Air fryer crispy tofu is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for a snack or meal prep. Crispy outside, chewy inside, and packed with flavor.
Have you ever had tofu that was just, eh, bland? Or soggy tofu? Well you’re in luck because this is NOT that recipe. I’ll teach you the trick to flavorful crispy tofu with 5 easy tips. We’ll get to that in a bit.
Air fryer tofu has all the crispiness of its deep fried counterpart, but a whole lot less oil. And best of all it only takes 20 minutes to air fry.
If you haven’t tried the air fryer yet, what are you waiting for?
This is the air fryer I have. Air fryers are a mini countertop convection oven that can make things like crispy pork belly, furikake salmon, and so much more.
Tofu is a blank canvas that is perfect for both sweet and savory marinades. This air fried tofu recipe uses a marinade that is made up of classic Hawai’i flavors that are a part of so many Hawaiian recipes. And you can’t go wrong with marinated tofu.
Cooking tofu in the air fryer only takes a few ingredients.
Air fryer crispy tofu ingredients
(Full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post)
- Extra firm tofu. This can be found in the refrigerator section at most grocery stores. Be sure to get extra firm.
- Shoyu. Shoyu is a Japanese style soy sauce that can be found in the Asian aisle at most grocery stores as well.
- Brown sugar. If you don’t have brown sugar you can also use granulated sugar.
- Garlic. Just a few cloves go a long way.
- Ginger. A classic addition to Hawaiian style marinades.
- Cornstarch. You can opt for potato starch as well.
How to make tofu in the air fryer
- Press the tofu to remove excess liquid for at least 15 minutes, ideally for a few hours to overnight.
2. Make the marinade. Add shoyu, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to a small bowl and mix until well combined.
Cut tofu into cubes and place in marinade. Marinate tofu for at least 15 minutes
Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
Toss tofu with cornstarch.
Air fry the tofu. Place tofu in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 10-20 minutes or until golden brown, tossing the basket halfway through cooking.
Tips for the best air fryer crispy tofu
- Tip 1: Use extra firm tofu. Extra firm tofu holds its shape best and prevents crumbling.
- Tip 2: Press your tofu. This removes excess liquid and allows the tofu to crisp up. Too much excess liquid can cause steam to develop and prevent crisping.
- Tip 3: Use cornstarch. Cornstarch absorbs moisture and creates a crispier coating.
- Tip 4: Use an air fryer at a high temperature. The high temperature will allow the outside of the tofu to cook quickly and allow it to get crispy.
- Tip 5: Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This allows air circulation around all pieces of tofu and creates a more even cooking process.
FAQs
Once tofu has cooled, place in an airtight container. This can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Other great air fryer recipes
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
- Air fryer chicken wings
- Air fryer coconut shrimp
- Air fryer teriyaki meatballs
- Air fryer maple candied bacon
- Air fryer glazed donuts
Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra firm tofu
- ¼ cup shoyu
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- ½ inch piece of ginger sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- For the tofu: Remove the tofu from the packaging and drain the water. Press tofu using a tofu press. If you don’t have a tofu press, place tofu on a paper towel set on a plate. Place another piece of paper towel over the tofu and place a heavy bottom pan, like a cast iron pan, over the tofu. Allow excess liquids to drain for at least 15 minutes.
- For the marinade: Add shoyu, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to a small bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Once tofu has been pressed, cut tofu into bite sized cubes. Place tofu on a cutting board and cut your block in half height wise. Stack the two pieces back on each other and cut into 4 strips lengthwise and 4 strips width wise.
- Place the cubed up tofu in a baking dish or large bowl. Pour the marinade over and gently toss to combine. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- When you are ready to cook, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss to combine.
- Place tofu in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 10-20 minutes or until golden brown, tossing the basket halfway through cooking. ENJOY!
Notes
- Tip 2: Press your tofu. This removes excess liquid and allows the tofu to crisp up. Too much excess liquid can cause steam to develop and prevent crisping.
- Tip 3: Use cornstarch. Cornstarch absorbs moisture and creates a crispier coating.
- Tip 4: Use an air fryer at a high temperature. The high temperature will allow the outside of the tofu to cook quickly and allow it to get crispy.
- Tip 5: Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This allows air circulation around all pieces of tofu and creates a more even cooking process.
Nutrition
© Relle Lum for Keeping It Relle. Please do not copy and paste or screenshot recipes online or on social media. I’d love it if you share a link with a photo instead. Mahalo!
Tried this recipe? Tag me on social. I’d love to see and share it. Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Tried and love this recipe? Please give it a rating.
Pin for later.
Super tasty and your recipe was easy to follow!!
This was delicious and easy to make! Love making healthy recipes in my fryer.
It is so crispy and tasty!
What a delicious tofu. I have to make this.
I love the flavor that the shoyu, brown sugar garlic and ginger marinade added to the crispy tofu. I’m going to use this marinade for other dishes.