Easy Cherry Tomato and Tofu Skewers (Air Fryer Vegan Snack)
If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free, protein-packed snack that’s vegan, kid-approved, and ready in under 20 minutes? These easy cherry tomato and tofu skewers are a winner for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even a fun side at dinner. They’re crispy, colourful, and made entirely in the air fryer – no oven needed!
If you’ve been wondering what easy vegan snacks for kids actually look like — this recipe is your answer. Bonus: It’s loaded with plant-based protein and veggies (with zero complaints from the little ones!).
What Do Vegan Kids Eat?
This is a question I get all the time — and the truth is, vegan kids eat real, colourful, satisfying food! Think:
And now, these air-fried tofu and cherry tomato skewers
But I get it — feeding kids isn’t always easy.
As a dad, I’ve had my fair share of mealtime battles (hello untouched dinner plates). When we first introduced tofu, my kids wouldn’t even look at it — let alone taste it. But like most things with parenting, persistence pays off.
Research shows it can take 15 to 20 exposures to a new food before kids even consider trying it. That’s not failure — that’s normal. And it’s why I keep showing up with the same foods in new ways. These tofu skewers, for example, make tofu fun — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. Now, it’s not even questioned when tofu shows up on their plates.
If your little ones are hesitant with new foods, don’t stress. Keep offering, keep modelling, and keep the pressure low. You might be surprised what ends up in their bellies!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Skewers
Quick and ready in 15 minutes
Packed with plant protein and fresh veggies
A fun, dippable lunchbox snack or side
Kid-friendly and endlessly customisable
Is an Air Fryer Good for Vegans?
Short answer? Absolutely!
An air fryer is one of the best tools for vegan cooking — especially if you’re short on time or cooking for a family. It gives you that crispy, golden finish without deep frying or waiting for the oven to preheat.
Some of our favourite tofu air fryer recipes and vegan air fryer snacks include:
And of course, these cherry tomato and tofu skewers
You’ll love how hands-off this recipe is. Just season, air fry, skewer, and give them another quick blast in the air fryer. Done and dusted.
Variations to Try
Add zucchini slices or capsicum chunks between tofu for more colour and veg
Use a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a BBQ flavour
Try with tempeh or chickpea tofu for a soy-free version
Raising Vegan Kids & My Lunchbox Resource
Feeding kids a balanced vegan diet isn’t just doable — it can be delicious.
I created 7 Weeks of Vegan Kids Lunchbox Ideas for parents looking to reduce mealtime stress and keep things fresh.
Plus, I regularly share real tips and recipes for raising happy, healthy vegan kids. These skewers are a perfect example — quick, familiar ingredients, and a new way to present tofu and veggies they’ll actually eat!
If you’re looking for a great resource on raising vegan kids, be sure to check out my Guide to Raising Vegan Kids ebook where I give you an abundance of tips and tricks on all stages of childhood - and most importantly, no more boring vegan kids lunchboxes!
FAQ for these Easy Cherry Tomato and Tofu Skewers
How do you get tofu crispy in the air fryer?
The secret is a light coating (like nutritional yeast) and a bit of oil-free seasoning. Air fry in a single layer without crowding the basket for the crispiest results.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can air fry the tofu and assemble the skewers the night before. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes before serving, or serve cold for lunchboxes.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Try BBQ sauce, sweet chilli, hummus, or even vegan tzatziki.
Are these gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your nutritional yeast is gluten-free – then you’re good to go!
These easy cherry tomato and tofu skewers are a fantastic way to make tofu fun and delicious for the whole family. They’re simple, quick, and packed with protein – everything you want in an easy vegan snack for kids. Plus, they double as a great lunchbox option or party platter idea.
Keep showing up with nourishing meals, even when the plates come back full. Kids’ taste buds evolve — and with patience, your little ones will be scoffing tofu like mine do now!
INGREDIENTS
Easy Cherry Tomato and Tofu Skewers
250g firm tofu, cubed
1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
9 cherry tomatoes
Toothpicks or small skewers
METHOD
In a large bowl, add cubed tofu, soy sauce, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast. Gently toss until tofu is evenly coated.
Place tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 170°C for 8 minutes until slightly crisp on the edges.
Once tofu is cool enough to handle, thread your skewers in this order:
1 cherry tomato
2 tofu cubes
Repeat two more times (you’ll end up with 3 tomatoes and 6 tofu cubes per skewer)
Return the skewers to the air fryer and cook for another 6–8 minutes at 170°C until the tomatoes are just blistered and tofu is golden.
Great served warm or cold with your favourite dipping sauce.
*This blog includes affiliates links where I may receive a commission
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