With just a few simple steps, you can easily create this air fryer crispy tofu, which is perfect for tossing in your favorite sauce, adding to stir-fries, or using as a protein-packed salad topping.
Why Should I Make Tofu In the Air Fryer?
Indeed, the air fryer is a dream tool for tofu lovers, and here’s why:
- Healthier Alternative: Firstly, you get the crispy texture of fried tofu with only a fraction of the oil.
- Convenience: Secondly, there is no need to babysit a skillet or deal with splattering oil.
- Consistent Results: furthermore, the air fryer ensures even cooking, giving you perfectly crispy tofu every time.
What Should I Cover my Tofu In?
The best part about tofu is that it absorbs the flavor of whatever you cover it with so the options are really endless. Douze your crispy tofu in some buffalo sauce, bbq sauce, or try my quick and easy homemade honey garlic sauce:
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sriracha
2 tsp soy
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp mirin
Ingredient Breakdown:
If you want to make the best air fryer crispy tofu, make sure you have the following ingredients:
16 ounce block of extra firm tofu
Canola oil (or neutral oil of choice)
Corn starch
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
- Firstly, wrap your tofu in a few sheets of paper towel after draining it. Rest a heavy pot on top of the tofu to press it for about 15 minutes – this will remove the excess moisture from your tofu.
- Then, mix canola oil and cornstarch in a small bowl, and whisk vigorously until the cornstarch is evenly dissolved in the oil.
- Break your tofu block up into medium bite-sized pieces using your hands, and then cover it in the oil and cornstarch mixture.
- Put the tofu into the airfryer at 400 degrees for 15-30 minutes until it is a deeply golden brown color.
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You don’t need to press your tofu, but it is highly recommended. Pressing tofu is crucial for achieving a crispy texture because it removes excess moisture, which allows the tofu to become crispier when cooked. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towel and place a heavy object on top to press out the water for about 10-15 minutes.
Extra firm tofu is the best for air frying, but firm tofu could work as well. Soft or silken tofu absolutely won’t work though.
Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
Ingredients
- 16 ounces extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp canola oil (or your neutral oil of choice)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Firstly, wrap your tofu in a few sheets of paper towel after draining it. Rest a heavy pot on top of the tofu to press it for about 15 minutes – this will remove the excess moisture from your tofu.
- Then, mix canola oil and cornstarch in a small bowl, and whisk vigorously until the cornstarch is evenly dissolved in the oil.
- Break your tofu block up into medium bite-sized pieces using your hands, and then cover it in the oil and cornstarch mixture.
- Put the tofu into the airfryer basket at 400 degrees for 15-30 minutes until it is a deeply golden brown color, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process.
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