The Best Air Fryer Hasselback Tofu Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Tofu Recipe

Air frying tofu is my favorite way to make tofu because it’s quick and easy and doesn’t compromise flavor or texture. I’ve been obsessed with these crispy garlic sesame tofu sticks and these breaded tofu fingers, but today I’ve got a new tofu recipe to share!   

This Hasselback tofu is not only pretty but also creates so many grooves to hold flavour which makes for a super delicious recipe. I used high protein tofu (meaning extra extra firm tofu, with less water content) and threw it in the air fryer, then served it with a quickie sauce for a full meal. 

Try this, especially if you’re looking for a fun new way to eat tofu. It might be my new favourite! And if you’re looking to jazz up your tofu game, take a look at these 50 tofu + tempeh recipes– you’re sure to find some inspiration! 

Ingredient Notes

• high protein tofu: We’re using the whole block of tofu for this recipe but you can make tofu cubes if you prefer.  
• neutral oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil work well.
• salt
• green onion
• tamari, soy sauce, or liquid aminos 
• toasted sesame oil
• rice wine vinegar
• coconut sugar
• gochugaru: Korean red pepper chili flakes.

See below for the full recipe card and exact ingredient amounts.

How to Make Air Fryer Tofu

Step 1: Pat your block of tofu dry with paper towels to remove excess water/moisture. Slice into pieces about an inch thick.

Step 2: Place a slice of tofu on a cutting board, then lay flat with a chopstick on either side. The chopsticks create a buffer while you cut, so the cuts don’t go all the way through. Make cuts all the way across the face of the tofu, the closer together, the better. Repeat with remaining tofu. 

Step 3: Give the cut pieces of tofu a spray with oil, I like to use a spray of avocado oil or brush on to coat. Season with salt then add to your air fryer basket in a single layer and fry at 370F for 8-9 minutes, or bake in the oven. The tofu should be golden brown and crisp on the surface.

Step 4: To prepare the sauce, whisk together tamari, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, coconut sugar, and gochugaru in a large bowl.

Step 5: Cut your green onions into 3-inch pieces, then press them flat and slice lengthwise into very fine strips. Place into a bowl of water with ice and let sit to curl up for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve tofu with rice, sauce to taste, and fresh green onion curls for garnish.

Secrets to Success

• Make sure you’re buying the right tofu! Using extra-firm tofu for this recipe will allow your tofu to cook better because it contains less moisture. Less moisture also means no pressing! Extra-firm tofu holds its shape better than soft tofu when cooking in the air fryer, especially, which is perfect for a recipe like this one where we’re slicing thin grooves into the tofu.
• When looking for tofu avoid anything that says silken on it. Silken tofu is great for other recipes that require a soft tofu. 
• Make sure you don’t overcrowd your tofu in your air fryer. We want it to cook perfectly!

Serving Suggestions

I recommend serving your air fryer tofu warm in a rice bowl, stir fry, or your favourite salad. 

For a dipping sauce, try my vegan, gluten-free, oil-free peanut sauce! This creamy sauce is full of flavor. If you have another favorite sauce you can also use that for a tofu marinade!

Storage Tips

• For best results, let your air fryer tofu cool to room temperature before you put it in the fridge. Once cooled, store your tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 – 5 days. 
• I recommend making a new batch of sauce for your leftovers. 
• If you want to freeze your leftover tofu, put it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. 
• The easiest way to reheat your leftovers is in your air fryer! Air fry at 375F for 4-5 minutes. You can also use your oven or microwave to reheat. 
• To meal prep or prep in advance let your uncooked tofu marinade in the fridge for a day in advance before air frying.