Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer tofu with this easy baking recipe! Perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside, this method delivers restaurant-quality tofu with minimal oil. Master the secret to foolproof tofu that even skeptics will love in under 20 minutes.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Serves:

2 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g extra-firm tofu</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tofu press (or heavy books and kitchen towels)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Press the tofu to remove excess moisture - this is crucial for achieving crispiness. Either use a tofu press for 30 minutes or wrap the tofu block in clean kitchen towels, place on a plate, and set something heavy (like a cast iron pan) on top for 30 minutes. The drier your tofu, the crispier the result will be.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Once pressed, cut the tofu into 2.5cm cubes. Try to keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Larger cubes will remain softer inside while smaller cubes will be crispier throughout.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a medium bowl, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The cornstarch is your secret weapon - it creates a thin, crispy coating when air fried by drawing out additional moisture and creating a barrier that crisps beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the tofu cubes to the bowl with the seasoned cornstarch and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Drizzle the olive oil over the coated tofu and toss again until evenly distributed. The small amount of oil helps promote even browning without deep-frying.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures immediate searing when the tofu is added, which helps create a crispy exterior before the interior dries out.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. Overcrowding will create steam and prevent crisping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook at 200°C for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time. Look for a golden-brown exterior with visible crispy edges - this visual cue tells you when the tofu has reached optimal texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately while hot and crispy. The tofu is delicious on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces, in bowls, or added to stir-fries. If you need to reheat leftovers, a quick minute or two back in the air fryer will restore the crispiness better than microwave heating.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Tofu Recipe?

The Air Fryer Tofu Recipe uses extra-firm tofu, cornstarch, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. These simple ingredients create a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior with minimal oil.

How to cook Air Fryer Tofu Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Tofu Recipe by first pressing your tofu to remove moisture, then cutting it into uniform cubes. Coat with a mixture of cornstarch and seasonings, add a small amount of oil, and air fry at 200°C for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. The result is perfectly crispy tofu with minimal effort and oil.

Why is pressing tofu important before air frying?

Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving crispiness. Unpressed tofu releases water during cooking, creating steam that prevents browning and results in soggy, less flavourful tofu. For best results, press for at least 30 minutes before air frying.

Can I make crispy tofu without cornstarch in an air fryer?

While cornstarch creates the optimal crispy coating, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or rice flour. For a cornstarch-free version, marinate tofu in soy sauce before air frying, or use just oil and seasonings—though the exterior may be less crispy than with cornstarch.

What are the best sauces to serve with crispy air-fried tofu?

Complementary sauces include sweet chilli, peanut sauce, sriracha mayo, teriyaki, soy-ginger, or a simple tamari-sesame oil blend. For versatility, serve a selection of dipping options or toss the freshly air-fried tofu in your favourite sauce for an immediate flavour infusion.

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