Air Fryer Tofu
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Tofu
Description
This method begins by pressing extra firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cutting it into uniform cubes. The tofu is marinated briefly or longer in a mix of tamari, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and spices to add flavor and promote crispiness.
Cooking the tofu in an air fryer in a single layer yields a crunchy crust thanks to the cornstarch and seasoning, while the interior remains tender. The spices contribute a savory, smoky profile balanced with mild acidity from the vinegar.
This crispy tofu can be served as a snack, salad topping, or a protein addition to meals. It tastes best freshly cooked as it loses crispness over time. Working in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking. Pressing and cutting tofu into similarly sized pieces helps achieve consistent results.
The tofu may be marinated refrigerated from 30 minutes up to 12 hours before air frying to enhance flavor absorption.
Ingredients
- 350 grams tofu GMO free preferred, extra firm, 12 ounce block
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce if not avoiding gluten
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet
- ¼ teaspoon salt optional, sea salt
Instructions
Press the Tofu
- Cut your tofu into half inch cubes. Then arrange some paper towels or a clean dish towel on a cutting board and place the tofu cubes in a single layer on top. Now add more paper towels on top of the cubes and place another cutting board, flat plate or baking sheet on top. Finally place something very heavy on top like a cast iron skillet or a heavy book. Press like this for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Prepare the Tofu
- Combine all the dry seasoning, including the corn starch in a small bowl, and set aside.
- Place the pressed tofu cubes in a shallow dish or container and pour the tamari and rice vinegar on top, toss to evenly coat. Then sprinkle all the seasoning on top and mix well. If you use a container, you can put the lid on and gently rotate the container around to evenly spread the seasoning.
- Arrange your cubes in your fryer basket in a single layer working in two batches, if you have a small fryer. Do not over crowd your tofu to ensure maximum crispiness. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, mixing or shaking your basket around the halfway point. Mine were perfect at 13 minutes, but start checking on the tofu around the 10 minute mark.
- Serve with a dip like spicy mayo or cashew cream. Or use to top some rice and veggies.
Notes
- Press tofu before cutting into cubes to remove excess moisture for better crisping.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; use batches if needed for even cooking and crispiness.
- Cubes cut to similar sizes cook evenly and produce consistent texture.
- For more flavor, marinate the tofu refrigerated between 30 minutes and 12 hours prior to air frying.
- Consume the tofu soon after cooking, as it loses crispness over time.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 67 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 67cal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Sodium | 559mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 179mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 246IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.