The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Cooking Tofu
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, and for good reason—they deliver crispy, delicious results with minimal oil, making them ideal for preparing tofu. Tofu, with its versatile texture and ability to absorb flavors, transforms beautifully in an air fryer, achieving a golden, crunchy exterior while staying tender inside. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals, an air fryer can elevate your tofu game. The key is choosing the right model that balances capacity, ease of use, and performance for perfect tofu every time. In this guide, we’ll explore the six best air fryers for cooking tofu in 2025, based on extensive testing and real user feedback, along with a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Key Features to Look for in an Air Fryer for Tofu
Before diving into our top picks, let’s break down the essential features to consider when selecting an air fryer for tofu. These factors ensure your appliance can handle tofu’s unique texture and cooking requirements:
- Capacity: Tofu is often cooked in bite-sized pieces, so a spacious basket or tray is crucial for even cooking without overcrowding. Look for models with at least 4-6 quarts for small to medium households, or larger for families.
- Temperature Control: Precise temperature settings (ideally ranging from 200°F to 450°F) are vital for achieving that crispy exterior without drying out the tofu.
- Ease of Cleaning: Tofu can leave behind marinade or coating residue, so dishwasher-safe baskets or non-stick surfaces are a big plus.
- Versatility: Models with multiple cooking modes (like bake, roast, or dehydrate) allow you to experiment with tofu in stir-fries, salads, or even dehydrated snacks.
- User-Friendly Controls: Digital displays or intuitive analog dials make it easier to set the perfect time and temperature for tofu recipes.
For more insights on air fryer features, check out Consumer Reports’ Air Fryer Buying Guide.
Top 6 Air Fryers for Tofu in 2025
After researching and testing dozens of air fryers, we’ve narrowed down the six best models for cooking tofu, focusing on their performance, ease of use, and suitability for tofu’s unique needs. Each recommendation includes real user reviews from trusted platforms to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus is a standout for tofu lovers, thanks to its spacious 6-quart square basket that allows for even cooking of tofu cubes in a single layer. Its powerful air circulation ensures a crispy, golden exterior without overcooking the interior. With seven preset functions, including air fry, roast, and bake, this model is versatile enough to handle everything from crispy tofu nuggets to baked tofu for salads. The digital interface is intuitive, and the non-stick basket is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
User Review: “This air fryer is a game-changer for tofu! I made crispy tofu bites in under 15 minutes, and they were perfectly golden. The basket is big enough to cook for my family of four without overcrowding.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Instant Vortex Plus on Amazon
Foodi DZ550 Dual Zone Air Fryer
For those who love multitasking, the Ninja Foodi DZ550’s dual-basket design lets you cook tofu and a side dish simultaneously, perfect for complete meals. Each 5-quart basket can be set to different temperatures and times, and the “Sync” feature ensures everything finishes together. This model excels at crisping tofu evenly, thanks to its powerful fan and wide temperature range (up to 450°F). It’s ideal for larger households or meal preppers who want to batch-cook tofu.
User Review: “I love how I can cook tofu in one basket and veggies in the other. The tofu comes out super crispy, and cleanup is easy with the non-stick baskets.” – Best Buy Customer
Buy the Ninja Foodi DZ550 on Amazon
TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Cosori TurboBlaze is a compact yet powerful option, perfect for small kitchens. Its 6-quart capacity is ideal for cooking tofu for two to four people, and its five-fan speed system ensures even crisping. The TurboBlaze offers nine cooking functions, including a dedicated “frozen” mode that works well for frozen tofu. The digital touchscreen is user-friendly, and the dishwasher-safe basket simplifies cleanup. This model also connects to the VeSync app for recipe inspiration, which is great for tofu newbies.
User Review: “This air fryer makes the best crispy tofu I’ve ever had! The controls are so easy to use, and it’s quiet compared to others I’ve tried.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Cosori TurboBlaze on Amazon
Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
For those who want more than just an air fryer, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a countertop powerhouse. With a 1-cubic-foot capacity, it can handle large batches of tofu or even a small tofu-stuffed roast. Its 13 preset functions, including air fry, dehydrate, and proof, make it incredibly versatile for experimenting with tofu textures. The oven-style design with a transparent door lets you monitor your tofu without losing heat, and the included air fry basket ensures crispy results.
User Review: “This is my go-to for tofu—it crisps up perfectly, and I can make enough for the whole week in one go. The extra functions are a bonus for baking tofu dishes.” – Williams-Sonoma Customer
Buy the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro on Amazon
AIR-200 Basket Air Fryer
The Cuisinart AIR-200 is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. Its 6-quart basket is perfect for cooking tofu for a small family, and the window and interior light let you check on your food without opening the basket. With settings for air fry, roast, bake, and broil, it’s versatile enough for various tofu recipes. The non-stick basket is easy to clean, though it’s not dishwasher-safe, which is a minor drawback.
User Review: “I was surprised by how well this air fryer handles tofu. It gets super crispy without any sticking, and the window is a game-changer for checking doneness.” – Macy’s Customer
Buy the Cuisinart AIR-200 on Amazon
ChefMaker Combi Fryer
The Dreo ChefMaker is a high-tech option for tofu enthusiasts who want precision. Its 6-quart basket uses steam and a temperature probe to cook tofu to perfection, preventing dryness. The “Chef Mode” presets and app connectivity guide you through recipes, making it ideal for beginners. While it’s pricier, its ability to handle delicate tofu textures with a crispy finish makes it worth the investment for serious cooks.
User Review: “The ChefMaker makes tofu so easy! The probe ensures it’s never overcooked, and the steam feature keeps it tender inside.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Dreo ChefMaker on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Air Fryer for Tofu
Selecting the right air fryer for tofu involves more than just picking a popular model. Here’s a detailed guide to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen and cooking style:
Capacity and Size
Tofu requires space to crisp up evenly, so avoid overcrowding. For solo cooks or couples, a 4-6-quart model like the Cosori TurboBlaze is sufficient. For families or meal preppers, opt for larger models like the Ninja Foodi DZ550 or Breville Smart Oven, which can handle bigger batches. Measure your counter space to ensure the air fryer fits comfortably, leaving room for ventilation. The Good Housekeeping Air Fryer Guide emphasizes checking actual capacity, as some models overstate their usable space.
Temperature and Cooking Modes
Tofu typically cooks best at 375°F to 400°F for 10-15 minutes, so look for air fryers with precise temperature controls in this range. Models with multiple modes, like the Instant Vortex Plus or Breville Smart Oven, offer flexibility for baking, roasting, or dehydrating tofu. A “max crisp” mode, found in some Ninja models, is great for extra-crispy tofu bites.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Digital controls, like those on the Cosori TurboBlaze, are intuitive for setting exact times and temperatures, which is crucial for tofu’s quick cooking time. Non-stick baskets or dishwasher-safe parts, as seen in the Instant Vortex Plus, make cleanup easier after handling sticky marinades or coatings. Avoid models with complex interfaces that could slow you down.
Additional Features
Some air fryers offer unique features that enhance tofu preparation. The Dreo ChefMaker’s temperature probe ensures precise cooking, while the Ninja Foodi’s dual baskets allow you to cook tofu and sides simultaneously. App connectivity, available in the Cosori and Dreo models, provides recipes and tips, which is helpful for tofu novices. For recipe inspiration, visit Love and Lemons’ Air Fryer Tofu Recipe.
Budget Considerations
Air fryers range from budget-friendly ($50-$100) to premium ($200+). The Cuisinart AIR-200 offers great value for basic tofu cooking, while the Breville Smart Oven justifies its higher price with versatility and capacity. Consider how often you will use the air fryer and whether extra features are worth the cost.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Tofu in an Air Fryer
To get the most out of your air fryer for tofu, follow these tips:
- Press the Tofu: Remove excess moisture by pressing tofu for 15-30 minutes before cooking to ensure crispiness.
- Use a Coating: Toss tofu in cornstarch or potato starch for a crackly exterior, as recommended by The New York Times’ Air Fryer Tofu Recipe.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange tofu in a single layer to allow air circulation for even cooking.
- Shake or Flip: Shake the basket or flip tofu halfway through cooking to ensure all sides crisp up evenly.
- Experiment with Marinades: Marinate tofu in soy sauce, sriracha, or maple syrup for extra flavor before air frying.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
