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The Best Crispy Air Fryer Tofu: Quick and Easy Plant-Based Protein

A pile of golden brown, crispy air fryer tofu cubes stacked high on a white plate.
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Learn the simple technique to make incredibly crispy air fryer tofu bites. This recipe is fast, requires minimal oil, and delivers a satisfying crunch perfect for salads, bowls, or snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for extra browning)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place it on a plate and put something heavy on top (like a cast iron skillet or a few cans). Let it press for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with the soy sauce until lightly coated.
  4. Sprinkle the cornstarch, salt, and pepper over the tofu. Toss again gently until the cornstarch evenly coats the pieces. If you are using oil, add it now and toss lightly.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Place the seasoned tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to achieve maximum crispiness.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  8. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately as a snack, or toss with your favorite sauce for a meal topper.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu is the most important step for achieving that desired crunch. Do not skip this!
  • For added flavor, you can toss the finished crispy tofu with a quick sauce like honey garlic or sesame glaze.
  • This recipe is fantastic for meal prep; store cooled tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/air-fryer-tofu/