Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer crispy tofu is an easy, delicious way to enjoy perfectly crunchy tofu without deep frying. This simple recipe uses a few basic ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying plant-based protein that’s perfect for salads, bowls, or as a snack.

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Press the tofu for 30 minutes using a tofu press. Alternatively, wrap the tofu in a clean tea towel, place it on a plate, top with a heavy skillet, and let it sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: After pressing, drain off any liquid, pat the tofu dry, then slice into small cubes. Cut the block in half widthwise, then into long strips, and finally cube each strip.
3. Step 3: Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir gently to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder over the tofu. Stir gently again to ensure each piece is coated.
5. Step 5: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray. Arrange the tofu in a single layer with space between pieces for proper air flow. Work in batches if necessary.
6. Step 6: Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through. Check for desired crispiness, and cook longer if needed, checking every 1-2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Serve the tofu immediately while crispy and hot.

Tips & Variations

• Pressing the tofu thoroughly helps achieve maximum crispiness by removing excess moisture.
• Try tossing the finished tofu in your favorite sauce, like a spicy sriracha or teriyaki glaze, for added flavor.
• Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Adding smoked paprika or chili powder to the seasoning mix can give a smoky or spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tofu soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or medium tofu for this recipe?

Extra firm tofu works best for air frying because it holds its shape and crisps well. Softer tofu varieties have more moisture and may become mushy instead of crispy.

Do I need to oil the tofu before air frying?

No, the small amount of sesame oil in the marinade combined with the cornstarch coating is enough to create a crispy texture. Lightly spraying the air fryer basket helps prevent sticking.

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

This Air Fryer Crispy Tofu recipe delivers perfectly crunchy tofu cubes with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Pressed tofu is marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, then coated with cornstarch and aromatic seasonings before air frying to golden perfection. A healthy, easy, and delicious plant-based protein option that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for salads, bowls, or as a snack.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu

• 1 pound extra firm tofu

Marinade and Coating

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Press Tofu: Press the tofu for 30 minutes using a tofu press to remove excess moisture. If you don’t have a tofu press, wrap the tofu in a clean tea towel, place it on a plate, top with a heavy skillet, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
2. Slice Tofu: After pressing, drain off any excess liquid, pat the tofu dry, and cut into small cubes. Slice the block in half widthwise, then into long strips, and cube each strip.
3. Marinate Tofu: Place the tofu cubes in a bowl, drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, and gently stir to coat evenly.
4. Coat Tofu: Sprinkle cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder over the tofu cubes. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoning and cornstarch mixture.
5. Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer with space around each for air circulation. Work in batches if necessary based on your air fryer size.
6. Air Fry Tofu: Cook the tofu at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the tofu cubes halfway through cooking to ensure all sides crisp evenly. Check if tofu has reached your preferred level of crispiness; if not, continue air frying, checking every 1-2 minutes to avoid burning.
7. Serve: Remove the tofu from the air fryer once crispy and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Pressing the tofu is essential to achieve crispiness by removing excess water.
• You can customize the seasoning by adding smoked paprika, chili powder, or nutritional yeast for different flavor profiles.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, baking at 425°F on a wire rack for 25-30 minutes can be an alternative.
• Use oil spray sparingly as the goal is to keep this a healthier crisp.
• Best served fresh for maximum crunch; tofu will soften if stored for too long.

Keywords: Air fryer crispy tofu, vegan tofu recipe, crispy tofu bites, healthy tofu snack, plant-based protein