Creating perfectly crispy tofu has never been easier than with this game-changing air fryer method. This quick 12-minute recipe delivers golden-brown cubes that are delightfully crunchy outside yet tender inside – all while keeping things light at just 108 calories per serving.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based cook or just starting to explore meat alternatives, this foolproof technique will become your new favorite way to prepare protein-packed tofu that’s both healthy and irresistibly tasty.
Fresh & Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
- Extra Firm Tofu: 1 block, perfect for achieving a crispy exterior
- Coconut Aminos: 4 tablespoons, adds a delightful savory flavor
- Cornmeal: 1/4 cup, creates an amazing crunchy coating
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prep the Tofu: Press tofu for 10-12 minutes, adjusting pressure every 3-4 minutes for optimal moisture removal
- Cube and Marinate: Cut tofu into uniform cubes and soak in coconut aminos for 10 minutes to infuse flavor
- Coating Time: Combine marinated tofu and cornmeal in a zip lock bag, gently toss until evenly coated
- Air Frying: Transfer to air fryer basket, optionally spray with oil for extra crispiness
- Cooking Process: Air fry at 370°F for 12 minutes, shake basket halfway through
- Final Touch: Remove when golden and crispy, serve while hot for best texture
Time & Nutrition
- Preparation: 25 minutes
- Cooking: 12 minutes
- Nutritional Highlights: 108 calories per serving, 8g protein, 12g carbs
Cooking Techniques
The magic of crispy tofu lies in two simple steps: pressing and coating! Pressing removes extra moisture, which helps your tofu get super crispy. When you’re pressing, start gentle and slowly increase pressure – this prevents the tofu from crumbling. For the cornmeal coating, shake the bag like you’re dancing – it’s fun and makes sure every cube gets evenly coated! A light spray of oil is your secret weapon for that golden-brown finish.
Variations and Substitutions
No coconut aminos? Regular soy sauce works great! If you’re watching your sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce. The cornmeal gives an amazing crunch, but you can swap it with cornstarch or even rice flour for a different kind of crispy coating. Want extra flavor? Add a splash of sesame oil to your marinade, or mix some garlic powder into your cornmeal coating. Each twist makes this recipe your own!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy tofu cubes are super versatile! Toss them on top of a rice bowl with steamed veggies for a filling meal. They’re amazing in salads – they’re like little crispy croutons but packed with protein! Try them with your favorite dipping sauce, like sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce. They also make wonderful protein-packed snacks on their own. For a complete meal, serve them alongside some stir-fried noodles or quinoa.
Storage Tips
These tofu bites are best fresh out of the air fryer when they’re at peak crispiness! If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To bring back the crunch, pop them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. Avoid storing them while they’re still warm – this creates condensation that can make them soggy.
Air Fryer Tofu
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 4 tbsp coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
Instructions
- Prepare your tofu by pressing it for 10-12 minutes, turning the knobs tighter every 3-4 minutes.
- Once the tofu is pressed, remove from the press and cut into cubes. In a shallow serving platter combine the tofu cubes and the coconut aminos. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- Add the marinated tofu cubes and cornmeal to a gallon-sized zip lock baggie. Seal the baggie and gently toss to combine. The tofu cubes should be coated well.
- Place the tofu cubes into your air fryer basket. Optional: You can give a little spray of oil to the cubes to help them brown and crisp better. Cook at 370 degrees F for 12 minutes. Be sure to shake the air fryer basket mid way through. (You can also give the tofu cubes another spray of oil when you shake the basket for extra crispiness.)
- When the air frying time is completed, remove the crispy tofu from the air fryer basket. Serve and enjoy!
