Crispy and Delicious Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

Get ready to elevate your Meatless Monday game with this must-try recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Tofu! Perfecting that crunchy exterior with a tender and flavorful interior has never been easier. If you’ve been searching for that ideal tofu dish that even non-tofu fans will love, this is it. Trust me, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Marinating the tofu is the secret sauce here—literally! Once those marinated tofu cubes hit the hot air fryer, magic happens. The result? Irresistibly crunchy tofu bites that are bursting with sweet, ginger-sesame goodness. Whether you enjoy them on a bed of rice, in a salad, or wrapped in lettuce, these crispy tofu cubes are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Plus, with leftovers that are just as tasty when reheated, this recipe is a meal prep dream come true. Don’t forget to save that leftover marinade for dipping—it’s a game-changer!

In just a few simple steps, you’ll have golden, crispy tofu cubes that will win over even the toughest tofu skeptics. With a few creative twists and an air fryer, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a plant-based dish that is not only flavorful but also satisfying. So, press that tofu, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to indulge in the crispy goodness of this delectable Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe!

Quick Benefits

• Pressing tofu removes excess water for a crispier texture and allows it to absorb more marinade, enhancing the flavor.
• Opt for extra-firm tofu for a crunchy result that holds its shape well during cooking.
• This recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways – on salads, with noodles or rice, in stir-fries, or as a standalone snack.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and easily reheated in the air fryer for that crispy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy and Delicious Air Fryer Tofu Recipe Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: Achieve a crunchy exterior with a soft and flavorful center that mimics the texture of fried tofu, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
• Flavor Explosion: The marinade of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and spices creates a delicious umami-rich flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Husband-Approved: Even self-proclaimed tofu skeptics will be won over by this dish, as evidenced by the blogger’s husband who keeps asking for more.
• Aromatic Allure: The sweet, ginger-sesame scent that fills your kitchen while cooking will have your neighbors and friends intrigued and wanting to try this recipe themselves.
• Versatile and Creative: The recipe offers various possibilities for customization, whether you want to make it spicier, sweeter, or experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Meal Diversity: Enjoy these crispy tofu bites on their own as a snack, on top of salads, in wraps, stir-fries, or alongside rice and veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and reheated in the air fryer for a quick, crispy refresh, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
• Plant-Based Perfection: This recipe is an excellent introduction to plant-based cooking, showcasing how delicious and satisfying meatless meals can be, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans looking for a protein-packed alternative.

Ingredients for Crispy and Delicious Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

• 1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil.
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
• Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for topping.
• 1 tsp Sriracha chili sauce.
• 1 1/2 tsp rice vinegar.
• 2 tsp granulated sugar.
• 2 tsp soy sauce (low sodium).
• 1 1/4 tsp ginger, freshly grated.
• Cooking oil spray.
• 16 oz block of extra-firm tofu.
• Salt, added to taste.
• Grated garlic clove, one large.

Pro Tips for Crispy and Delicious Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

To achieve that perfect crunchy texture, be sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before marinating. This step is crucial for allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Using extra-firm tofu will give you the best results for crispy air fryer tofu. While firm tofu can work too, avoid soft varieties like silken tofu as they won’t hold up well during cooking.

Experiment with different marinade variations like adding chili paste for spice, orange zest for freshness, or pineapple juice for a sweet-and-sour twist. The versatility of this recipe allows you to create new flavor combinations to keep things exciting.

How to Make Crispy and Delicious Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

Step 1: Dry Out Tofu

Wrap tofu in towels, place in a dish, and weigh down with something heavy. Allow to sit for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make The Sauce

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and pepper in a bowl.

Step 3: Slice And Soak Tofu

Cut the pressed tofu into 32 squares. Coat with marinade and gently combine. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Dust With Cornstarch

Coat each tofu cube lightly with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

Step 5: Heat Up The Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.

Step 6: Air Fry The Tofu

Arrange tofu in a single layer and lightly spray with oil. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, spray with oil again, and cook for another 5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Step 7: Plate And Garnish

If desired, add a pinch of salt, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm with optional dipping sauce on the side.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve cooked up a delicious batch of crispy air fryer tofu, storing any leftovers is simple. The cooked tofu can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain its crispy texture and reheat, simply place the tofu back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes. This will help revive the crispy exterior and warm up the tofu for a tasty snack or meal.

If you find yourself with extra marinade, it can also be stored for future use. The flavorful marinade can be kept in the refrigerator and used as a dipping sauce for the leftover tofu or as a tasty addition to other dishes. Feel free to mix up some extra marinade to have on hand for your next batch of air fryer tofu or to add flavor to other plant-based meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Make sure to check the remaining ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary needs. These alternatives will provide a similar umami flavor to the dish without the gluten content found in soy sauce.

If you don’t have extra-firm tofu on hand, firm tofu can also be used as a substitute. However, avoid using softer varieties like silken tofu as they may not hold their shape well during cooking and could result in a less crispy texture. Opting for firm tofu will still allow you to achieve a crunchy exterior and tender interior similar to the original recipe.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy crispy tofu by baking it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the tofu cubes on parchment paper for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. This method will help you achieve a similar texture to air-fried tofu, giving you a delicious vegetarian-friendly meal or snack without the need for an air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try making crispy air fryer tofu bowls with a base of fluffy brown rice, a colorful assortment of quick-stirred veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, and a generous topping of sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Drizzle the tofu with the leftover marinade for added flavor, and serve with a side of sauce for dipping.

For a fun twist on presentation, assemble lettuce wraps filled with the crispy tofu cubes, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. It’s a light and flavorful option that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a party appetizer. The combination of crunchy tofu and crisp lettuce creates a delightful texture contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

FAQs for Crispy and Delicious Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

Why is pressing tofu important for this recipe?

Pressing tofu gets rid of extra water, which lets it soak up more marinade and cooks up crispier. If you skip it, you’ll probably end up with soft tofu instead of a crunch.

Can I use a different type of tofu for this recipe?

Go for extra-firm tofu because it keeps its shape and gets crunchy. Firm tofu works too, but skip anything super soft like silken—those will just fall apart.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep things gluten-free. Double check everything else so it’s safe for your needs.

Can I bake the tofu in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! Heat your oven to 400°F, place the tofu on parchment paper, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway for even color and crunch. Just as good!

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of creating Crispy Air Fryer Tofu at home is not only delightful but also opens up a world of possibilities for flavorful, plant-based meals. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or someone looking to add more meatless options to your menu, this recipe is sure to win hearts and taste buds alike.

Remember, the secret to achieving that perfect crunch lies in the thoughtful steps of pressing out excess water, marinating generously, and giving the tofu space to crisp up in the air fryer. Embrace the versatility of this dish by experimenting with different marinade variations and creative serving ideas. So go ahead, whip up a batch of Crispy Air Fryer Tofu, savor the satisfying textures and flavors, and share the joy of plant-based cooking with your loved ones. Here’s to many more delicious and crispy tofu adventures in your kitchen!