Are you ready to elevate your snacking game with a dish that's not only quick and easy but also irresistibly crispy? Look no further than this "Quick and Easy Crispy Air Fried Tofu"! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delightful Asian-inspired treat that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you're a tofu novice or a seasoned fan, this recipe will have you enjoying perfectly golden cubes that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Trust us, once you try this, you'll be coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove tofu from packaging and drain excess water. Press tofu between paper towels or clean kitchen towel for 15-20 minutes to remove additional moisture, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Cut pressed tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring consistent size for even cooking and crispy texture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth to create a seasoning mixture.
- Gently toss tofu cubes in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow tofu to marinate for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes to ensure proper heating.
- Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and crispy results.
- Air fry tofu for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check tofu at 12 minutes; cubes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If needed, cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove tofu from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot as a standalone snack or as part of a larger dish.
Tips
- Pressing is Key: To achieve that coveted crispiness, make sure to press your tofu thoroughly. The longer you press, the better the texture—aim for at least 15-20 minutes!
- Uniform Cuts: Cut your tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking, so every piece reaches that perfect golden brown.
- Marinate for Flavor: Don’t rush the marinating process! Allow the tofu to sit in the seasoning mixture for at least 5 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking. This step helps achieve that crispy exterior you’re aiming for.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing tofu in the air fryer, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to circulate properly, giving you that perfect crunch.
- Shake It Up: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake. This helps ensure that all sides of the tofu get evenly crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the tofu rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the steam to escape, keeping it crispy for longer!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 255kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
