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Air Fryer Tofu

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  • Author: fella
  • Prep Time: 30min
  • Cook Time: 15min
  • Total Time: 45min
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish / Main Course
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

Make perfectly crispy tofu in the air fryer! Marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, this easy vegan recipe is healthy, gluten-free, and packed with flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 14-ounce block extra-firm or firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Press the Tofu

  • Cut the tofu into cubes. Arrange them on a cutting board lined with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Cover with another layer of paper towels, place a baking sheet on top, and weigh it down with a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet or book). Press for 15 minutes. Alternatively, use a tofu press.

2. Marinate the Tofu

  • In a bowl, add the pressed tofu cubes. Drizzle with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Gently toss to coat the pieces.
  • Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again to evenly coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes or longer (overnight if preferred).

3. Air Fry the Tofu

  • Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces don’t touch. (You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.)
  • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally after 10 minutes. Cook until golden and crispy.

4. Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove from the air fryer and serve warm. Pair with rice, noodles, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Oil-Free Option: Omit sesame oil for a lower-fat version, though the tofu may be slightly less crispy.
  • Reheating Leftovers: Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.