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–+ servings
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu on a white plate with chives as garnish

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

This air fryer tofu is full of flavor on the inside and crispy-crunchy on the outside. Fast, easy, and a small handful of ingredients. It's my new favorite way to make it!
Yield: 4 cups

Ingredients

For the salted water (if using)

  • 6 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

For the air-fryer tofu

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu cut into approx. 3/4-inch cubes*
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the tofu

  • Option 1 - Salt water boil: To a medium saucepan set over high heat, add 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Add the tofu and boil for 10 minutes. Strain the tofu with a colander and drain well. Best flavor!
  • Option 2 - Press: Use a tofu press or a stack of plates to press the excess liquid out of the tofu.
  • Option 3 - Skip the press and just blot: I like to cut the tofu into slabs then use paper towels to blot the excess liquid and then proceed with the recipe. Excellent shortcut!

Toss tofu with cornstarch, seasonings, and oil

  • Place the tofu in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the tofu is well-coated. Drizzle the olive oil on top and toss again.

Cook tofu in air fryer

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
  • Spread the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Air fry for 20 minutes, checking it and giving it a quick toss at the 15-minute mark.
  • Serve as desired.

Notes

You can also tear the tofu into chunks for more crispy, craggy edges
Storage: Keep the cooked tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. I like to warm mine back up in the air fryer for crispiness. 

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 103kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 3860mg, Potassium: 165mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 124IU, Vitamin C: 0.01mg, Calcium: 45mg, Iron: 1mg