Air fryer devotees, rejoice! After many requests, I lastly deliver you my favourite technique to air fry tofu!

This easy methodology turns a block of extra-firm tofu right into a tumble of remarkably crispy (however under no circumstances dry) nuggets. In different phrases, a mouthful of those provides you the dopamine hit of an audibly crispy chunk, adopted by a young, pillowy chew.

Add this air-fried tofu methodology to your weeknight dinner arsenal and toss them into any (severely, any!) meal to bump up its protein (and deliciousness) issue. 

Desk of Contents:
1. Air fryer skeptic?
2. Ingredient notes
3. Step-by-step directions
4. Suggestions for making this recipe
5. Customise
6. Often Requested Questions
7. Recipe card with notes

Air fryer skeptic admits…air fried tofu is admittedly good 

Once I carried out a complete take a look at of strategies for attaining crispy tofu (documented on this YouTube video!), it made sense to incorporate the air fryer as one methodology. 

I’ll admit: my expectations for the air fryer methodology had been low.

As a result of each time I attempted adapting considered one of my recipes for use within the air fryer, I used to be upset with the outcomes. The unique cooking methodology—whether or not pan-fried, deep-fried, and even baked—was considerably higher. 

BUT…the air fryer tofu methodology I got here up with shocked me. The tofu obtained genuinely crispy with out drying out (and it simply beat the oven-baked tofu when it comes to crispiness). 

Perhaps the most effective endorsement for this recipe is for me to inform you that I’m in no way blindly loyal to the air fryer—I nonetheless choose my oven or a saute pan for many issues. However in relation to turning tofu into crispy, moist, golden nuggets, take it from this former skeptic: give the air fryer a strive.

Ingredient notes

We’re going for bite-sized morsels that may be successfully crisped up whereas retaining a young, moist inside, so extra-firm tofu is a superb alternative (as is the case in my baked tofu and fried tofu recipes). 

It’s not prepared for the air fryer straight out of the container, although, and for those who’re studying this and considering, “Duh, Nisha, we have now to press out the extra water first,” oh boy, do I’ve a enjoyable shock in retailer for you. 

Learn on (or soar to this part) for the particular approach we use on this recipe to maximise the tofu’s potential for crispiness!

Arrowroot powder

Tofu is a type of elements that modifications fairly a bit primarily based on the cooking methodology. For example, cornstarch works greatest for pan-fried or deep-fried tofu, however it tastes chalky in oven-baked tofu. Potato starch is the most effective for crisping up baked tofu however it sticks an excessive amount of in fried tofu. 

And in my checks, arrowroot powder was the best choice for air-fried tofu: it produces a beautiful gentle and crispy coating. If you happen to want proof, watch this second of the YouTube video and pay attention for the sound of simple crispiness!).

Substitute: That mentioned, potato starch or cornstarch additionally work on this recipe!

Olive oil

I do know, I do know, a serious promoting level of the air fryer is that you could prepare dinner with out utilizing oil. In my checks, nonetheless, the air-fried tofu recipes with out oil resulted in very dry tofu. 

The chewing expertise was subpar—one of the simplest ways I can describe it’s that the tofu took up numerous area in my mouth, if that is sensible?

If it doesn’t make sense, no worries, since you gained’t have this expertise. Since you’re going to get moist-yet-crispy tofu. Since you’re going to make use of somewhat little bit of oil. Not a ton, however sufficient to maintain issues moist.

Kosher salt

Salt performs two essential roles right here—the primary, as you would possibly guess, is its function in seasoning the tofu earlier than it goes into the air fryer. Its second function is as Crispiness Enhancement Officer (CEO).

Water is the enemy of crispiness—fairly intuitive—so that you’re in all probability conversant in recipes asking you to press tofu earlier than cooking it.

However in my testing, I discovered that soaking the tofu in a sizzling saltwater resolution removes extra moisture than urgent it—counterintuitive, however stick with me—which yields even crispier outcomes.

If you happen to care concerning the science behind it, the salt within the sizzling water attracts the water molecules inside the tofu and attracts them out (thanks, osmosis!). If you happen to don’t care, simply benefit from the magic of the recent saltwater methodology: it makes the tofu crispier (and tastier!).

P.S. The kind of salt you utilize issues—soar to this part for extra particulars!

Step-by-step directions

Slice the tofu into ¾” (2 cm) cubes.

In a heatproof vessel, mix the boiling water and 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use half the quantity if utilizing one other salt). Stir till the salt is totally dissolved.

Pour the recent saltwater over the tofu cubes and soak for 10 minutes. Drain the tofu, then gently pat dry with a dish towel to take away moisture. 

Coat the tofu with the olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. 

Now add the arrowroot powder and gently toss with a silicone spatula to evenly coat.

To the basket of an air fryer (that has been preheated to 375ºF / 190ºC for six minutes), add half the tofu, or as a lot as you may add with out the items touching.

Air fry for six minutes. Open and shake the basket just a few occasions, then air fry for an additional 6 minutes.

Shake the basket once more, and air fry for an extra 4-6 minutes earlier than eradicating and sprinkling with a pinch of salt.

Suggestions for making crispy air fryer tofu

Use the proper of salt

As with most of my recipes, I take advantage of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt until I specify sea salt. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is, teaspoon for teaspoon, about half as salty as desk salt. 

If you’re utilizing a unique sort of salt than Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, please use much less salt. In any other case the tofu will likely be too salty!

Utilizing Desk Salt? Use half the quantity of salt listed within the recipe (for each the saltwater soak and for seasoning the tofu). 

Utilizing sea salt or Morton’s kosher salt? Use barely greater than half the quantity of salt.

Dry the tofu effectively

Earlier than coating the tofu in oil and arrowroot powder, make sure you dry the tofu effectively, as extra moisture interferes with the mission crucial crisp-up course of. To do that with the least danger of tofu breakage, switch the soaked and drained tofu to a dish towel and gently pat dry a number of occasions.

Cook dinner along with your senses; the occasions listed are merely pointers.

Each air fryer mannequin is totally different, so use the prepare dinner occasions listed within the recipe card as a tenet, not as absolutely the reality.

For example, in case your tofu is crispy and to your liking after the primary two tosses, name it there!

In case your tofu is practically accomplished after the primary two tosses, air fry for simply 2-3 minutes extra, as an alternative of the 4-6 minutes referred to as for within the recipe.

And needless to say smaller tofu items crisp up and prepare dinner sooner than bigger items.

Unfold out the tofu with out overlap

You wish to be sure there may be minimal to no touching between the tofu items in order that they’ve an opportunity to be uncovered to the warmth within the air fryer and crisp up. If you happen to crowd the cubes, you run the chance of ending up with under-crisped, gummy tofu.

I take advantage of a 4 qt/L air fryer mannequin like this, which has sufficient area for half of a regular block of tofu. After all, when you’ve got a bigger air fryer like this, you could possibly prepare dinner the complete batch directly.

Customise

Whereas I really like this easy, crispy air fryer tofu as a result of it’s so versatile and can be utilized with nearly any meal (see the FAQ for a few of my concepts 🙃), if you wish to jazz it up with some spices, listed below are some concepts!

Use this “tacky” Indian spice mix

Shock, a bonus recipe inside a recipe! 

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine collectively:

• 2 tablespoons dietary yeast
• 1 heaping teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon floor cumin
• ¼ teaspoon floor turmeric
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (non-obligatory)
• A heaping ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper to style

Step 2: Sprinkle the tofu with the spice mix, then drizzle with 1 ½ tablespoons oil of alternative. Toss effectively with a silicone spatula to coat the tofu. 

Step 3: For the most effective taste: “marinate” the tofu at room temp for 15 to half-hour (or as much as 1 hour within the fridge). 

Step 4: After the tofu is completed marinating, sprinkle the tofu with 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder, tossing to coat with the spatula.

Step 5: Air fry the tofu as listed within the recipe card.

Use your favourite spice mix

Get inventive, and change the Indian spices listed above with 2 ½ teaspoons of your favourite spice mix!

Want concepts for spice blends? Strive considered one of these, all of which could be present in my cookbook, Large Vegan Taste:

• A shawarma spice mix (p. 532)
• An Ethiopian Berbere spice mix (p. 488)
• A BBQ spice mix (p. 238)

Often Requested Questions

Cherished this Crispy Air Fryer Tofu? Let me know by leaving a score and overview! I all the time respect listening to from you!

Large Vegan Taste

Strategies and 150 recipes to grasp vegan cooking.

This air fryer tofu methodology leaves you with bouncy, crispy-coated nuggets with a young, pillowy chew—the most effective of each worlds. Their versatility makes them a really perfect addition to nearly any meal, so crisp up a batch and toss into salads, grain bowls, noodles, curries—you identify it!—for a enjoyable protein increase.

• Slice the tofu into ¾” (2 cm) cubes. Add to a big bowl.

• Soak the tofu: In a heatproof glass or jar, mix the boiling water and 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (see Notice 3). Stir to dissolve the salt, then pour the recent saltwater over the tofu. Soak for 10 minutes.

• Drain the tofu in a colander and gently shake it to launch extra water. Unfold out the tofu on a clear dish towel and gently pat dry.

• Flip your air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC) and preheat it for six minutes.

• In the meantime, dry the bowl and return the tofu to it. Drizzle the tofu with the 1 ½ tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a number of cracks of pepper. Use a silicone spatula to softly coat the tofu throughout. Now add 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder and gently toss till tofu is effectively coated.
• When the air fryer is completed preheating, spray the basket with some spray oil or cooking spray. Add about half of the tofu (or as a lot as will match with minimal to no touching) and unfold it out. Air fry for six minutes, then open and shake the basket just a few occasions to toss the tofu.Air fry for an additional 6 minutes, then open and shake the basket just a few occasions to toss the tofu. If the tofu is completed to your liking, you may name it a day. In any other case, air fry for a remaining 4 to six minutes (smaller items want much less time).

• Take away the tofu and sprinkle with a pinch of salt as wanted.

• Repeat the air frying course of with the remaining tofu (no have to preheat the air fryer once more).

1. That is designed to be very merely seasoned tofu you need to use with nearly any recipe. If you wish to add spices, try the Customise part within the weblog publish.
2. In testing, I discovered the conventional air fryer fashions work significantly better than the “good oven / air fryer” hybrid fashions (the latter required extra flipping than merely utilizing the oven and it got here out dry and rubbery, not crispy and moist on the within). If the one air fryer you’ve gotten is considered one of these good ovens hybrid fashions, after all you may all the time strive it out for your self, however I might suggest simply making my easy baked tofu as an alternative, which could be very hands-off.
3. I specify Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt as a result of it’s, teaspoon for teaspoon, about half as salty as desk salt. If utilizing desk salt, use ½ tablespoon salt in step 2 and ¼ teaspoon salt in step 5. If utilizing sea salt, use a heaping ½ tablespoon salt in step and a heaping ¼ teaspoon salt in step 5.
4. In case you have a big air fryer mannequin, you could possibly add all the tofu – simply be sure there may be minimal to no touching to make sure the tofu will get good and crispy.

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