Crispy Air-Fryer Tofu
You can make crispy tofu without a cauldron of bubbling oil. Turns out, an air fryer does a stellar job of cooking up cubes of marinated tofu into perfectly browned and crispy bites. Toss them into stir fries, noodle dishes and salads, or eat them as a protein-packed snack with a simple dipping sauce such as the one here.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer 3.5-quart or larger
- 1 Clean kitchen towel For pressing tofu
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl For marinating tofu
- 1 Large Plate or Baking Dish For pressing tofu
- 1 Sharp Knife For cutting tofu and scallion
Ingredients
Main
- One 1-pound block extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon rice or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Kosher salt
- 1 scallion thinly sliced
- Chili oil or Asian hot sauce
Instructions
- For the tofu: Drain the tofu and wrap in a clean kitchen towel (see Cook's Note). Place it on a plate or in a baking dish and top it with a skillet. Add canned goods to the skillet to serve as weights and let press for 15 minutes to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes,
- Whisk the soy sauce, sesame or vegetable oil, vinegar, honey and a large pinch of salt together in a medium bowl. Remove 1/2 teaspoon to a small bowl for the dipping sauce if making. Add the tofu cubes to the remaining mixture and toss gently until the tofu has absorbed all the marinade. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 375 degrees F. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. Cook, shaking the basket a few times for even cooking, until the tofu is deep golden brown and crispy, 15 to 20 minutes.
- For the dipping sauce if using: Meanwhile, add the mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon water, a pinch of salt and most of the scallion to the reserved marinade and mix together. Sprinkle with remaining scallion and drizzle with chili oil.
- Serve the crispy tofu with the dipping sauce or as desired.
Notes
Achieving truly crispy tofu starts with effective pressing; ensure as much water is removed as possible to create an ideal texture. While the recipe suggests a skillet and canned goods, a dedicated tofu press yields superior results. For deeper flavor penetration, extend the marination time beyond 15 minutes if feasible, even overnight in the refrigerator. When air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for optimal airflow, which is crucial for even browning and crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary. The dipping sauce is versatile; adjust honey, chili oil, and salt to balance sweetness, heat, and savory notes according to preference.