Description
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe is a quick and flavorful way to make golden, crunchy tofu with simple pantry ingredients. This easy air fryer tofu is perfect for rice bowls, salads, wraps, and meal prep, with extra firm tofu, soy sauce, cornstarch, and seasonings creating a crispy outside and tender center.
Ingredients
14 oz extra firm tofu
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Drain the tofu, wrap it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and press it for 20 to 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut it into even bite sized cubes.
2. Place the tofu cubes in a mixing bowl. Add the soy sauce and olive oil, then gently toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss again so the seasoning covers the tofu evenly.
4. Add the cornstarch and gently toss until each piece has a light coating.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F if needed. Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between the pieces.
6. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy on the edges.
7. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Pressing the tofu well makes the biggest difference in texture, so do not skip that step if you want crisp edges.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the tofu will steam instead of turning golden and crisp.
For extra flavor, toss the cooked tofu in a little sweet chili sauce, sesame sauce, or a splash of soy sauce right before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg