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air fryer tofu up close

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (Quick & Easy)

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  • Author: Alex Aldeborgh, RD
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: main dish
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This crispy air fryer tofu is a weekly staple in my household, so I’ve perfected this simple, versatile recipe over the years! Made with super-firm or extra-firm tofu, the edges are coated in corn starch for that crispy and craggly texture. Air fryer tofu is the best plant-based protein boost in stir-fries, grain bowls, salads, and more.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block vacuum-sealed super-firm tofu
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Remove super-firm tofu from packaging and pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Cut tofu into cubes, about 1 inch in size.
  3. Put the tofu cubes in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
  4. Use your hands to gently toss the tofu in the seasonings. It’s ok if little bits of tofu break off – these just add to the craggily texture!
  5. Transfer the tofu cubes to your air fryer basket or tray, spreading them out as best you can so they aren’t touching each other.
  6. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. With my air fryer, I find 13 minutes to be the ideal time.
  7. Remove from the air fryer and enjoy right away! Delicious on its own, and the perfect vehicle for your favorite sauce or dressing.

Notes

Notes on air fryer model: This is the air fryer I use and love. From my understanding of air fryers, different models might vary in terms of cooking time and temperature for the same recipe. If you have a different type of air fryer, try this recipe using 375°F as a cooking temperature and increase up to 400°F based on how it performs the first time you try it.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one-fourth of recipe
  • Calories: 176
  • Fat: 10.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6.7 g
  • Fiber: 2.9 g
  • Protein: 15.1 g