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Crispy Air Fried Tofu Recipe Easy 20-Minute Vegan Dish

crispy air fried tofu - featured image

This quick and easy recipe delivers perfectly crispy tofu—golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. A healthy, versatile dish perfect for snacks, salads, or stir-fries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its package and drain the water. Place it between two clean kitchen towels and set something heavy on top to press out excess moisture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Cut the tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces uniform to ensure even cooking.
  3. Make the seasoning mix: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  4. Toss the tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss them in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
  5. Add cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch over the seasoned tofu. Toss again to coat the tofu evenly.
  6. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  7. Cook the tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces using tongs. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
  8. Serve: Remove the crispy tofu from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or as a topping for salads, rice bowls, or stir-fries.

Notes

[‘Pressing the tofu is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.’, ‘Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.’, ‘Flip the tofu halfway through cooking for even crispiness.’, ‘Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor.’, ‘If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tofu, air fryer tofu, vegan recipe, healthy tofu, plant-based protein, easy tofu recipe