Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms plain tofu into a deliciously crispy, savory treat with minimal effort. The marinade infuses bold flavor, while the air fryer gives it a perfect crisp without excess oil. It’s versatile, plant-based, gluten-free, and works in a variety of dishes, from salads and wraps to noodle bowls. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package (14 oz / 397 g) extra firm tofu (I use Nasoya Organic Extra Firm Tofu, vegan, gluten-free, USDA Organic Certified)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or regular cooking oil)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
- ⅛ teaspoon Chinese 5-Spice blend
- Optional: 1 teaspoon oyster sauce or vegan Worcestershire sauce
Optional Toppings
- Green onions (scallions), sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh chopped cilantro
Directions
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture: wrap in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 15–20 minutes.
- Cut the pressed tofu into ½–1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, Chinese 5-Spice, and optional oyster or Worcestershire sauce.
- Gently toss tofu cubes in the marinade until evenly coated. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
- Remove tofu when golden and crispy.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 3–4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes pressing tofu)
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 40–50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Tofu: Add ¼ teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
- Sweet & Savory: Mix 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey into the marinade.
- Smoky Flavor: Sprinkle smoked paprika into the marinade.
- Sesame Crunch: Coat tofu lightly in sesame seeds before air frying.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want it to remain crispy.
FAQs
Can I use silken or firm tofu?
Extra firm tofu works best for air frying. Silken or soft tofu will not hold its shape.
Do I need to press tofu?
Yes, pressing removes excess water and ensures a crispier texture.
Can I marinate longer?
Yes, tofu can marinate for up to 1 hour, but 10–15 minutes is enough for good flavor.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep tofu crispy?
Use minimal marinade liquid, press well, and air fry in a single layer without overcrowding.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Tofu is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy plant-based protein. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold flavor from a simple marinade, it’s versatile enough for salads, bowls, or as a snack. Easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor, this air fryer tofu will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation.
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Air Fryer Tofu
Air Fryer Tofu is a crispy, flavorful, and protein-packed dish made with extra firm tofu marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and aromatic spices. Golden and crunchy on the outside while tender on the inside, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, salads, grain bowls, or stir-fries. The air fryer method makes it fast, easy, and healthier than traditional frying.
- Total Time: 40–50 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
Ingredients
1 package (14 oz / 397 g) extra firm tofu
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon olive oil (or regular cooking oil)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
⅛ teaspoon Chinese 5-Spice blend
Optional: 1 teaspoon oyster sauce or vegan Worcestershire sauce
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture: wrap in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 15–20 minutes.
- Cut the pressed tofu into ½–1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, Chinese 5-Spice, and optional oyster or Worcestershire sauce.
- Gently toss tofu cubes in the marinade until evenly coated. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
- Remove tofu when golden and crispy.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Pressing tofu ensures a crispier texture.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
Adjust marinade ingredients to taste for spiciness, sweetness, or smokiness.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Extra firm tofu works best; silken or soft tofu will not hold shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes pressing tofu)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Plant-Based Protein
- Method: Air Frying, Marinating
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Vegan-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
