfectly.

What other vegetables work well with this method?

Bell peppers, snap peas, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and mushrooms all work beautifully in the air fryer. Just adjust cooking times based on the vegetable’s density and water content.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and make sure your other ingredients (like any additional sauces) are certified gluten-free. The cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.

Why is my tofu still soft and not crispy?

This usually means the tofu wasn’t pressed long enough, the air fryer wasn’t hot enough, or the basket was overcrowded. Make sure to follow the pressing instructions carefully and don’t skip the cornstarch coating.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add sriracha to the marinade, increase the red pepper flakes, or toss the finished dish with chili oil. You can also add fresh sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers before air frying.

How do I prevent the cornstarch from clumping?

Make sure to add the cornstarch after marinating, and toss gently but thoroughly. If clumps form, you can sift the cornstarch over the tofu or use a small strainer to dust it on evenly.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories	185
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	16g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	5g
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	1g
Sodium	580mg
Calcium	15% DV
Iron	12% DV
Vitamin C	85% DV
Vitamin K	95% DV

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and portions used.

Final Thoughts

This air fryer tofu and broccoli recipe has become my go-to weeknight dinner for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile, endlessly customizable, and delivers consistent results every single time. Whether you’re a longtime tofu lover or someone who’s been skeptical about cooking with it, this recipe will win you over.

The beauty of using an air fryer is that you get all the crispy, golden deliciousness of fried food without the heavy oil and mess. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just the air fryer basket and a couple of bowls. On those hectic evenings when you’re tempted to order takeout, remember that this homemade version is healthier, cheaper, and honestly, just as quick.

I’d love to hear how your air fryer tofu and broccoli turns out! Drop a comment below with your favorite marinade variations or serving suggestions. And if you’re feeling generous, rate this recipe and share a photo—it makes my day seeing your creations.