Name: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 block extra firm tofu (vacuum-packed, about 14 oz); 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (more as needed); 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil; 2-3 teaspoons all-purpose spice blend (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper); Your favorite sauce for serving (e.g., curry sauce, stir-fry sauce, dipping sauce)

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Introduction

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is an easy, delicious way to enjoy perfectly golden and crunchy tofu without deep frying. This recipe uses a simple batter and an air fryer for quick cooking with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for adding to bowls, stir-fries, or enjoying on its own with your favorite sauce.

Inside a black air fryer basket, there are many small, irregularly shaped pieces of golden-brown crispy fried food, each piece showing a textured surface with darker fried spots indicating crunchiness. The fried pieces are spread evenly over the bottom grid of the air fryer, filling it with a warm, inviting color. A woman's hand holds the black air fryer basket from the outside. The whole setting is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 block extra firm tofu (vacuum-packed, no pressing needed)
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (more as needed)
2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
2-3 teaspoons all-purpose spice blend
Your favorite sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together nutritional yeast, cornstarch, soy sauce, oil, and spices until you have a loose, runny batter. Add extra soy sauce if the batter feels too thick.
Step 2: Tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks and gently toss them in the batter using a wide spatula until fully coated.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the battered tofu chunks in the basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes. Pause halfway to give the basket a shake for even cooking.
Step 4: Continue air frying for another 5 minutes or until the tofu is golden and crispy to your liking.
Step 5: Toss the crispy tofu in your favorite sauce or serve them with a dipping sauce. Enjoy as a snack, or add to curries, rice bowls, or stir-fries.

Tips & Variations

Use vacuum-packed tofu to skip pressing; if using regular tofu, press out excess water for best texture.
Adjust spices in the blend for a custom flavor, such as adding smoked paprika or garlic powder.
Try different dipping sauces like sweet chili, peanut, or teriyaki for variety.

Storage

Store leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crunchy.

How to Serve

The image shows many small pieces of cooked chicken inside a black air fryer basket. The chicken pieces have a golden-brown and crispy texture with uneven shapes and sizes, spread out flat over the basket's black surface with some holes and lines visible beneath them. A woman's hand is holding the air fryer basket handle, which is light green with ridges. The background is a white marbled texture with part of a countertop visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to press the tofu before using this recipe?

If you use vacuum-packed extra firm tofu, pressing is not necessary as it contains less water. For other types, pressing helps remove excess moisture for better crisping.

Can I bake the tofu instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake the tofu on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.