Want to make the most delicious crispy air fryer tofu? My recipe is quick and easy – you can have these little firecrackers on the table in 15 minutes!
These crispy tofu bites are a fun snack to serve with a dip or as a salad topping. You’ll love that they give you that “fried food feeling”…without actually being fried!
Check out also my sweet potato fries and chicken nuggets – both are must-try air fryer recipes.
Here’s more about this healthy tofu recipe, let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
Here’s why I can’t stop making these:
- Crispiness: Air fryers create a crispy exterior on tofu without excessive oil or deep-frying. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the tofu gets evenly crispy on all sides.
- Healthier option: The air frying just makes this a healthy choice. It’s a no-brainer.
- Adaptable: You can customize the seasoning and flavors of air fryer tofu to make it your own. Whether you prefer spicy, savory, or sweet flavors, you can easily adjust the seasoning using different spices, herbs, or marinades.
- Texture: The air fryer creates a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior in tofu.
- Time-saving: Honestly, what can be quicker? Air frying tofu is quick and convenient, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time.
- Kid-friendly: Kids will go nuts for these tasty bites – even the picky eaters will love them.
- Less mess: No splattering oil or lingering frying odors with an air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather up these basic ingredients:
- Tofu: Choose extra-firm tofu for the best results. Extra-firm tofu holds its shape well and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
- Paprika: Paprika powder adds a subtle smoky flavor and a reddish glow to the tofu bites. This spice gives the bites a delicious look – signaling that they’re fried food (when they’re not).
- Garlic powder: This adds a savory, garlicky flavor to the tofu.
- Cornstarch: This is the key ingredient for achieving the crispy exterior of the tofu. When combined with the other ingredients, it helps create a light, crunchy coating.
- Soy sauce: It is loaded with a savory, umami taste and helps to season the tofu throughout.
- Oil: A light coating of oil is key to help the tofu brown and crisp up evenly in the air fryer. You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point – canola or vegetable oil both work well.
- Salt and pepper: It’s important to season well!
How to Make the Best Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Step 1: Prepare the tofu
Firstly, press the cubed tofu in a medium-sized bowl. Remove the excess liquid.
Next, drizzle with soy sauce and oil. Mix everything to ensure the tofu is coated.
Step 2: Add the other ingredients
Add all the other seasoning ingredients (garlic, paprika, cornstarch, salt and pepper) to the tofu.
Step 3 : Cook in the air fryer
Then, place the tofu in a single layer in your air fryer, ensuring that there is some space around each piece. Air Fry at 400° F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 4: Cool
Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the right tofu: Make sure you use extra-firm tofu. This tofu holds its shape well and crisps up nicely during cooking. Using softer varieties of tofu will result in a flop – they won’t hold their shape.
- Press and dry the tofu: Pressing the tofu before cooking helps remove excess moisture, allowing the tofu to crisp up better in the air fryer. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in paper towels.
- Cut evenly: Aim for bite-sized pieces approximately 1/2 to 1 inch in thickness.
- Arrange in a single layer: Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
- Serve immediately: They are best straight out of the air fryer.
How to Serve These Crispy Tofu Bites
Crispy air fryer tofu is versatile and can be enjoyed in a bunch of different dishes.
It can be served as a standalone snack (don’t forget to add a dip), added to salads instead of bread croutons, rice bowls, stir-fries, or sandwiches.
I also love using these as a protein-rich topping for soups and noodle dishes.
FAQ
Yes, you can use different types of tofu, but it’s recommended to use extra-firm tofu for air fryer tofu cubes.
To prevent the tofu cubes from sticking to the air fryer basket, make sure to coat them evenly with a thin layer of oil before air frying. You can also use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line the air fryer basket.
Yes, you can freeze tofu cubes for later use. After cooking and cooling the tofu cubes, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the tofu cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra firm tofu pressed for 15 minutes then cut into cubes
- 1 tsp paprika powder*
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp olive oil*
- salt and pepper* to taste
Instructions
- Begin by putting the pressed and cubed tofu in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce and oil and mix to ensure the tofu is coated.
- Next, add all the other seasoning ingredients (garlic, paprika, cornstarch, salt and pepper).
- Then, place the tofu in a single layer in your air fryer, ensuring that there is some space around each piece. Air Fry at 400° F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!