This deliciously crispy Air Fryer Tofu is quick and easy to make without any cornstarch. You can get crispy air fried tofu in no time at all just like a deep fryer without hardly any oil!
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Crispy Air Fried Tofu
Wondering how to make crispy tofu in the air fryer? This air fryer tofu recipe is our favorite method for cooking tofu to make perfectly crispy tofu in no time at all!
Why we love cooking tofu in the air fryer
Our family grew up eating tofu and we eat it at least once a week. We even have a guide on how to cook tofu and ever since getting an air fryer, it is the most frequent way we cook tofu without having to use much oil.
Cooking tofu in the air fryer is a total game changer. You can make crispy and delicious tofu quicker and easier than deep frying or if you were to bake tofu in the oven.
Plus, it requires hardly any oil and you don’t have to stand in front of a pan flipping the tofu. When you make tofu in the air fryer, all you have to do is give it a good shake here and there! So easy and the best way to make crispy tofu!
What is Tofu made of?
Tofu is a gluten-free dairy-free vegan substitute and cooking ingredient that’s made from condensed soy milk. It’s easy to flavor with different seasonings and marinades, and it’s naturally low in calories! Tofu comes in a few different forms that make it suitable for different types of recipes.
Types of Tofu
The consistency of tofu ranges from soft and silken to extra-firm.
Firm tofu is best used as a meat substitute in salads, bowls and other main dishes as well as on its own!
Softer tofu is great for blending into mousse and other desserts, and it’s also a nice addition to soups and stews. Firm tofu has less moisture than softer tofu, but it’s still important to press and drain it before you cook it.
How to prepare tofu
For the best air fried tofu without cornstarch, you’re going to want to press and drain it first. There are a few different ways you can press and drain your tofu.
Using a tofu press is the quickest method, but you can drain it without one in just ten minutes. All you need to do is place the tofu between two heavy plates or other flat objects lined with paper towels. Let it sit for ten minutes, and the pressure will draw the moisture from the tofu to the paper towels!
How to Cut Tofu
After you drain your tofu, cut your tofu block into small 1.5″ cubes using a sharp knife. Then season with salt, seasoning + coconut aminos. Toss to coat and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Marinate Tofu
Marinating your tofu is the best way to make it nice and flavorful. Just a quick 15-minute marinade will work wonders for flavoring your tofu!
Using cornstarch is a great way to make it come out extra crispy, if that’s what you’re going for. This method teaches you how to make air fryer tofu without cornstarch but you can certainly use some if there are no dietary restrictions in your family.
You can use just about any marinade for tofu, but oil or soy-based ones work best. I use a simple combination of sea salt, avocado oil, coconut aminos and mushroom umami seasoning. If you don’t have time to throw together a marinade, soy sauce will give the tofu a great flavor on its own! You can also add garlic powder, ginger powder or red chili flakes to give it a kick.
How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
- Grease Air Fryer Basket: Spray your air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray.
- Insert Tofu: Place the drained tofu in your air fryer basket – you may have to separate it into batches.
- What temperature to air fry Tofu? Set the air fryer to 375°F.
- How long to air fry tofu for? You’re going to air fry the tofu for 13-15 minutes or until desired crispiness. Give the basket a good shake here and there to toss the tofu, so it cooks evenly.
Tips for Crispy Tofu
Tofu is easy to work with, but there are a few ways to make sure it cooks perfectly.
- After you press your tofu, cut it into smaller cubes. This way, it’s easier to remove the moisture. If you don’t drain your tofu enough, it won’t get crispy.
- For extra crispy tofu, you can make air fryer tofu with cornstarch or arrowroot starch before cooking it. This is a quick trick to make it get crispier. When you cook your tofu, you always need to flip it half way through so you get an even bake. Otherwise, one side of your tofu will cook more than the other.
How to Store and Reheat Cooked Tofu
Tofu is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the fridge! Make sure you store it in an airtight container, and it will stay good for 2-3 days. When you want to reheat your tofu, set your oven to 375°F and heat it until it’s very hot.
Can I Freeze Cooked Tofu?
You can certainly freeze your tofu after cooking it, but it might cause the tofu to become more porous. This means it could develop a slightly spongy texture. If you don’t mind that possibility, you can freeze your tofu in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What to serve tofu with?
Tofu goes so well with a variety of dishes. You can serve it over some salad, toss it in a stir-fry or over some cauliflower fried rice, roasted broccoli and bok choy.
More air fryer recipes you might like:
Whole30 Air Fryer Salmon Patties
More tofu recipes you might like:
Instant Pot Tofu
Air Fryer Tofu Scramble – from Minimalist Baker
This deliciously crispy Air Fryer Tofu is quick and easy to make without any cornstarch. You can get crispy air fried tofu in no time at all just like a deep fryer without hardly any oil!
- 14-16 oz extra-firm tofu we buy ours from Whole Foods
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 1 tsp Trader Joe's mushroom umami seasoning
- 2 tsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Use a tofu press to remove excess moisture or place the block of tofu between two paper towel lined heavy plates or blocks for 10 minutes.
Cut into small cubes and season with salt, seasoning + coconut aminos. Toss to coat and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Spray air fryer basket with oil, then place the tofu in the basket in a single layer. You may have to work in batches.
Air fry at 375°F for 13-15 minutes or until golden and desired crispiness, tossing halfway through.
Did you try this recipe?
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