Air Fryer Tofu: Crispy, Crunchy, And Delicious

Tofu is a healthy source of protein and a great alternative for those looking to cut down on meat. But getting that perfect crispy texture can be a challenge. Enter the air fryer—a small countertop high-powered convection oven that cooks food as if it were being fried, but with air. So, does it work for tofu?

The answer is a resounding yes! Air-frying tofu is a quick and easy way to get that coveted crispy, crunchy texture on the outside, while keeping the inside soft and pillowy. The key to success is using extra-firm tofu, which has less water content and will hold its shape better during cooking. Pressing the tofu before cooking also helps to remove excess moisture, resulting in a crispier end product.

When it comes to seasoning, the options are endless. A simple toss in a mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce or tamari, oil, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika will do the trick. For an extra crispy coating, give the tofu a final toss in cornstarch before placing it in the air fryer.

Cooking the tofu in the air fryer at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes will give you that perfect golden crisp. Just be sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

So, if you're looking to elevate your tofu game, an air fryer is definitely the way to go. It's a quick, easy, and healthy way to get that crispy texture we all crave.

How to achieve the right tofu consistency

The Tofu

The type of tofu you use is important. You should always opt for extra-firm tofu as it has less water content than other varieties. This means it will hold its shape better during cooking and give you that sought-after crispy texture. Softer types of tofu will fall apart when tossed with seasonings and won't crisp up as well.

Pressing

Pressing your tofu before cooking is another crucial step in achieving the right consistency. This process removes excess moisture, which would otherwise result in soggy tofu. You can invest in a tofu press, which is more convenient and also helps condense the tofu for a firmer texture. Alternatively, you can wrap your tofu block in a clean, lint-free kitchen towel and place a heavy pan on top to press out the moisture.

Marinating

After pressing, you can marinate your tofu to infuse it with flavour. A simple marinade of oil, soy sauce or tamari, and spices like garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ground ginger will do the trick. You can also add some cornstarch to the marinade for extra crispiness. Marinate the tofu for up to 24 hours, or a minimum of 15 minutes if you're short on time.

Air Frying

Now it's time for the air fryer! Place your tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces don't touch so that air can circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches. Set the temperature to between 375-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on your tofu towards the end to prevent burning.

Serving

Your tofu is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it as-is or toss it with your favourite sauce. It's a versatile dish that can be added to curries, rice bowls, stir-fries, salads, and more.

Tips

• For an even crispier tofu, use super-firm vacuum-sealed tofu, or freeze and then thaw your tofu before pressing it.
• If you want to marinate your tofu in a saucy marinade, it's best to strain the tofu after marinating and before air frying. You can always heat up the sauce and drizzle it over the tofu after cooking.
• If you're using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in two batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.
• Each air fryer model is different, so be sure to keep an eye on your tofu the first time you cook it and adjust the cooking time as needed.

The best tofu types for air frying

Air frying is a great way to cook tofu, yielding a crispy and crunchy exterior with a soft and pillowy interior. To achieve this texture, it is important to select the right type of tofu.

Extra-firm tofu

The best tofu type for air frying is extra-firm tofu. This tofu has more water squeezed out of it than soft or silken tofu, resulting in a crispier texture when cooked. Extra-firm tofu also holds its shape better and won't fall apart when tossed with seasonings.

Super-firm or high-protein tofu

If you're looking for an even firmer option, you can choose super-firm or high-protein tofu, which is denser than extra-firm tofu and can crisp up well without pressing.

Vacuum-packed tofu

Another option is to buy vacuum-packed tofu, which is the firmest variety as the pressing has already been done for you. Simply cut it into cubes, add your desired seasonings, and air fry!

Freezing your tofu

Freezing and then thawing your tofu before cooking can improve its texture and ability to absorb flavours. This is an optional step but is highly recommended by some tofu enthusiasts.

Pressing your tofu

To achieve the crispiest tofu, it is recommended to press your tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. You can use a tofu press or simply place a heavy pan on top of your tofu to drain the moisture.

By selecting one of these tofu types and following the recommended preparation techniques, you can achieve the best results for crispy and delicious air-fried tofu.

Air fryer temperature and timing

To make crispy tofu in an air fryer, the temperature should be set at around 375°F to 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the specific air fryer model, but on average, the tofu should be cooked for 10 to 15 minutes. It is recommended to shake the basket after 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

For extra crispy tofu, the air fryer temperature can be increased to 400°F and cooked for a total of 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Step 1: Prepare the tofu

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier texture. This can be done by wrapping the tofu block in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, use a tofu press for more convenience.

Step 2: Cut and season the tofu

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rip it into chunks for more craggly edges. Place the tofu pieces in a medium-sized bowl and add your desired seasonings and coatings. A simple seasoning mix can include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt. For a crispier coating, toss the tofu with cornstarch, and liquid aminos or light soy sauce. A small amount of oil, such as sesame oil or avocado oil, can also be added to enhance crispiness and flavor.

Step 3: Arrange the tofu in the air fryer

Place the seasoned tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is a little space between each piece. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will affect the crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.

Step 4: Cook the tofu

Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook the tofu for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer your tofu extra crispy, increase the cooking time to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the tofu during the final minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Once the tofu is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool down for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy tofu as a snack or add it to your favorite dishes, such as stir-fries, grain bowls, or salads.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite combinations. Enjoy the convenience and delicious results of making crispy tofu in your air fryer!

Marinade ingredients and alternatives

The key to achieving crispy tofu in an air fryer is to ensure that the tofu is dry before cooking. This can be done by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, or by choosing a denser variety of tofu, such as "super-firm" or "high-protein". Freezing the tofu before cooking can also help to improve its texture and ability to absorb flavour from the marinade.

A variety of ingredients can be used to create a marinade for tofu, with soy sauce, garlic, and oil being common components. Here are some specific examples of marinade ingredients and alternatives:

• Soy sauce is a key ingredient in many tofu marinades, adding a rich, salty flavour. It can be replaced with tamari for a gluten-free option, or liquid aminos or coconut aminos for a less salty alternative.
• Rice wine vinegar is another common ingredient, adding a tangy flavour to the marinade. This can be substituted with regular vinegar or apple cider vinegar, although the flavour will be different.
• Sesame oil is often used in tofu marinades, but other oils such as olive oil or avocado oil can also be used. Alternatively, a blend of sesame and olive oil can be used to add flavour and enhance crispiness.
• Garlic is a popular choice for adding flavour to a tofu marinade. Fresh garlic cloves or minced garlic can be used, or garlic powder can be added for a simpler option.
• Onion powder is another common ingredient in tofu marinades, adding savoury flavour.
• Black pepper is often included in tofu marinades, providing a subtle kick of spice.
• Paprika can be added to the marinade for a smoky flavour. Smoked paprika will provide a more intense smoky taste.
• Agave or maple syrup can be added to the marinade to balance out the other flavours.
• Cornstarch helps to thicken the marinade and create a crispy coating on the tofu. It can be replaced with regular flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

When preparing a tofu marinade, it is important to allow the tofu to soak up the flavours. It is recommended to let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours for maximum flavour infusion.

Dipping sauces

An air fryer is a small countertop high-powered convection oven that cooks food as if it were being fried, but with air. It can be used to make tofu crispy.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

This tangy sauce is perfect for dipping crispy tofu strips. It also works well as a salad dressing or as a wrap with greens or crunchy lettuce and roasted veggies. To make the sauce, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, garlic powder, and Asian chili sauce.

Soy Dipping Sauce

This sauce is perfect for those who want a more traditional taste. It is a simple combination of scallions, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce (optional). For a milder sauce, leave out the chili.

Sesame-Soy Dipping Sauce

This sauce is a great complement to crunchy tofu. It is made with low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, red chili pepper, spring onion, and sesame seeds.

Gochujang Sauce

This sauce is a great addition to a stir fry or grain bowl. It is a Korean chili paste that can be mixed with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey to create a sweet and spicy sauce.

Peanut Sauce

A peanut sauce is a great option for those who want a creamy and nutty dip. It can be made with peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and lime juice.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-based dip that is perfect for those who want a cool and refreshing sauce. It is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill.

Experiment with different sauces and find your favourite!

Frequently asked questions