Sometimes, dinner sneaks up on me faster than expected, and that’s when this crispy air fryer tofu really saves the day. It’s not just about quick cooking; it’s about that satisfying crunch that makes every bite worth savoring. This recipe brings out a golden crust while keeping the inside tender—a texture contrast that feels like a small celebration on my plate.
One evening, I was a little distracted by a call from a friend while I was tossing the tofu cubes with the marinade. I didn’t quite get the coating perfectly even, but honestly, that made each piece a tiny surprise in crispiness. When I pulled the basket out of the air fryer, the aroma of smoky paprika and garlic filled the kitchen, making it impossible to wait. I grabbed a piece, and the crunch echoed louder than I expected. It was simple, satisfying, and a bit of a happy accident that I haven’t stopped making since.
- Brings a delightful crunch without deep frying—less mess, less stress.
- Quick to prep and cook, fitting neatly into busy weeknights.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point; no complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
- The smoky paprika adds a subtle depth, but you can easily swap it out if you’re feeling adventurous.
And if you’re wondering about storage, leftovers keep well in the fridge and crisp up nicely with a quick air fryer reheat. So this can easily become a batch-cooked staple, ready whenever you need a protein-packed crunch.
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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for crispy tofu made in the air fryer. Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, this tofu is a great protein-packed addition to any meal.
Ingredients
14 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
Instructions
Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the marinated tofu cubes and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
Air fry the tofu at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove the tofu from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Don’t worry about fancy gadgets here—just an air fryer and a bit of patience for the tofu to crisp up. I usually serve this alongside steamed veggies or tossed into a salad for a fresh bite. Sometimes, I throw a drizzle of sriracha mayo on top—because why not? Variations? Sure. You might try swapping smoked paprika for cayenne if you like it spicier, or adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds after cooking for a nutty touch. I haven’t tested all these, but it’s fun to experiment.
FAQ
Can I use regular tofu instead of extra-firm? It’s best to stick with extra-firm to get that crisp texture; softer tofu tends to fall apart in the air fryer.
Do I need to press the tofu? Yep, pressing helps remove extra moisture so the tofu crisps up nicely.
How do I reheat leftovers? Pop them back in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes to restore crunch.
Ready to add a crispy twist to your dinner routine? Give this air fryer tofu a try and watch how it changes your weeknight vibes.