The best way to cook tofu in the Air Fryer

Tofu is a popular plant-based protein that is nutritious and versatile. One-half cup serving packs 11 grams of protein and provides nutrients such as calcium, iron and manganese. Regardless of whether you bake, fry or blend into smoothies, you can easily adapt tofu to countless dishes.

But we can all agree that getting tofu perfectly crispy isn’t easy. Its soft texture usually needs to be pressed, marinated and fried. While frying gives it the perfect crunch, it often requires a lot of oil, making things messy and less healthy. That’s why the air fryer is a game changer, delivering crispy tofu with minimal effort and oil.

Curious about the best way to air fry tofu? we asked Kathy Brooksowner of Circa Air Fryerwhich gave us a tasty, foolproof tofu recipe for air fryers.

“Whether you’re a longtime tofu enthusiast or a newcomer looking to spice up your culinary repertoire, this simple guide will help you make delicious airfryer tofu that’s perfect for salads, grain bowls, stir-fries, or as a stand-alone snack ,” says Brooks.

Read on for this easy and delicious air fryer tofu recipe. Then check out The Best Way to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.

Gather your ingredients

Ingredients:

• 1 block (14-16 ounces) extra firm tofu (make sure you go extra firm as it holds its shape the best).
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Your choice of seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)

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Press the tofu.

1. Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture.
2. Place the block of tofu on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and gently press down.
3. Alternatively, use a tofu press for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Removing moisture is essential to obtain a crispy texture.

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Cut and marinate your tofu.

1. Once pressed, cut the tofu into even cubes, sticks, or triangles, depending on your preference (smaller pieces will be crispier in the fryer).
2. Combine the olive oil, soy sauce and seasoning of choice in a mixing bowl.
3. Add the tofu pieces to the bowl and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
4. Let the tofu marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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Preheat your airfryer and coat the tofu with cornstarch.

1. Sprinkle the cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the marinated tofu pieces and stir until each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness.

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Air fry tofu.

1. Place the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your airfryer, you may need to cook in batches.
3. Cook the tofu at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.

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Serve and enjoy.

1. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.
2. Your air fryer tofu is ready to be enjoyed on its own, tossed into a salad, added to a rice bowl, or incorporated into your favorite stir-fry.
3. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To regain crispiness, reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

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