How to make tofu in the air fryer
Crispy and delicious air fried tofu. Super quick and easy to make. This tofu goes great on a salad, in a stir fry or buddha bowl. Never have boring or bland tofu again!
Crispy tofu ingredients
I love this recipe because of the simplicity of ingredient. You can always play around with different flavors later, but this is what I love to start with.
- Extra firm tofu – Make sure to use this type of tofu to give you the chewiest and best texture. Firm or medium firm tofu will be less chewy and end up being less crispy as well.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Soy sauce – This adds a nice saltiness and umami flavor to the tofu
- Oil – I usually try to use oils that have a good smoke point because we’re going to be roasting the tofu at 400 degree. Some oils I’ve used in the past are: avocado oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil. You can also use olive oil. Toasted sesame oil is also fun to add.
- Corn starch – This is how you get nice and crunchy tofu. Corn starch adds an amazing crispy and crunchy texture to the outside of the tofu.
This recipe is
- healthy (1)
- vegan
- gluten free
- high in protein
- quick and easy
Helpful tips
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Do this recipe in batches if needed. This allows for air to circulate the around the whole tofu cube, getting it evenly crispy.
It’s very important to press the tofu before air frying. This takes out excess moisture, so you don’t end up with soggy tofu. You can either set a few heavy pans and paper towels on top of the tofu and press for 20-30 minutes.
Or to make it easier you can get a tofu press. Use code DAMNTASTY for 10% off. The one I just linked is one of my favorites. It makes clean up a lot easier.
If you want to go one step further with the chewiness of the tofu, freeze it in the container. Then let it completely thaw. After it thaws, gently press the water out for only 1-2 minutes. Freezing the tofu changes the structure of the tofu so it’s more chewy, like chicken.
After air frying the tofu, let it sit for 5 minutes. It crisps up even more once it starts to slightly cool.
More flavor combinations
The base of this recipe is oil, cornstarch and soy sauce. From there, you can play around with different seasonings. Another seasoning combination you can use is:
- Maple syrup
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic powder
- Corn starch
What type of air fryer should I use?
An air fryer with a big basket would be best for this recipe.
I don’t have room in my kitchen for a big air fryer, so I use the AICOOK air fryer instant pot lid.
I love this air fryer because it transforms an appliance I already have, into another appliance, so it takes up less storage space.
Storing tips
This tofu can last in an air tight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. It will lose its crispiness.
To re-heat the tofu, heat it in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. Re-heating in the air fryer will help get its crispiness back.
FAQ’s
Can I make this oil free?
The great thing about the air fryer is that you can use a lot less oil in recipes. You can absolutely make this oil free. It just won’t taste as rich, but it will be healthier.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Before I got an air fryer, I used to make tofu in the oven all the time. Just put it on a lined baking sheet, then bake ate 420 degrees for about 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Do I really have to press the tofu?
Yes! If you want the tofu to not turn out mushy or soggy, it’s very important to not skip this step. To make it easier, invest in a tofu press. Use code DAMNTASY for 10% off.
It took me a while to finally buy a tofu press because I though I didn’t need one more kitchen tool. I was so happy I made the choice to get one, because I make a lot of tofu, and it makes it a lot easier.
More recipes you’ll love
- How to cook with tofu
- Sticky maple miso tofu
- Quinoa tofu bowl
- Air fryer sweet potato cubes
- Easy air fryer asparagus
- Vegan butter tofu
Crispy air fried tofu
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 16 ounce block of extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
Instructions
- Press the tofu with a tofu press or heavy pan for 15-20 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into 1" cubes and add to a large mixing bowl. Add the oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder and corn starch. Mix very gently with a flat spoon, so you don't make the tofu crumble.16 ounce block of extra firm tofu, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon corn starch
- Add to the air fryer, making sure not to crowd the the tofu. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until it looks crispy and golden brown. Let it cool and crisp up for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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