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How to Make Crispy Air Fried Tofu (Oil Free)

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Discover how to make Crispy Air Fried Tofu oil-free perfectly crunchy. Perfect for salads, bowls, or as a protein-packed snack, this easy recipe will become your go-to for healthy, plant-based meals.

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Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

I love tofu and I love finding new ways to enjoy and prepare it! I don’t use the air fryer too often but when I do I LOVE throwing in some tofu so I can get the crispiness of my dreams. If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy tofu; you’ve come to the right place. Crispy Air Fried Tofu is a healthier alternative to deep-fried tofu without compromising texture or flavor. By using an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy tofu cubes without any oil, making this recipe a must-try for anyone seeking delicious, plant-based meals that are quick and easy to prepare. Follow this tutorial and utilize your crispy tofu in so many ways. I’ve included some ultra delicious recipe suggestions below! Whether you’re new to tofu or a seasoned pro, this method will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy exterior and tender interior with every bite!

What You Will Need

Air fryer
16 oz extra firm tofu or high protein super firm tofu
1 tbsp olive oil or coconut aminos (optional)
2-3 tsp seasonings of choice: salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, paprika

Making Crispy Air Fried Tofu

Follow these simple steps and you will have the crispiest, oil free tofu whenever your heart desires (or the recipe calls for it!)

Prepare the Tofu

Choosing the right tofu is important. You can go with high protein super firm tofu or extra firm tofu. If you are using high protein super firm you won’t need to press the tofu first. If you are using extra firm tofu, make sure you press it for about 15-30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.

Cut the Tofu

Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into cubes, slices, or any shape you prefer. Make sure the pieces are uniformly sized to ensure even cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F (190-204°C). This step may vary by model, so check your air fryer’s instructions.

Season the Tofu

Toss the tofu pieces in a small amount of olive oil or coconut aminos if you prefer extra crunch. This step is optional and can be skipped entirely for an oil-free version. Season the tofu with your choice of spices. For added flavor, you can marinate the tofu for a few minutes or up to several hours in the fridge.

Air Fry the Tofu

Place the tofu pieces in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure they cook evenly. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the tofu for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket or turn the tofu pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get crispy. You’ll know the tofu is ready when its golden and crispy on the outside. If it’s not as crispy as you like, you can cook it for a few more minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer check this one out!

Serve

Remove the tofu from the air fryer and use it in your favorite dishes. It’s excellent in salads, bowls, or simply served with a dipping sauce. Keep reading for more suggestions and recipes!

Why The Air Fryer is a Great Oil Free Cooking Option

The air fryer is a game-changer for those looking to enjoy crispy, delicious food without the added calories and fat from oil. By circulating hot air around the food, the air fryer achieves a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This method not only reduces the need for oil but also speeds up the cooking process, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Air Fryer Tofu

Uniform Size: Ensure the tofu pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
Storage: Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making tofu in the air fryer is a game changer! You get that perfect, crispy texture without the need for oil, making it a healthier option. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it in salads, grain bowls, or as a protein-packed snack. This recipe is easy to follow and ensures that your tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

How to Use Crispy Air Fried Tofu

Crispy Air Fried Tofu is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Add it to salads for a crunchy protein boost, mix it into grain bowls for added texture, or serve it as a protein-packed snack with your favorite dipping sauce. It also makes a fantastic addition to stir-fries, wraps, and tacos. The possibilities are endless, making it a fantastic staple to have on hand for quick and nutritious meals.

Looking for inspiration on how to use your crispy air-fried tofu? Check out some of these recipes

Korean BBQ Tofu Wings

Rainbow Nourish Bowl with Crispy Tofu

Maple Sriracha Tofu Bowls

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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Crispy Air Fried Tofu (Oil Free!)

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Crispy Air Fried Tofu offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried tofu without sacrificing texture. This recipe uses an air fryer to achieve crispy golden cubes of tofu that's oil free and the perfect addition to any meal.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

16 oz extra firm tofu or high protein super firm tofu
1 tbsp olive oil or coconut aminos, optional
2-3 tsp seasonings of choice: salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and paprika

Method

Choose High Protein Super Firm Tofu and skip this step, or use Extra Firm Tofu and press the tofu for about 15-30 minutes.
Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes, slices, or any shape you prefer, keeping the pieces uniformly sized for even cooking.
Optional to toss the tofu pieces in a small amount of oil or coconut aminos for an oil free option, or skip entirely and move on to seasoning. Then season with your choice of spices. For more flavor, you can marinate the tofu for a few minutes or up to several hours in the fridge.
Preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F (190-204°C). This step varies by model, so check your air fryer’s instructions.
Place the tofu pieces in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure they cook evenly. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the tofu for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket or turn the tofu pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get crispy.
The tofu should be golden and crispy on the outside. If it’s not as crispy as you like, you can cook it for a few more minutes.
Remove the tofu from the air fryer and use it in your favorite dishes. It's excellent in salads, bowls, or simply served with a dipping sauce.

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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How to Make Crispy Air Fried Tofu (Oil Free)

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu