Air Fryer Crispy Tofu

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Tofu

1. 1

   Step 1: Press and drain the tofu

   Remove the tofu from its package and drain the liquid. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and press with a heavy skillet or a tofu press for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture; this step is crucial for crispiness.

   For this step

   • 14 ozExtra-firm tofu (one 14 oz / 400 g block)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Cut and quick-marinate

   Unwrap and cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then gently toss the tofu pieces in the mixture and let sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors penetrate.

   For this step

   • 1 tbspLow-sodium soy sauce
   • 1 tspSesame oil
   • 1 tspGarlic powder
   • 1/2 tspSalt
   • 1/4 tspBlack pepper
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Coat with dry mixture

   In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch and baking powder. Add the marinated tofu pieces and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the dry mixture; shake off any excess to avoid clumping in the air fryer.

   For this step

   • 1/3 cupCornstarch
   • 1/2 tspBaking powder
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Arrange and oil the tofu

   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly toss or brush the coated tofu with the neutral oil and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air flow.

   For this step

   • 1 tbspNeutral oil (for tossing or brushing)
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Air-fry until golden and crisp

   Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–16 minutes, shaking or turning the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning. If the tofu needs extra crispness, air-fry an additional 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
   
6. 6

   Step 6: Finish and serve

   Remove the tofu and let it rest 1–2 minutes to firm up. Serve immediately with rice bowls, salads, or a dipping sauce like sweet chili, soy-sesame, or peanut sauce for best contrast of textures and flavors.
   

1. Remove the tofu from its package and drain the liquid. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and press with a heavy skillet or a tofu press for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture; this step is crucial for crispiness.
2. Unwrap and cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then gently toss the tofu pieces in the mixture and let sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors penetrate.
3. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch and baking powder. Add the marinated tofu pieces and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the dry mixture; shake off any excess to avoid clumping in the air fryer.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly toss or brush the coated tofu with the neutral oil and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air flow.
5. Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–16 minutes, shaking or turning the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning. If the tofu needs extra crispness, air-fry an additional 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
6. Remove the tofu and let it rest 1–2 minutes to firm up. Serve immediately with rice bowls, salads, or a dipping sauce like sweet chili, soy-sesame, or peanut sauce for best contrast of textures and flavors.