Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is one of the easiest recipes you could make for a quick meal. This recipe shows you how to get crispy tofu with just a few simple ingredients. It has a golden outside and tender inside that we all love. You might wonder why this cooking method works so well, but it uses hot air to make the tofu crispy.

I like how quick it is to make, and some people say it tastes better than oven-baked tofu. We can have this ready in under 40 minutes, and then you can add it to any dish you want.

Why Make Tofu in an Air Fryer

Making tofu in an air fryer gives you the crispiest results with less oil than other cooking methods. The hot air moves around the tofu pieces and creates a golden, crunchy outside while keeping the inside soft. I find that air fryer tofu cooks faster than baking it in the oven. You also don’t need to flip it as much, which makes cooking easier. The air fryer heats up quickly, so you can start cooking right away without waiting for a big oven to heat up.

Ingredients For Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

• 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
• ½ tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons tamari
• ½ teaspoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

1. Press the tofu if you have time. Wrap the tofu block in a kitchen towel or paper towels. Put a heavy cast iron skillet on top and let it sit for 30 minutes. This step helps remove extra water from the tofu, which makes it crispier when you cook it.
2. Heat your air fryer to 400°F.
3. Mix the oil, tamari, and sriracha in a large bowl. Cut the tofu into cubes and add them to the bowl. Gently toss the tofu to coat all pieces with the sauce.
4. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until all pieces are coated.
5. Put the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave some space between each piece and don’t pack them too tightly. If you have too much tofu, cook it in batches.
6. Air fry for 11 to 15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking. The tofu is done when it looks golden brown and feels crispy around the edges. Different air fryers may need different cooking times.
7. Repeat with any remaining tofu pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crispy air fryer tofu over rice bowls with steamed vegetables. You can add it to salads for extra protein and crunch. Try putting the tofu in wraps with fresh lettuce and cucumber. It also tastes great in stir-fries or noodle dishes. I like to eat it as a snack with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

Expert Tips

• Use extra-firm tofu – It holds its shape better during cooking and achieves a crispier texture than softer varieties.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch – This ingredient is essential for creating that perfect crunchy coating on your tofu pieces.
• Cut uniform pieces – Make sure your tofu pieces are about the same size so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
• Pat dry if needed – If your tofu seems too wet, use paper towels to pat it dry before adding any sauce or seasonings.
• Preheat your air fryer – Let the air fryer heat up fully before adding the tofu to ensure even cooking throughout.

Ways to Serve Air Crispy Tofu

Add the crispy tofu to Buddha bowls with quinoa and roasted vegetables. Use it as a protein in Asian-style lettuce wraps. Put it on top of ramen or pho for extra texture. Mix it into fried rice or grain bowls. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables as a main dish. Try it in tacos with cabbage slaw and avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to press the tofu? Pressing helps remove water and makes the tofu crispier, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

Can I use other types of tofu? Extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe. Soft or medium tofu may fall apart in the air fryer.

How do I store leftover tofu? Keep cooked tofu in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to make it crispy again.

Can I freeze the cooked tofu? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer before serving.

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