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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

crispy air fryer tofu recipe - featured image

An easy and quick recipe for perfectly crunchy tofu made in the air fryer, delivering a golden crust and tender inside with minimal oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400 g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, placing it on a plate, and weighing it down with a heavy object for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss the tofu cubes gently in the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Transfer the marinated tofu to another bowl and sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the cubes. Toss until each piece is lightly coated.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray or brush olive or avocado oil on the air fryer basket or tray. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer without overcrowding.
  7. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking or flipping the tofu halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Check at 10 minutes if your air fryer runs hot.
  8. Remove tofu and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow the crust to firm up.

Notes

Press tofu properly to remove excess moisture for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Use cornstarch for a lighter, crispier crust. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tofu, air fryer tofu, vegan tofu recipe, healthy tofu, crunchy tofu, easy tofu recipe, plant-based protein