Description
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is the perfect snack or addition to your favorite dish! This tofu is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with minimal oil and no deep frying. Toss it in your favorite sauce or serve it with a dipping sauce for a tasty treat. This easy and healthy recipe is great for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone craving a healthier take on crispy tofu.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Press and prepare the tofu:
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture (use a tofu press or wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top). Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to drain.
- After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Season the tofu:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tofu cubes, olive oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Gently toss the tofu until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Air fry the tofu:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there is some space between each piece for maximum crispiness.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy tofu as a snack, or toss it in your favorite sauce like soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or peanut sauce. It’s also perfect on top of salads, bowls, or stir-fries.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce and seasonings for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Make sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway through to get all sides crispy.
- If you like it extra crispy, air fry for a few more minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- You can also try adding a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of the recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0g