Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (Print)
Golden, crunchy tofu cubes with tender interior ready in 25 minutes. Perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding protein to grain bowls.
# What You Need:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 ounces firm or extra-firm tofu
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
07 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
# How to Make:
01 - Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Allow it to press for 10 minutes to extract excess moisture.
02 - Slice the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
03 - In a spacious bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss to ensure even coating.
04 - Evenly sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes. Toss again until all pieces are thoroughly coated.
05 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
06 - Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; if necessary, cook in multiple batches. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
07 - Serve the crispy tofu hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It delivers that elusive perfect crunch every single time, making weeknight dinners feel effortlessly gourmet.
- You'll be amazed how quickly something so simple can become your go-to protein for bowls, salads, or just plain snacking.
02 -
- The biggest game-changer for truly crispy tofu isn't just the air fryer, it's making sure you press out as much water as possible before anything else.
- Adding the cornstarch after marinating, rather than mixing it all together from the start, results in a much more consistent, crispier coating that doesn't clump.
03 -
- For an even deeper flavor, let your tofu marinate for an extra 20-30 minutes before adding the cornstarch; the flavors will truly penetrate.
- Never overcrowd the air fryer basket; airflow is crucial for crispiness, so cook in batches if you need to, trust me on this one.