Skip the takeout and make flavorful, crispy Air-Fryer Tofu at home with a few simple ingredients.
I was never much of a tofu fan because I thought it was bland. It turned out that I wasn’t making it properly. After having crispy, flavorful chunks of fried tofu at a restaurant, I knew I could do this at home. This recipe for air-fried tofu is a game-changer. It eliminates the oil necessary for deep frying and lets the air fryer do what it does best—create crispy, deliciously healthy foods.
Say goodbye to grease splatters all over your stovetop and walls, and say hello to tender bites of tofu surrounded by a delectable crunchy coating—no breadcrumbs or batter required! Cornstarch provides a naturally crispy coating to the tofu. You can also use tapioca, potato, or arrowroot starches if needed.
Another positive aspect of air-frying tofu is that you can readily change the flavor profile by altering the seasonings. Grab your favorite spice blend, such as Cajun, BBQ, Italian, or Southwestern, to make it the star of whatever side dishes you are preparing. One of my other favorite ways to prepare this is to add a few shakes of smoked paprika and a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast to this recipe. It’s so good!
Is Air-Fryer Tofu Healthy?
Air-frying tofu is much healthier than deep-frying, as it reduces both fat and calories. Tofu itself is packed with plant protein, vitamins such as vitamin A, and other nutrients, including fiber and calcium. Substituting tofu for animal meat is healthy for the body and good for the environment. Toss these tofu cubes with a vegetable stir-fry to enhance the meal’s nutritional value.
The Importance Of Pressing Your Tofu
Pressing tofu releases excess water that can keep your delicate chunks from getting crispy. Skip this and you will likely have soggy tofu chunks. However, take the few extra minutes required to complete this step and you will be well rewarded for your efforts.
You don’t need to spend extra money on fancy tofu-pressing equipment. A heavy skillet, pot, or book will work fine. Ensure your tofu is extra-firm or super-firm, because regular (or silken) tofu will not hold up to pressing. I like to place my tofu wrapped in paper towels on an upside-down plate on a baking sheet so that the liquid runs down the sides rather than pooling around the tofu. You may need to replace the paper towels or clean kitchen towels halfway through if they become too wet and stop absorbing the moisture.
FAQs & Tips
HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?
Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate leftover tofu cubes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for maximum crispness. Freezing leftovers should be done by placing the cubes on a parchment-lined baking tray and freezing until solid (2-3 hours). Once frozen, put the cubes in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture becomes slightly chewier, but that also makes them so good.
WHY IS MY TOFU NOT GETTING CRISPY?
There are two likely reasons for tofu not getting crispy enough in an air fryer. First, the pressing stage did not remove enough moisture. Try squeezing your tofu after pressing it. If water still comes out, it’s not dry enough. Press it again. The other reason is that the tofu cubes were crowded in the air fryer basket. Ensure that each piece is separate from the others so that the air can circulate around the cubes.
DO I HAVE TO MARINATE THE TOFU BEFORE AIR-FRYING?
While you don’t HAVE to marinate the tofu, the recipe calls for it because marinating infuses the tofu with flavor. Otherwise, while the outside of each cube will be flavorful, the insides will be bland. Marinating does not take long—only 15 minutes—but the result is worth it.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your air-fried tofu with dishes such as Curry Noodles, Korean Noodles, Cabbage Stir-Fry, and Broccoli And Mushroom Stir-Fry. For some appetizer fun, try the tofu with this Sweet And Sour Sauce or Potsticker Sauce. Spear the tofu chunks with toothpicks and dip away.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu 14-ounces
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 1/2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Wrap the tofu in paper towels and press with a heavy object for 15 minutes to remove extra moisture. Then cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Put the tofu cubes into a bowl. Add soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and onion powder, then gently mix to coat.
- Dust the tofu with cornstarch and mix again until it’s evenly covered. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the tofu in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu turns golden and crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment