This crispy air fryer tofu recipe is a delightful way to enjoy tofu with a crunchy exterior and a tender inside. Perfect for a quick snack or a protein-packed addition to your meals, this recipe is both easy and delicious.
If you don't usually cook with tofu, you might need to visit the supermarket to get a block of extra firm tofu. Make sure to press and drain it properly to achieve the best texture. Cornstarch is another ingredient that might not be in everyone's pantry, but it's essential for giving the tofu its crispy coating.
Ingredients For Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
Tofu: Extra firm tofu is ideal for this recipe as it holds its shape and texture well during cooking.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the tofu.
Olive oil: Helps to crisp up the tofu and adds a subtle richness.
Cornstarch: Creates a crispy coating on the tofu when air fried.
Garlic powder: Infuses the tofu with a mild garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a hint of onion flavor to complement the garlic.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing tofu, ensure it is thoroughly pressed to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the tofu to absorb the marinade better and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
extra firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a firm texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a great alternative for achieving a crispy result.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for air frying.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can provide a similar crispy coating and is a good alternative for those avoiding cornstarch.
garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Granulated garlic provides a similar flavor and texture, making it a suitable substitute.
onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a slightly sweeter and more delicate onion flavor, which can enhance the dish similarly.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the tofu to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its crispy texture.
Transfer the cooled tofu to an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
For freezing, place the cooled tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching.
Freeze the tofu cubes for 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Transfer the frozen tofu cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the tofu in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and regain some of their crispiness. This method helps maintain the tofu's texture without drying it out.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will help the tofu stay crispy.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy. This method is quick and adds a bit of extra flavor from the olive oil.
Microwave Method: Place the tofu cubes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. While this method is the quickest, it may result in a softer texture compared to other methods.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Air fryer: This is the primary appliance used to cook the tofu until it is golden and crispy.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the soy sauce, olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder with the tofu cubes.
Knife: Essential for cutting the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the tofu.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the soy sauce, olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder accurately.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the tofu cubes in the mixing bowl to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Paper towels: Used to press and drain the tofu block to remove excess moisture before cutting.
Spatula: Handy for transferring the tofu cubes from the mixing bowl to the air fryer basket.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-marinating: Marinate the tofu the night before to save time on preparation.
Batch pressing: Press multiple blocks of tofu at once and store them in the fridge for quick use.
Pre-mix seasoning: Combine soy sauce, olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder in advance and store in a jar.
Uniform cutting: Cut the tofu into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and reduce monitoring time.
Air fryer prep: Preheat the air fryer while you prepare the tofu to streamline the cooking process.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Extra Firm Tofu drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- 3. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- 4. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss to coat evenly.
- 5. Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
- 6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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