This air fryer tofu recipe is perfect for anyone who thinks tofu is bland and unexciting. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll have golden, crispy tofu bites bursting with flavor, all thanks to the air fryer. These bite-sized delights are perfect for adding a crunchy texture to your salads, wraps, or noodle dishes.
And the best part? They’re ready in under 20 minutes, making them a perfect quick meal. Give this Air Fryer Tofu a try and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meat-free alternative.
- Why These Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bites Stand Out
- Ingredients Needed
- How To Make Air Fryer Tofu
- Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bites
- How To Serve
- Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bites Recipe Variations
- Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bites Storing Ideas
- Can I Use Regular Tofu Instead Of Extra Firm Tofu For This Recipe?
- How Do I Prevent The Tofu From Sticking To The Air Fryer Basket?
- Can I Use The Same Recipe To Make Crispy Tofu In The Oven Instead Of The Air Fryer?
- More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Flavor-Packed Air Fryer Tofu: Perfect for Salads, Wraps, and More
With just 5 minutes of prep, this recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for busy days. Its crispy outside and moist inside make every bite irresistible, packed with mouthwatering flavors. Plus, you can customize it however you like, adding your favorite seasonings or sauces. Don’t miss out on this easy, delicious dish that will become a family favorite!
Why These Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bites Stand Out
- Crispy exterior: Enjoy the satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Tender inside: Experience the perfect balance of crispy and moist texture.
- Versatile: Use it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish—it suits every occasion.
- Quick prep: With just 5 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings or sauces to suit your taste preferences.
- Healthy Alternative: It’s a nutritious option with less fat than deep-fried tofu.
- Plant-Based Protein: Ideal for vegetarians and vegans looking to add protein to their diet.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this tofu’s crispy, flavorful goodness.
- Budget-Friendly: Tofu is an affordable ingredient found in most grocery stores.
- Delicious: Above all, it’s simply irresistible—once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients Needed
You will need only a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry to make these crispy tofu bites. Here is a list of everything you will need:
- Tofu – I used smoked tofu for an intense smoky flavor. However, it’s important to use extra firm tofu for the best results, as it holds its shape well during cooking.
- Cornstarch – Creates a crispy outer layer when cooked.
- Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds savory flavor to Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries, fried rice, and marinades.
- Olive Oil – Depending on your preference, you can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils, such as avocado, grapeseed, or vegetable oil.
- Garlic Powder – Adds depth of flavor to savory dishes such as roasted vegetables, pasta sauces, soups, and marinades.
- Paprika – Depending on the recipe, you can use smoked paprika, sweet paprika, or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Salt&Pepper – To taste.
How To Make Air Fryer Tofu
This recipe will become your new favorite snack idea once you see how easy it is to prepare. Here is everything you need to do:
Preparing The Tofu Bites
In a mixing bowl, mix the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, olive oil, and seasonings.
Start by draining the tofu blocks and gently pressing them between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture as it helps the tofu absorb the seasoning mixture effectively.
Cut the tofu into uniform bite-sized cubes or rectangles according to personal preference.
Transfer the prepared tofu pieces into a large mixing bowl.
Pour the seasoning mixture over the tofu, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Gently toss the tofu to ensure thorough coating, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
Air Frying Tofu Bites
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking conditions.
Place the seasoned tofu cubes in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Air fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes to begin the crisping process.
After 8 minutes of cooking, shake the air fryer basket to redistribute the tofu cubes for even crisping.
This step ensures that all sides of the tofu receive equal heat exposure.
Continue air frying the tofu for 5 minutes or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved.
Adjust cooking time based on preference for texture—crispy and golden brown on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.
Once the tofu reaches the desired level of crispiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer.
Serve the crispy air fryer tofu immediately as a delicious snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite dishes.
Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness while it’s hot and freshly cooked.
Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bites
- Opt for extra firm tofu to ensure it holds shape and crisps well in the air fryer. Extra firm tofu provides the ideal texture for crispy tofu bites.
- Before seasoning and air frying, drain the tofu between paper towels or a tofu press to remove excess moisture. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Slice the tofu into uniform bite-sized cubes or rectangles to ensure even cooking and uniform crisping.
- Coat the tofu bites evenly with cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and seasonings. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Place the seasoned tofu bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crisping on all sides of the tofu bites. This helps achieve a consistent texture.
- Keep an eye on the tofu bites as they cook to prevent burning. Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the tofu bites.
How To Serve
- Serve as a satisfying snack: Pair crispy tofu bites with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or peanut sauce, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Add to salads for a protein-packed crunch: These tofu bites make a delicious addition to green salads, grain bowls, or noodle salads, adding texture and flavor to your meal.
- Use as a filling for wraps or sandwiches: Layer crispy tofu bites with fresh vegetables, greens, and your choice of condiments for a tasty and satisfying meal on the go.
- Incorporate into stir-fries: Add the crispy tofu bites to your favorite stir-fry recipe with vegetables and a savory sauce for a delicious and hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Thread onto skewers for creative presentation: Serve crispy tofu bites as a party appetizer or barbecue dish by threading them onto skewers for a fun and visually appealing option.
- Enhance with various dipping sauces: Serve crispy tofu bites with different dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki, or tahini dressing to boost their flavor and make them even more satisfying.
Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bites Recipe Variations
- Toss the tofu bites in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil before coating them with cornstarch. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce.
- Season the tofu bites with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to add a kick. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Coat the tofu bites in homemade BBQ sauce before air frying for a smoky and tangy flavor. Serve with coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ-inspired dish.
- Toss the tofu bites in buffalo sauce before coating them with cornstarch. For a spicy appetizer, serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Season the tofu bites with garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs before air frying. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Bites Storing Ideas
- Fridge: Store leftover crispy tofu bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Freezer: To freeze crispy tofu bites, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen tofu bites to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
To Reheat: When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated tofu bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy. If reheating from frozen, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Can I Use Regular Tofu Instead Of Extra Firm Tofu For This Recipe?
While extra firm tofu is recommended for its ability to hold its shape and crisp up nicely, you can use firm tofu as an alternative. Just be sure to press it well to remove excess moisture before coating and air frying.
How Do I Prevent The Tofu From Sticking To The Air Fryer Basket?
To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before adding the tofu bites. Additionally, ensure the tofu is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture to create a protective barrier.
Can I Use The Same Recipe To Make Crispy Tofu In The Oven Instead Of The Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use the same seasoning mixture and coating method to make crispy tofu in the oven. Simply arrange the coated tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until crispy and golden brown.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Flavor-Packed Air Fryer Tofu: Perfect for Salads, Wraps, and More
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb tofu extra firm
For Seasoning
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or coconut flour
- 2 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or liquid amino’s
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch or coconut flour, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, olive oil, and the seasonings. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Drain the tofu blocks and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Add the prepared seasoning mixture over the tofu, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Gently toss the tofu to coat it thoroughly with the seasoning.
- Place the seasoned tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 13 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, shake the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Then, return it to the air fryer.
- Continue cooking the tofu for 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Once the tofu is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
