The Best Way to Cook Tofu in the Air Fryer | XpertsReviews.com

Tofu is a nutritious and versatile plant-based protein staple. A half-cup serving contains 11 grams of protein and provides nutrients like calcium, iron, and manganese. Whether you bake it, stir-fry it, or blend it into smoothies, you can easily adapt tofu into countless dishes.

But we can all agree that getting perfectly crispy tofu isn’t easy. Its chewy texture usually requires pressing, marinating, and frying. While frying gives it that ideal crunch, it often requires a lot of oil, making things messy and less healthy. That’s where the air fryer is a game changer, making it possible to get crispy tofu with minimal effort and oil.

Curious about the best way to air fry tofu? We asked Kathy Brooksowner of Circa Air Fryerwho gave us a tasty and foolproof air fryer tofu recipe.

“Whether you’re a longtime tofu lover or a newcomer looking to spice up your culinary repertoire, this simple guide will help you make delicious air fryer tofu that’s perfect for salads, grain bowls, stir-fries, or as a stand-alone snack,” says Brooks.

Read on for this easy and delicious air fryer tofu recipe. Next, learn the best way to make air fryer grilled cheese.

Gather your ingredients

Ingredients:

• 1 block (14 to 16 ounces) extra-firm tofu (make sure to get extra-firm tofu, as this will hold its shape best).
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Your choice of seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)

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Press the tofu.

1. Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture.
2. Place the block of tofu on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and press gently.
3. You can also use a tofu press for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Removing moisture is essential to achieve a crispy texture.

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Cut and marinate your tofu.

1. Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes, sticks, or even triangles, depending on your preference (smaller pieces will become crispier in the air fryer).
2. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, soy sauce and seasoning of your choice.
3. Add the tofu pieces to the bowl and mix gently to evenly coat each piece.
4. Let the tofu marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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Preheat your air fryer and coat the tofu in cornstarch.

1. Sprinkle cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the marinated tofu pieces and toss until each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and achieves the desired crispiness.

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Air fry the tofu.

1. Place the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Avoid overloading the air fryer, as this can result in uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
3. Bake the tofu at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook until tofu is golden brown and crispy.

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Serve and enjoy.

1. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.
2. Your air fryer tofu is ready to enjoy on its own, tossed into a salad, added to a bowl of rice, or incorporated into your favorite stir-fry.
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes.

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