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- 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz), drained and pressed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds Crispy air fryer tofu starts with firm tofu. This type holds its shape well. Drain and press it for the best texture. Aim for bite-sized cubes, about one inch each. Next, mix your main ingredients. Combine soy sauce and sesame oil in a bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. This mix gives the tofu rich flavor. Now, sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu. Toss gently to coat every piece. The cornstarch creates that delightful crispy crust when air frying. Garnish your tofu with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These add color and crunch. This step makes the dish more appealing and tasty. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a dish that's both easy and delicious. Enjoy your crispy air fryer tofu! {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating helps the tofu cook evenly. It gets nice and crispy, giving you the best texture. First, drain the tofu from its package. Press it gently to remove excess water. This step is key for crispy tofu. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Make sure they are even for cooking. In a bowl, mix these ingredients: - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Toss the tofu cubes in this marinade. Make sure every piece is covered well. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak in the flavors. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the marinated tofu. Toss it gently again. This step adds crunch. Ensure every piece has a thin layer of cornstarch for the best results. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping them. Cook for 15-18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This helps all sides get crispy. Look for a golden brown color when done. To get the crispiest tofu, follow these tips: - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes. - Cut your tofu into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. - Make sure the tofu cubes don’t touch in the basket. - Shake the basket halfway through cooking to allow hot air to circulate. - Cook until golden brown and crisp, around 15-18 minutes. To prevent sticking, use these methods: - Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray. - Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch before air frying. This adds a nice crunch. To boost the flavor of your tofu, consider these spices: - Add cayenne for heat. - Try cumin for a warm, earthy flavor. - Use herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh twist. For alternative marinades, here are some ideas: - Use teriyaki sauce for a sweet touch. - Try a spicy chili sauce for a kick. - Incorporate lime juice and cilantro for a zesty option. Pair your crispy tofu with these tasty options: - Serve with soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping. - Try a peanut sauce for a rich, nutty flavor. For side dishes, consider these: - Brown rice or quinoa for a filling meal. - Steamed veggies or a fresh salad to balance the dish. - Noodles tossed in sesame oil for a delightful combination. Pro Tips Press Tofu Properly: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier texture when air frying. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite spices or sauces, such as sriracha or ginger, for an extra flavor kick. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer without overlap. This allows hot air to circulate evenly and ensures maximum crispiness. Check for Doneness: Since air fryers can vary in performance, start checking your tofu at the 15-minute mark to prevent overcooking and achieve your desired crispiness. {{image_2}} Tofu comes in many forms, but firm and extra-firm are the most common. Firm tofu has a softer texture. It absorbs flavors well and is great for stir-fries. Extra-firm tofu is denser and holds its shape better. It’s perfect for air frying since it gets crispier. When choosing tofu, consider your dish. For crispy air fryer tofu, go with extra-firm. It gives you that perfect crunch! You can change the flavor of your crispy tofu easily. For an Asian twist, try adding ginger or chili flakes. You can create a sweet and spicy taste with honey or sriracha. Infusing different spices can make your tofu unique. For example, try cumin for a warm flavor or lemon zest for brightness. Mix and match to find your favorite taste! If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! You can bake your tofu in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway for even cooking. Pan-frying is another option. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the tofu until golden brown. Each method gives you a different texture, so feel free to explore! To keep your crispy air fryer tofu fresh, use an airtight container. Glass containers work well. You can also use a plastic container, but ensure it seals tightly. Store the tofu in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you notice it getting soggy, you may want to consume it sooner. To reheat your crispy tofu, the air fryer is a great choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the tofu in the basket. Heat for about 5 to 8 minutes. This helps regain its crispiness. You can also use a skillet. Just warm it on medium heat for a few minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy. To make crispy air fryer tofu, follow these steps: 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. 2. Prepare the tofu by draining and pressing it. Cut it into bite-sized cubes. 3. Mix the marinade in a bowl. Use soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. 4. Toss the tofu cubes in the marinade until fully coated. 5. Add cornstarch and toss gently again. This helps create a crispy layer. 6. Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping. 7. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking. 8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Yes, you can use frozen tofu, but it will change the texture. Frozen tofu becomes spongy and absorbs more flavor. To use it, thaw the tofu first, then press and cut it. This tofu can be even more flavorful since it soaks up the marinade well. Air-fried tofu is a healthier choice than deep-fried tofu. It has less oil, so it has fewer calories and less fat. Tofu itself is a great source of protein, iron, and calcium. Air frying keeps the nutrients while adding a crispy texture. You can serve crispy air fryer tofu with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal - A fresh salad with a tangy dressing - Dipping sauces like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce These options will complement the flavors of the tofu and create a balanced meal. Crispy air fryer tofu is easy to make and delicious. You only need key ingredients, like firm tofu, cornstarch, and soy sauce. We covered steps from preheating the air fryer to seasoning and garnishing your dish. Remember, the right tofu texture and cooking method matter. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving suggestions. With a few tips, you can store, reheat, and savor this dish later. Dive in and enjoy your tasty, homemade tofu experience!

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Delight

A delicious and crispy tofu dish made in the air fryer, perfect for a healthy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped green onions
  • for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • While the air fryer heats, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch each).
  • In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Gently add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss gently again to ensure each piece is coated well.
  • Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap for even cooking.
  • Air fry the tofu for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for maximum crispiness. Cook until golden brown and crisp.
  • Once done, carefully remove the tofu from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving plate.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Ensure the tofu is well-pressed for the best texture.
Keyword air fryer, crispy, healthy, tofu, vegan