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Easy Air Fryer Tofu

Closeup of crispy air fryer tofu nuggets in air fryer basket.
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This Easy Air Fryer Tofu is made with simple pantry ingredients, ready in about 25 minutes, and a great source of plant-based protein! It’s golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and can be eaten with a dipping sauce like tofu nuggets or added to other dishes!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12-ounce block / 340 grams Extra Firm Tofu (anywhere from 12-14 ounces will work)
  • 2 tablespoons / 30ml Low Sodium Light Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Peanut Oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
  • 1.75 tablespoons / 15 grams Corn Starch
  • ¼ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground White Pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

  1. Drain the tofu. Drain the water from the package of tofu. Gently squeeze the tofu block over the sink so that excess water drips out. Wrap the block with a kitchen paper towel and gently squeeze again so that the paper towel absorbs any remaining water.
    Tip: If you have extra time, you can also place the wrapped tofu block on a cutting board and place a plate and heavy object like a book or skillet on top to also help drain out more moisture. Set aside for 30 minutes. Then come back and drain off the excess water before proceeding with the recipe. You want the tofu to be as dry as possible so that it becomes crispier.
  2. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the low sodium light soy sauce, peanut oil, corn starch, sea salt, white pepper and garlic powder. Using a rubber spatula, mix well until thoroughly combined and a paste like mixture forms. It will be a little thick but still mixable.
  3. Coat the tofu: Tear the tofu into chunks and add to the marinade bowl. (It doesn’t need to be perfect or evenly sized pieces but aim to tear into larger chunks as some will break when mixing to coat.) Gently mix to coat the tofu pieces with the marinade using the rubber spatula.
  4. Air-fry: Preheat your air fryer at 400°F/200°C for 3 minutes (or according to manufacturer’s instructions) if needed for your specific model. Place the marinated tofu chunks in an even layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping (they can touch though). You may need to air fry in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket in order to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Equipment

Notes

  1. Be sure to check out the full article below for ingredients notes/substitutions, tips, variations, storage instructions, and more!
  2. Ways to serve air fryer tofu: Eat them like tofu nuggets with a dipping sauce of your choice – I highly recommend my Kebab Shop Garlic Sauce and Creamy Cilantro and Mint Sauce! Or serve with warm steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal. Or add them to a fried rice or stir-fried noodles. More ideas are in the article below!
  3. Recipe inspired by and adapted from The Woks of Life.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thatspicychick.com/easy-air-fryer-tofu/