Crispy-Crunchy Tofu in the Air Fryer

4.94 from 43 reader reviews

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings -3

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Ingredients

1 block (12 oz/350 grams) firm or extra firm tofu
2 cups water
1 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon Tamari
ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon arrowroot starch
spray oil

Instructions

Drain the tofu and tear it into 2-inch (ish) pieces. Place the tofu pieces in a medium bowl.
In a small saucepan bring the water and salt to a boil. Pour it over the tofu and leave it for 5 minutes.
Drain the tofu and thoroughly blot it dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Dry the bowl it was soaking in as well.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
In the medium bowl, toss the tofu pieces with the avocado oil, Tamari, and pepper. Once coated, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and arrowroot starch and resume tossing until you can't see any white, powdery bits anymore.
Give the air fryer basket a quick spray with the spray oil. Then, transfer the coated pieces of tofu to your air fryer basket, shaking the basket/arranging the pieces so that each piece has a bit of space. Set the timer for 15 minutes and pop the basket in.
Give the tofu in the air fryer basket a little shake every 5 minutes to evenly brown and crisp up the pieces. The tofu is done when it's evenly deep golden brown and super crispy on all sides.

Equipment

Air Fryer

Recipe Notes

You can definitely use cornstarch instead of arrowroot here.
Mix up the spices depending on what you’re serving or what you prefer! I love doing a mix of za’atar, sumac, and garlic powder or a mix of chipotle chili powder, cumin, and onion powder.

Crispy tofu in the air fryer takes 30 minutes total to prepare. Torn pieces of firm tofu become crunchy, flavourful, and ideal for topping dinner bowls and salads.

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