Crispy Air Fryer Tofu (Printable View)

Golden tofu cubes air-fried until crispy and flavorful, perfect for a quick plant-based dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz firm tofu

→ Marinade & Coating

02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if required)
03 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
04 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top to press out excess moisture for 10 minutes.
02 - Cut pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a large bowl.
04 - Add tofu cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Sprinkle cornstarch over tofu and toss until each piece is lightly coated.
06 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
07 - Place tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
08 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
09 - Serve hot, optionally garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The outside gets genuinely crispy while the inside stays tender, which feels like winning the tofu lottery.
  • It comes together faster than you'd think, making weeknight proteins actually feasible.
  • One batch easily feeds four people or becomes your snack stash for the week.
02 -
  • Pressing the tofu isn't optional theater—it's the difference between crispy and soggy, and I learned this the hard way by skipping it once.
  • Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket; if you cram them in, they'll steam instead of fry and you'll end up disappointed.
  • The cornstarch coating needs to coat every surface, or those spots will stay soft while the others get crispy and golden.
03 -
  • If your air fryer runs hot, start at 190°C and check around the ten-minute mark—every machine has its personality.
  • Shaking the basket halfway through is genuinely important; it's the move that gives you even browning instead of some sides darker than others.

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