This flavorful, crispy tofu recipe is made by air-frying marinated tofu cubes with minimal oil, achieving perfect texture every time. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a delicious topping for salads, pasta, or noodles.
For a protein-packed snack with a flavorful twist, look no further than Air Fryer Tofu. This Asian-style dish, featuring tofu, offers a delicious and satisfying treat that's perfect for those looking to enjoy a tasty and nutritious snack option. It tastes delicious as is or when paired with spicy Thai peanut dipping sauce. You may also like my tandoori tofu made in the air fryer.
Tofu is a high-protein meal that provides all of the necessary amino acids. It is a fantastic addition to your plant-based diet because it has no cholesterol. It is an excellent source of fiber, carbohydrates, and even vitamins.
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Ingredients for Air Fryer Tofu
- Extra Firm Tofu - Only extra-firm or firm tofu will work for this recipe. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove all the excess moisture. Removing the moisture helps to make the tofu cubes crispy.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce - Or tamari (for gluten-free). Because it adds the extra zing to the dish, you can also use liquid aminos or coconut aminos.
- Sesame oil - Sesame oil gives a nutty, umami-like flavor, and helps to crisp up the tofu. So dont skimp on the oil. You can also use olive oil or any vegetable oil if you don't have sesame oil.
- Spices - I have used garlic powder, red chili powder (or paprika), salt, and pepper for seasoning. You may use your favorite go-to spices.
- Maple Syrup - you can also use agave. It helps to balance the flavors and doesn't make it sweet.
- Rice Vinegar - gives a tart and sweet taste to the dish. You can skip it if you don't have one.
- Cornstarch - This is the secret ingredient to make extra crispy tofu. You can also substitute with Arrowroot starch.
How to Make Crispy Tofu in an Air Fryer
Press 16 oz extra-firm tofu with some heavy objects for at least 30 minutes. This will drain the excess moisture. You can also use a tofupress.
Then cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
In a mixing jar, add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder (or sriracha), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave), 1 tablespoon sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well with a whisker until well blended, and keep aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, place the pressed tofu. Add the prepared soy sauce marinade and toss to coat. Let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Then, when you are ready for air frying, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and toss well to combine. Cornstarch helps to make the tofu crispier and is optional.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (203°C). Add the marinated tofu to the air fryer basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
Air fry them at 400°F (203°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown, and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through.
The air fryer marinated tofu is ready to serve. Remove to a serving plate, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve warm.
Crispy Tofu in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated tofu evenly in a single layer.
Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes till they turn crispy on the edges. Turn halfway through cooking time.
How to Make Marinated Crispy Tofu on Stovetop
Heat the pan or skillet over medium-high heat, and add some oil. Then, arrange all the marinated tofu in a single layer. Again, lightly brush or spray some oil on the top. Cook from both sides until it turns golden brown in color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this air-fried tofu as a side dish with a Thai peanut sauce, or as an appetizer, or top it on stir-fries, pasta, noodles, or salads.
Storage Suggestions
- Make Ahead: Let the tofu sit in the soy sauce marinade for up to 1 day in advance in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, toss in cornstarch and air fry.
- Fridge: You can store the leftover air-fried tofu cubes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the tofu in the air fryer @380ºF for about 3 to 5 minutes to get crispy tofu.
Tips to make the Best Crispy Tofu
- Tofu Type: Extra-firm or firm tofu works best for this recipe. I do not recommend using silken tofu. It will yield the wrong texture and will break apart.
- Press the tofu: Make sure to press the tofu using a tofu press or a heavy object like cast iron to remove excess moisture. Wrap the extra-firm tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object, like a cast iron skillet, on top. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to remove excess moisture and makes the tofu crispy when air-fried.
- Marination: Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes or a few hours, so it absorbs more flavors from the marinade.
- Cornstarch: I highly recommend adding cornstarch to the tofu, as it helps to absorb excess moisture and makes it extra crispy.
- Cut into the same size: Cut the tofu into cubes of the same size, which helps quick and even cooking.
- If your tofu is drying, brush some oil on it to retain the moisture.
Variations
- Keto: To make a Keto-friendly version, skip the cornstarch and maple syrup in this recipe.
- Seasonings: You can also use Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, or barbeque seasoning.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients
- 16 oz extra firm tofu pressed for 30 minutes, cut into 1” cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (or sriracha)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or liquid aminos)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any oil)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
Instructions
- Press extra-firm tofu with some heavy object for at least 30 minutes. This will drain the excess moisture. Then cut the tofu into cubes.
- In a mixing jar, Add garlic powder, red chili powder (or sriracha), soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or agave), sesame oil, salt and pepper. Stir well with a whisker until well blended and keep aside.
- In a medium sized bowl place the pressed tofu. Add the prepared soy sauce marinade and toss to coat. Let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Then when you are ready for Air Frying, add a tablespoon of corn starch and toss well to combine. Cornstarch helps to make the tofu crispier and is optional.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (203°C). Add the marinated tofu to the air fryer basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
- Air fryer them at 400°F (203°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown, and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through.
- The air fryer marinated tofu is ready to serve. Remove in a serving plate, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
Tips to make the Best Crispy Tofu
- Tofu Type: Extra-firm or firm tofu works best for this recipe. I do not recommend using silken tofu. It will yield the wrong texture and will break apart.
- Press the tofu: Make sure to press the tofu using a tofu press or a heavy object like cast iron to remove excess moisture. Wrap the extra-firm tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object, like a cast iron skillet, on top. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to remove excess moisture and makes the tofu crispy when air-fried.
- Marination: Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes or a few hours, so they absorb more flavors from the marinade.
- Cornstarch: I highly recommend adding cornstarch to the tofu, as it helps to absorb excess moisture and makes it extra crispy.
- Cut into the same size: Cut the tofu into cubes of the same size, which helps quick and even cooking.
- If you see your tofu drying, brush some oil on them to retain the moisture.
Variations
- Keto: To make a Keto-friendly version, skip the cornstarch and maple syrup in this recipe.
- Seasonings: You can also use Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, or barbeque seasoning.
Nutrition
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Jen
This is the perfect marinade! I made this and kept in the fridge in a plastic bag for a few days while flipping before using. I ended up making it for about four meals, air frying just what I needed. I just got more tofu just so I can eat it again this week. Thank you!
Bhavana Patil
Thanks for sharing your feedback Jen.. We love this marinated tofu as well in our house.Happy Cooking