Description
Crispy air fryer tofu brings delightful Asian-inspired flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfectly golden cubes promise a crunchy exterior and tender center that will satisfy plant-based protein cravings in mere minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 block (14 ounces/397 grams) extra-firm tofu
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Oils and Liquid Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare tofu by wrapping in a clean kitchen towel and placing a weighted object on top for 15-20 minutes to extract excess liquid, ensuring a crispier texture.
- Slice tofu into uniform cubes or rectangular pieces for consistent cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Create a flavor base by combining soy sauce, oil, and dry seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper) in a mixing container.
- Gently coat tofu pieces with the seasoning mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Dust tofu with cornstarch, carefully tumbling to achieve a light, even coating that will contribute to ultimate crispness.
- Warm air fryer to 375F (190C) before adding tofu to guarantee immediate heat contact.
- Strategically place tofu pieces in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, pausing midway to gently shake the basket and promote uniform browning.
- Verify doneness by checking for a golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
- Transfer immediately to serving plate and pair with preferred dipping sauce, rice, noodles, or salad for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Maximize moisture removal by using a tofu press or wrapping in multiple paper towels for extra firmness.
- Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, or cayenne for unique flavor profiles.
- Ensure even crispiness by patting tofu completely dry before adding cornstarch and avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer basket.
- Create dietary variations by substituting tamari for gluten-free soy sauce or using alternative spices for low-sodium diets.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg