Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe offers a quick and healthy way to prepare perfectly golden and crunchy tofu cubes. Marinated with savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic and onion powders, and lightly coated with cornstarch, the tofu crisps beautifully in the air fryer, delivering a deliciously satisfying plant-based protein snack or meal addition.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 1 block firm tofu
Marinade and Coating
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to achieve a firmer texture that crisps better when cooked.
- Prepare the tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into approximately 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Marinate the tofu: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce (or tamari), olive or sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and rice vinegar if using. Gently toss the tofu cubes in this marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Let the tofu marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the tofu.
- Air fry the tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to maximize crispiness. Air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crisp texture.
- Serve: When the tofu cubes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, remove them from the air fryer. Serve hot as a tasty snack, a protein-packed salad topper, or alongside rice and vegetables as part of a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is key to achieving a crispy exterior — do not skip this step.
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a similar crispiness.
- Rice vinegar is optional but adds a nice tang to the marinade.
- Adjust seasoning and salt according to taste.
- Shake the air fryer basket gently at least once during cooking to ensure even browning.
