This is a naturally vegan recipe that you can adapt with different flavourings – notes are provided below. This Air Fryer Tofu recipe will convert any tofu sceptic, it is so crunchy without being chewy! It’s the perfect side dish or can be incorporated into so many recipes. I love using the air fryer to make tofu rather than baking in the oven or deep-frying. It takes so much less time and the results are just as good, if not better! With air frying, the tofu becomes crunchy on all sides without having to turn. Tofu has been advertised as a meat substitute but actually, it is so much more than that! It has the ability to soak up the wonderful flavours that it is cooked it. It has the added benefit of being packed with plant based protein and is extremely versatile. I regularly make this Tofu and Coconut Curry with Mango Chutney and Burnt Garlic Fried Rice with Tofu.
Why you will love this recipe
Suitable for those following a plant based or vegetarian diet Uses less oil and therefore less calories per serving Easy and quick to make Easy to change up the flavours
Air Fryer Tofu Ingredients
Variations on flavour and substitutions provided below Extra firm tofu – drained, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes Cornstarch – a cornstarch coating helps get the tofu extra crispy Soy sauce – use light or dark soy sauce Sesame oil – sesame oil otherwise another oil such as olive oil is a good alternative Paprika – use smoked or hot Garlic powder – alternatively, use fresh minced garlic. You can optionally also add in onion powder Black pepper or white pepper Salt to taste
Air Fryer Tofu without cornstarch
If you do not want to use cornstarch, you can also use rice flour, tapioca flour, all purpose flour. Alternatively, skip the flour altogether but this may lead to a slightly different texture.
Gluten-free option
Use tamari instead of soy sauce which contains gluten. Tamari is easy to find in grocery stores or online. Tofu is naturally gluten-free as is cornstarch.
Flavour variations
You can change up the flavours based upon the dish you will serve or add the tofu too. Stick to tofu, cornstarch (or alternative) and a neutral flavoured oil. You can then build on the seasoning.
taco seasoning italian seasoning rosemary and garlic indian flavoured (use curry powder or individual spices such as red chilli powder and ground cumin)
Air Fryer Tofu Fries
You can easily make air fryer tofu “fries” or chips by slicing the tofu into batons instead. Air fry with the same technique for crispy fries to dunk into your favourite air fryer tofu dipping sauce.
How to press tofu
Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and for improved firm texture.
How to air fry tofu – step by step instructions
Add tofu cubes into a large bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients of your choice Toss in cornstarch (or alternative if using). If you have the time, set the tofu aside in the tofu marinade for 30 minutes to soak up the flavors. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket keeping some gaps in between to allow the air to circulate around all sides of the cubes. Air Fry the tofu at 400 F or 200 C for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches.
Pro Tips
I have noticed that cooking time varies for a number of factors:
crowding the basket – adding more tofu with less gaps in between leads to longer cooking times model of your air fryer size of the tofu cubes tofu has not been fully pressed and thus holds moisture
Do not crisp up the tofu in the air fryer too much as it will become more crispy as it cools – you do not want it to become tough and chewy
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy air-fried tofu as it is with a dipping sauce or add it to recipes. Dipping sauces for air fryer tofu:
sour cream and chive dip tamarind sauce basil sauce yogurt garlic sauce in buddha bowls with rice, veggies and green onion add it to a stir fry such as this Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles, or Instant Pot Chow Mein use it to top salads and soups
Storage
Store leftover air fryer tofu in the fridge in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to get it crispy again on a lower temperature to prevent burning.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Beet Chips Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Corn on the Cob in Air Fryer Air Fryer Fajitas Parmentier Potatoes As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations! Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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