Crispy Air-Fryer Tofu: No Cornstarch, No Problem!

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy tofu without using much oil. The circulating hot air cooks the tofu in a fraction of the time it would take in a regular oven. The key to achieving a crispy texture without cornstarch is to remove excess moisture by pressing the tofu before cooking. You can also coat the tofu in a variety of seasonings and spices to add flavour.

Pressing the tofu

There are a few ways to press tofu. You can use a tofu press, which is a specially designed tool for this purpose. Alternatively, you can create a DIY press by wrapping the tofu block in paper towels or clean dishcloths and placing it in a shallow bowl. Then, stack heavy items on top to drain the excess water. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books for this. Leave the tofu to press for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for best results.

If you don't want to press your tofu, there are a few alternatives. You can buy pre-pressed tofu, which comes in vacuum-sealed packages. Simply cut into cubes and season before frying. You can also plan ahead and freeze your tofu for a few days or up to a few months. Defrost it in the microwave or leave it to thaw in the fridge overnight. As it thaws, it will release a lot of moisture, so you can then pat it dry and proceed with your recipe.

Marinating the tofu

Firstly, it is important to press the tofu to remove any excess water. This can be done by using a tofu press or by creating a DIY press. Wrap the tofu in paper towels or clean cloths and place it in a shallow bowl. Then, place a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet on top to drain the moisture. Let it press for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures that the tofu has a chewier texture and doesn't turn soggy during cooking.

Next, cut the tofu into cubes. The size of the cubes can vary depending on your preference, but keep in mind that smaller pieces will result in crispier tofu. Place the cubed tofu in a shallow bowl or dish.

Now, it's time to make the marinade. In a separate bowl, combine your desired ingredients. A simple marinade can be made using soy sauce, olive oil or sesame oil, garlic, and spices like onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add ingredients like rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, or sriracha for extra flavour. Whisk or stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.

After preparing the marinade, pour it over the tofu cubes in the shallow bowl. Gently toss the tofu with your hands or a spatula to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let the tofu sit and marinate for at least 15 minutes. During this time, the tofu will absorb the flavours of the marinade. You can also leave it to marinate for longer, up to 24 hours, in the refrigerator if you want more intense flavours.

Once the tofu has finished marinating, sprinkle cornstarch or arrowroot starch over the tofu and toss again to ensure an even coating. The cornstarch will help create an extra crispy exterior on the tofu.

Finally, your tofu is ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Place the tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each piece for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer, adjusting the temperature and time as needed. Enjoy your delicious, crispy tofu!

Using extra-firm tofu

To make crispy tofu in an air fryer without cornstarch, you'll want to use extra-firm tofu. It has less water than softer kinds of tofu, which will help make your tofu crispier.

Pressing the Tofu

Before cooking with tofu, it's a good idea to press it to remove excess moisture, which would otherwise make your tofu soggy. You can buy a tofu press, or create your own by placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of your tofu and letting the moisture drain out. You can also wrap the tofu in paper towels or clean dishcloths and place a heavy object on top to drain the water.

Marinating the Tofu

Tofu is bland on its own, so letting it sit in a marinade will make all the difference. Try a marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and maple syrup. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch to the marinade to help make the tofu crispier. Marinate the tofu for up to 24 hours, or for as little as 15 minutes.

Cooking the Tofu

After pressing and marinating the tofu, it's time to cook it. Cut the tofu into cubes and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each piece so the air can circulate. Set your air fryer to between 375-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu is ready when it's crisp and browned around the edges.

Serving the Tofu

Your crispy tofu is now ready to enjoy! You can serve it on its own with a dipping sauce, or add it to a stir-fry, salad, or grain bowl.

Using nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast is a great alternative to cornstarch when making crispy tofu in an air fryer. It helps create a "breading" on the tofu, resulting in a super golden, uniquely salty, nutty, and umami flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 block Extra-Firm Tofu, drained and pressed
• 1 tablespoon Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or gluten-free tamari
• 1 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• Spray Avocado Oil or other neutral oil

Instructions:

• Press the tofu: Place the block of tofu in a shallow bowl and press it for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water. You can use a tofu press or create a DIY press by wrapping the tofu in paper towels or clean dishcloths and placing a heavy item on top to drain the water.
• Cube the tofu: Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
• Marinate the tofu: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and all the seasonings. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss until they are evenly coated. Let the tofu marinate for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to absorb.
• Spray oil: Lightly spray the tofu with avocado oil or another neutral oil. This helps the seasonings stick to the tofu and creates a crisp exterior.
• Air fry: Transfer the tofu to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 13-15 minutes, or until crispy. Shake the basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on the tofu to avoid overcooking or burning.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy tofu!

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time you set your air fryer to will depend on the type of tofu you are using and the texture you are aiming for.

Extra-firm tofu

For extra-firm tofu, a temperature of 375°F to 400°F is recommended. This will give your tofu a crispy exterior and a chewy or soft interior. The tofu should be cooked for 10 to 15 minutes at this temperature, with the basket shaken after 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Super-firm or vacuum-sealed tofu

If you are using super-firm tofu, or vacuum-sealed tofu, you can afford to air fry for a little longer, as there is less risk of the tofu becoming soggy. A temperature of 400°F is still recommended, but you can cook for up to 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-10 minutes.

Frozen tofu

If you are cooking with frozen tofu, it is recommended that you defrost it first. This can be done in the microwave, or by transferring it to the fridge to thaw overnight. As it thaws, it will release a lot of moisture, so it is best to pat it dry before cooking. You can then follow the same instructions as for extra-firm tofu.

Pressed tofu

If you press your tofu before cooking, this will also help to remove excess moisture. You can buy a tofu press, or create your own by placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the tofu and letting the moisture drain out. You should press the tofu for at least 15 minutes, but preferably 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions