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air fryer cripsy tofu on a white plate with chopsticks

Air Fryer Crispy Tofu

Relle Lum
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.
4.89 from 9 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Air Fryer
Cuisine Local
Servings 4 servings
Calories 150 kcal

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!

Video

Notes

Tips for the best air fryer crispy tofu:
Tip1: 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 11gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 9mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12g
Keyword air fryer, air fryer crispy tofu, air fryer recipes, air fryer tofu, dinner recipes, easy recipes, keeping it relle, tofu, tofu recipes, vegetarian, vegetarian recipes
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© 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!