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How to make crispy tofu in air fryer?
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3.81 from 36 votes

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu in Asian Sauce (Stove Top Instructions included)

Simple & Easy Recipe for Crispy Tofu made in Air fryer. It is then coated in home made easy Asian Sauce. Serve with rice or noodles for complete meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Asian
Keyword: air fryer appetizers, Air fryer meals, air fryer vegetarian recipes, Crispy Tofu, Tofu Recipes
Servings: 3
Calories: 119kcal
Author: simplyvegetarian777

Equipment

  • Measuring Spoons, Measuring Cups, Stirring Spoon,
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Kitchen Colander
  • Air Fryer
  • Air fryer parchment paper
  • Kitchen Spatula
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients

Tofu Ingredients

Asian Sauce Ingredients

Garnish

  • 2 stocks Green Onions or Scallions finely sliced. You may use just the green or both white and green parts.
  • 1 tsp Sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions

Always read the recipe before starting. Gather the ingredients. ALWAYS READ THE NOTES for suggestions, substitutes and tips. WATCH THE VIDEO.

    PREPARING THE TOFU BEFORE AIR FRYING

    • You roll the block of EXTRA FIRM TOFU in kitchen paper or clean kitchen towel and then put it in a Kitchen Colander in the kitchen sink. Then place a heavy object or a bowl of water on top of the tofu. This will press the Tofu down and squeeze out all the extra liquid. Doing that for 20-30 minutes is sufficient time to get rid of the liquid.
    • OR you can just use the TOFU PRESS  to get rid of the liquid. If you use Tofu often, then this is a great gadget to buy.

    PREPARING TOFU FOR AIR FRYING

    • Place the Pressed tofu on the chopping board and cut it into 1 inch cubes.
    • Take a large Mixing Bowl and add cubed tofu to it in a single layer. Add 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Glutenfree) and coat it gently in the soy sauce.
    • Now sprinkle 1 tbsp of Corn Starch gently on top and mix gently with a small tong. This much amount of corn starch will coat the cubes just enough. Un even coating is ok. We are using small quantity of corn starch for a delicious texture. 

    AIR FRYING TOFU

    • Preheat the Air fryer at 400*F for 3-4 minutes. Now place a Air fryer Parchment Paper inside the air fryer basket and place TOFU CUBES at some distance from each other. Spray lightly with some cooking oil. You might have to air fry all the cubes in 2 batches. You can also choose to skip the paper and air fry directly on the wire basket. In that case, spray the basket well with oil to avoid sticking.
    • Now AIR FRY TOFU at 400*F for 15-16 minutes. Flip the tofu cubes in between at 7-8 minutes. This will yield crispy from outside and soft from inside TOFU. If you want crispier tofu, then air fry for few more minutes till you get the desired texture. DO NOT OVER AIR FRY or the tofu will become very dry. Set aside.

    MAKING ASIAN SAUCE

    • Meanwhile the Tofu is air-frying, prepare the sauce.
    • Take a heavy bottom Sauce Pan. Add Ginger, Garlic, Soy Sauce, Sriracha, Sesame Oil, Black Pepper, Corn Starch and 1/2 cup water to the pan. Whisk it well to combine ingredients. You can skip the sesame oil. I add it since it gives a nice body and color to the sauce along with flavors. 
    • Once the ingredients are combined, now start simmering the sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer and switch off the heat. Keep stirring to avoid the clumping of corn starch. Add Salt if needed. Also adjust the heat or the sweetness of the sauce to your personal liking. It will thicken as it sits. 

    AIR FRIED TOFU IN ASIAN SAUCE

    • Add air fried tofu to the Asian sauce. Mix gently. Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds and some green scallions on the top. Serve with some warm rice on the side. 

    INSTANT POT AIR FRYER LID INSTRUCTIONS

    • You can easily do the crispy Tofu in Instant pot air fryer lid. Follow the same instructions. And air fry at 400*F for about 15 minutes. Flip in between at 7-8 minutes for even cooking.

    Video

    Notes

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    Can I cook the Crispy Tofu in Oven if I do not have Air Fryer?

    Yes you can. Follow the same prep instructions. Place the tofu cubes on a baking sheet apart from each other and bake at 400*F till Tofu is crispy. It might take about 25 minute sin  the oven. Keep checking.

    Can I make the CRISPY TOFU in a SAUTE PAN on the gas top?

    That is the traditional way of cooking the crispy tofu. So the answer is yes. The only difference is that you have to shallow fry it in oil. Or cook in a non stick pan with little oil on medium heat till it is crispy.

    Can I Cook the Tofu in advance?

    Yes you can cook Tofu in advance. And reheat in air fryer for few minutes before serving.

    Do I have to serve it in the sauce?

    No you do not have to. You can season the tofu more before air frying and serve it as is or with the Asian sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.

    Can I double the batch?

    Yes easily. Although you might have to do it in few batches.  For nice crispy tofu, you have to cook it in single layer without over-crowding the air fryer basket.

    Can I cook it directly on the air fryer basket?

    Yes you can. But make sure to grease the air fryer basket well before air frying.

    What can I use to substitute Tofu?

    As a vegetarian, I will highly recommend you to use Paneer in place of Tofu. Even the SOY NUGGETS or Sietan or any vegan or vegetarian protein can be used. 

    How to store the leftovers?

    Although I doubt that there will be leftovers. But you can refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container.

    Any tips on FREEZING?

    I have never tried freezing the recipe, therefore can not comment on that.

    Kitchen Gadgets

    Air fryer
    Air fryer Parchment Paper
    Kitchen Colander
    Mixing Bowl
    Small Whisk
    Small Sauce Pan
    Chopping board and Knife
    Measuring Cups & Spoon
    Kitchen Cooking Spoon
    Kitchen Colander
    or TOFU PRESS
     
     
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3g | Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1346mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg