Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Place a heavy skillet or plate on top and let it drain for at least 15 minutes. This step is needed for maximum crispiness.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and place them in a medium bowl. The uniform size helps even cooking.
- Add the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the tofu. Gently toss everything together until the tofu cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned tofu cubes. Toss again until each piece is lightly coated with the white powder. This creates the crispy exterior in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch or overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the tofu pieces halfway through at the 8-9 minute mark. Cook until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Check for doneness. The tofu should be golden and crispy on the edges with a slightly darker color. If you want extra crispiness, cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes. The tofu will continue to crisp up slightly as it cools.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, or let cool completely for salad topping. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Let the tofu cool for a few minutes before eating so the crust sets perfectly. A heavy skillet or a cast-iron pan works best for the pressing step to squeeze out moisture. Serve these immediately for the best crisp experience, especially if you are eating them straight from the fryer as a snack.