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Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

A pile of golden brown, crispy coated air fryer tofu pieces stacked on a white plate.
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Learn how to make incredibly crispy tofu using your air fryer with this simple, foolproof recipe. This method ensures a firm, golden exterior perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place it on a plate and put something heavy on top, like a cast iron skillet or a few cans. Let it press for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water.
  2. Cut the tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Season the tofu: In a medium bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until lightly coated.
  4. Coat the tofu: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned tofu. Toss gently until every piece has a thin, even coating. This coating is key for maximum crispiness.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Arrange the tofu: Place the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
  7. Air fry: Cook for 10 minutes. Shake the basket well. Continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes, checking frequently, until the tofu is golden brown and very crispy on all sides.
  8. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • Do not skip the pressing step; removing water is essential for crispy tofu.
  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated tofu with cooking spray before the first cook cycle.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, start checking for doneness closer to the 12-minute mark.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/air-fryer-tofu-crispy/