The Ultimate Air Fryer Tofu Recipe: Crispy, Healthy, and Delicious!

Tofu is a versatile and protein-packed ingredient loved by vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious eaters alike. Whether you’re looking for a plant-based protein or just want to add more variety to your meals, tofu can be an excellent choice. One of the best ways to cook tofu is by using the air fryer. The air fryer can produce perfectly crispy tofu on the outside while keeping it soft and tender inside, without the need for excessive oil. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe for making crispy and delicious air fryer tofu.

Why Air Fryer Tofu?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook by using hot air to cook food with little to no oil. Air frying tofu results in a crispy exterior without deep-frying, making it a healthier option. The air fryer’s ability to distribute heat evenly ensures that your tofu is cooked to perfection, creating a texture that’s both crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you enjoy tofu as a main dish, in salads, or as an addition to stir-fries, air fryer tofu is a game-changer.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Tofu

To make the perfect air fryer tofu, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu – 14 oz block of tofu. The firmer the tofu, the better it holds its shape during cooking, which is essential for crispiness.
2. Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon. You can use any cooking oil of your choice, but olive oil adds a nice flavor and helps the tofu crisp up.
3. Soy Sauce – 2 tablespoons. This will marinate the tofu and add a savory flavor.
4. Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon. This is the secret ingredient to achieving that crispy, crunchy texture on the tofu.
5. Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon. For added flavor.
6. Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon. Complements the garlic powder and adds a savory note.
7. Paprika – 1 teaspoon. Adds smokiness and color to the tofu.
8. Ground Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon. To taste.
9. Salt – A pinch. Season to your preference.
10. Optional: You can also add chili flakes, sesame oil, or nutritional yeast for extra flavor depending on your preference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Tofu

Step 1: Press the Tofu

Before you begin, it’s important to press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Moisture is the enemy of crispy tofu, so pressing helps to achieve a better texture. To do this:

Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the liquid.

Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Place the wrapped tofu on a plate, and set something heavy on top, like a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books.

Press for at least 15-20 minutes to extract as much water as possible.

If you have a tofu press, you can use that for even more efficient pressing.

Step 2: Cut the Tofu

Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into cubes or strips, depending on your preference. For a crispy texture, aim for 1-inch cubes or slices. Smaller pieces will cook faster and become crunchier, while larger pieces will retain more softness inside.

Step 3: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the tofu pieces to the bowl and gently toss to coat each piece evenly with the marinade. You can also let the tofu marinate for 10-15 minutes if you have extra time, but it’s not essential.

Step 4: Coat the Tofu with Cornstarch

Once the tofu is marinated, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu pieces. Toss the tofu again to ensure that the cornstarch coats each piece evenly. The cornstarch is key to getting that crispy exterior as it helps to form a crunchy coating when cooked.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the tofu starts cooking immediately and crisps up faster.

Step 6: Air Fry the Tofu

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If needed, cook the tofu in batches.

Air fry the tofu at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The tofu is ready when it’s golden brown and crispy on all sides. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your tofu cubes and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it toward the end of the cooking time.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your tofu is crispy and golden, remove it from the air fryer. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or peanut sauce. You can also add it to salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls for a protein-packed meal.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tofu

Press the Tofu Well: The key to crispy tofu is pressing out as much moisture as possible. The more moisture you remove, the crispier the tofu will get.

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Cornstarch creates the perfect crunchy coating on the tofu. If you skip this step, the tofu may not crisp up as well.

Marinate for Extra Flavor: While you can cook tofu without marinating it, allowing it to soak in the marinade for a bit will give it a more flavorful punch.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, ensure that the tofu pieces are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.

Use High Heat: Cooking the tofu at a high temperature (375°F or 190°C) ensures that it crisps up properly without becoming too soft or mushy.

Serve Immediately: Tofu is at its crispiest right out of the air fryer. If you let it sit for too long, it may lose its crunch.

Healthier Tofu Options

While this recipe is already a healthier option compared to deep frying, you can make a few modifications to make it even more nutritious:

Use Less Oil: If you want to reduce the fat content, you can skip the olive oil or use just a light spray.

Opt for Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.

Add Vegetables: Serve the tofu with air-fried or steamed vegetables for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.

Conclusion

Air fryer tofu is an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this versatile plant-based protein. The crispiness achieved in the air fryer adds a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the tofu’s soft interior. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, adding it to a salad, or tossing it into a stir-fry, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make crispy, flavorful tofu every time. So, grab your air fryer and start cooking! This crispy tofu is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.

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