This dish is healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Tofu is a great source of protein, and when air fried, it becomes crispy and golden brown. Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or rice, and you’ll have a healthy and hearty vegetarian meal.
All about Tofu
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a popular food in Asian cuisines. It is made by curdling soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks.
Traditional methods of making tofu involve soaking dried soybeans and grinding them with water to make soy milk, boiling the milk and adding a coagulant to separate the curds from the whey, and then pressing the curds into blocks. Today, pre-made soy milk can also be used in tofu production.
You can eat tofu on its own or use it as a substitute for meat in a variety of dishes. It is high in protein and a good source of iron and calcium.
Tofu has a subtle flavor and absorbs the flavors of the ingredients it is cooked with. And you can use it in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, salads, and desserts. You can season it or marinate it for added flavor before cooking.
Some common ways to prepare tofu include frying, grilling, baking, or crumbling. Vegetarians often use it as a meat substitute. You can also substitute it for dairy products in recipes, such as using tofu in place of cheese or yogurt. Tofu is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
- Firm tofu
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Garlic cloves
- A piece of ginger root
- Cornflour
- Salt (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
- Take as much liquid from the tofu block as possible. If you have one, use a tofu press. If you don’t have a tofu press, put the block on a cutting board with a weight on top. You can use a gallon of water or milk or some other weighted item.
- Pat the tofu block with paper towels to make it as dry as possible.
- Cut the block into around 1-inch cubes and transfer them into a bowl.
- Add the soy sauce to the bowl.
- Peel and grate the 2 garlic cloves and the piece of ginger into the bowl.
- Stir the mixture and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine the cornflour and salt (if you are using it).
- Drain the marinated tofu and dredge it in the cornflour mixture; set aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray (or you can use oven paper) to prevent the tofu from sticking.
- Add the tofu cubes to the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 392 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
You can have the best air fryer crispy tofu by following these simple tips:
- Start with extra-firm tofu and press it for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Then pat it with paper towels to remove even more moisture.
- Make sure the tofu cubes are not touching in the air fryer so the hot air can circulate around each cube. Cook the tofu in batches, if needed, to ensure all sides are exposed to heat for maximum crispiness.
- Serve immediately for best results. Tofu can lose its crispiness when left sitting out for too long.
- The salt in the cornflour is optional, but I like the crunchy coating to be salty as well.
- Try adding other flavors to the cornflour mixture, such as chili flakes or orange zest.
- These crunchy tofu bites are delicious with a peanuty soy sauce or sriracha.
- Try adding these crispy tofu bites to stir-fries, salads, or as a side dish.
Air Fryer Crispy Tofu FAQs
Can I use frozen tofu?
Yes, you can use frozen tofu for this recipe. Thaw it before cooking and take the same steps to remove the excess moisture.
Can I substitute tamari for the soy sauce?
Yes, tamari and soy sauce are very similar in flavor. You can substitute them for each other in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe without cornflour?
The cornflour helps give the tofu a crispy texture, so you may not get the same result without it. But if you don’t have it on hand, you can try using flour or breadcrumbs as a substitute.
Can I use this same recipe with other proteins?
This recipe was created for tofu, but you can definitely try it with chicken or pork. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Milanese
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Beyond Burger
- Air Fryer Keto Zucchini Fries
Bottom Line
This air fryer crispy tofu is a delicious and nutritious dish that you can enjoy in many different ways. By following the steps outlined in this recipe and using these tips, you can make crispy tofu in your air fryer at home. And don’t forget to try out my other air fryer recipes for a tasty meal. Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments below.
The Best Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
The tastiest way to make tofu in the air fryer. Full of flavor, juicy, and crispy.
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1-inch piece of ginger root
- ½ cup cornflour
- ½ spoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Start with taking as much liquid from the tofu block as possible, for this, you can use a tofu press if you have one or put the block on a cutting board with some weight on top (a gallon of water, milk, etc)
- Pat the tofu block with some kitchen paper to ensure it gets as dry as possible.
- Cut the block into around 1-inch cubes and transfer them into a bowl.
- Add the soy sauce to the bowl.
- Peel and grate the 2 garlic cloves and the piece of ginger and add them to the bowl.
- Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl add the cornflour and the salt (the salt is optional) and mix well.
- Drain the marinated tofu and pass it through the cornflour, set it aside.
- In the air fryer basket spray some neutral-tasting oil (you can also use oven paper) to prevent the tofu from sticking.
- Add the tofu cubes to the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 392F/200 C
Notes
As I said before the salt in the cornflour is optional, but I like the crunchy coating to be salty as well.
Try adding other flavors to the mix like chili flakes or orange zest.
These crunchy tofu bites are delicious with a soy sauce-peanut sauce, or with sriracha. Try adding them to stir-fries, salads, or as a side dish.
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