Description
Make perfectly crispy tofu in your air fryer with this easy, healthy, and flavorful recipe! Marinated in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, this air-fried tofu is golden and crunchy on the outside, yet tender inside. Perfect for salads, rice bowls, wraps, or as a protein-packed snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable)
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu
- Press the tofu – Wrap in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it press for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut into cubes – Slice the tofu into bite-sized 1-inch cubes.
2. Marinate the Tofu
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add the tofu cubes and toss gently. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
3. Coat & Air Fry
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss until evenly coated. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil to enhance crispiness.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with dipping sauces, rice bowls, stir-fries, or salads. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired!
Notes
- For extra crunch, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2 minutes.
- No air fryer? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Flavor variations: Add sriracha, chili flakes, or smoked paprika to the marinade for a spicy twist!
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Vegan
