Make ultra crispy tofu in under 20 minutes using minimal prep and pantry staples! This is a plant based recipe that is great in rice bowls, salads, wraps and more.
The key to truly crispy tofu isn't complicated ingredients, it's moisture control and high heat. Pressing the tofu properly, lightly coating it in oil, and air frying at the right temperature creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. With just tofu, oil, and spices, you can build a versatile base for bowls, wraps, or salads.
Reasons to try tofu
- These crisp tofu nuggets have SO MUCH FLAVOR and are super versatile!
- You don't need to make a sauce or marinade; simply season with a few spices.
- It is super speedy! It cooks in just 13 minutes.
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not to be skipped!
This recipe is specifically for extra firm tofu. You will not have the same results if you use other varieties.
Tofu is made from compressed soybean curds, and comes in many different varieties including silken, regular, smoked and extra firm (among many other varieties!). We want our tofu to hold its shape while cooking, which is why you'll need extra firm tofu for this recipe.
Key Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu: see note above.
- Avocado oil: extra virgin olive oil will work, I like avocado oil because it does well with high temperatures.
- Spices: you can switch this up but I love to use garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Cornstarch: this really helps with achieving the crisp texture, I do not suggest skipping this.
Goes Great With
Crispy tofu goes so well with a dip. Here are some tasty ideas:
- The peanut sauce from this Peanut Ginger Tofu Stir Fry
- Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing
- One of these 7 Amazing Hummus Recipes
- Super Speedy Tzatziki
- Healthier Caesar Dressing
More air fryer recipes
- Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
- Air Fryer Chickpea Cauliflower Tacos
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Honey Lime Shrimp
- Air Fryer Thai Salmon Patties
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
How to Make Crispy Tofu
Ingredients
- 12 oz block extra firm tofu (350 g)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (see note 1)
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Press tofu:Sandwich between paper towels and two plates. Place a heavy object (like a 28 oz can) on the top plate. See photo in post for a visual. Press for 30 minutes or more.
- Heat air fryer to 200°C/ 390°F.
- Cut tofu into ½ inch or ¾ inch cubes.
- Toss tofu in avocado oil, then in cornstarch.
- Toss tofu in all remaining spices until evenly coated, then place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 13 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- Tofu is ready when it is firm on the outside. It should still be soft on the inside, as it hardens as it cools.
- Enjoy immediately!
Tips:
Nutrition Information
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Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
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