Tofu is a popular plant-based protein that's both nutritious and incredibly versatile. A half-cup serving offers 11 grams of protein along with essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and manganese. Whether you're baking, stir-frying, or blending it into smoothies, tofu can be easily adapted to a wide variety of dishes.

However, achieving perfectly crispy tofu can be challenging. Its soft texture typically requires pressing, marinating, and frying. While frying does result in that coveted crunch, it often involves using a lot of oil, which can be messy and less healthy. This is where the air fryer shines, delivering crispy tofu with minimal oil and effort.

Wondering how to get the best results when air frying tofu? We reached out to Kathy Brooks, owner of Circa Air Fryer, who shared her delicious and foolproof air fryer tofu recipe.

"Whether you're a seasoned tofu lover or a beginner eager to expand your cooking skills, this easy guide will help you create mouthwatering air fryer tofu that's perfect for salads, grain bowls, stir-fries, or even as a tasty snack on its own," says Brooks.

Gather your ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 block (14-16 ounces) of extra-firm tofu (make sure you get extra-firm because this will hold shape the best).
  • 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • Your choice of seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)

Press the tofu.

  1. Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture.
  2. Place the tofu block on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and gently press down.
  3. Alternatively, use a tofu press for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Removing moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

Cut and marinate your tofu.

  1. Once pressed, cut the tofu into even cubes, sticks, or triangles, depending on your preference (Smaller pieces will get crispier in the air fryer).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, and your choice of seasoning.
  3. Add the tofu pieces to the bowl and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
  4. Let the tofu marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preheat your air fryer and coat tofu with cornstarch.

  1. Sprinkle the cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the marinated tofu pieces and toss until each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to create a crunchy exterior.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness.

Air fry the tofu.

  1. Place the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  2. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches.
  3. Cook the tofu at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.

Serve and enjoy.

  1. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.
  2. Your air fryer tofu is ready to be enjoyed on its own, tossed in a salad, added to a rice bowl, or incorporated into your favorite stir-fry.
  3. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To regain crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
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