Air Fryer Crispy Tofu and Sweet Potato Fries

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden-brown tofu cubes and tender sweet potato sticks cooked to perfection in a single air fryer basket. This asian-inspired air fryer ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, garlic powder, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Place tofu cubes in air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping, then cook at 390°F (199°C) for 12 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
  3. Step 3: Toss 2 medium peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks sweet potatoes with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add sweet potatoes to air fryer basket (if space allows) or cook separately at 390°F (199°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra paprika for garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Crispy Tofu and Sweet Potato Fries take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Crispy Tofu and Sweet Potato Fries?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Crispy Tofu and Sweet Potato Fries?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Crispy Tofu and Sweet Potato Fries for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Air Fryer Crispy Tofu and Sweet Potato Fries?

Asian air fryer like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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