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Air Fryer Tofu: Crispy, Flavorful, and Foolproof

Air Fryer Tofu is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, golden bites with tender insides—all without deep-frying or tons of oil. Whether you’re a tofu pro or just tofu-curious, this easy, mess-free method will have you making perfect tofu every time in under 20 minutes!

Ideal for adding to salads, stir-fries, bowls, or even as a snack, air fryer tofu is versatile, healthy, and bursting with flavor—especially when marinated in your favorite sauce.

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Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Tofu

✔️ Ultra-Crispy Texture – Golden outside, soft inside—no oil splatter.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 15-20 minutes, start to finish.
✔️ High Protein, Low Effort – Great plant-based protein with minimal fuss.
✔️ Customizable Flavors – Soaks up any marinade you like—savory, sweet, or spicy.

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Secrets to Crispy Tofu in the Air Fryer

1. Press the Tofu Well

Remove excess water by pressing tofu for 20–30 minutes. This helps it crisp up and absorb more flavor.

2. Cut into Even Pieces

Uniform cubes or rectangles ensure even cooking and crisping.

3. Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer

Leave space between pieces for maximum airflow and crunch.

4. Toss with Cornstarch (Optional)

A light dusting of cornstarch makes tofu extra crispy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 block (14–16 oz) extra-firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

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How to Make Air Fryer Tofu

Step 1: Press the Tofu

1. Wrap tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top.
2. Press for 20–30 minutes to remove moisture.

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Step 2: Cut and Season

1. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles.
2. In a bowl, toss tofu with soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, paprika, and cornstarch.

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Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy

1. Place tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
3. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve tofu as-is or with your favorite dipping sauce (like spicy mayo or peanut sauce).
• Add to bowls, salads, wraps, or stir-fries for extra protein.

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How to Store & Reheat Tofu

Storing Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions:

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp.

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Flavor Variations & Marinades

1. Sweet Chili Tofu 🌶️

• Toss cooked tofu in sweet chili sauce for a spicy-sweet glaze.

2. Teriyaki Tofu 🍚

• Marinate tofu in teriyaki sauce before air frying.

3. Buffalo Tofu 🔥

• Coat tofu in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.

4. BBQ Tofu 🍖

• Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

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What to Serve with Air Fryer Tofu

🥢 Stir-Fried Veggies – Add tofu to a quick veggie stir-fry.
🥗 Asian Slaw or Rice Bowl – Top your bowl with crispy tofu.
🍜 Noodle Dishes – Tofu makes a great protein for lo mein or pad Thai.
🍚 Fried Rice or Grain Bowls – Add to quinoa or rice bowls for a protein boost.

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Final Thoughts: Crispy Tofu, No Oil Required

Air Fryer Tofu is crunchy, flavorful, and so easy to make, it’ll become a go-to recipe for plant-based meals or healthy snacking. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to soggy tofu again!

Try it and tell me—what’s your favorite way to season tofu?

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