Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Cubes
In short: Pressed extra-firm tofu cubes tossed in soy sauce and cornstarch, then air fried until golden outside with a chewy, tender center. It takes about 28 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 28 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 190 kcal
Tofu turns from bland to addictive when its surface is dried and crisped, and the air fryer does this with very little oil. A quick press removes water, a coating of soy sauce and cornstarch builds a thin crust, and about fifteen minutes of hot air does the rest. Use the cubes in rice bowls, noodle dishes, salads or wraps, or eat them with a dipping sauce. They hold their crunch for a few hours, which suits packed lunches.
Instructions
- Wrap the tofu in a clean towel, set a heavy pan on top and press for 15 minutes. Pour away the water that collects.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 2 cm (3/4 inch) cubes. Toss them gently in a bowl with the soy sauce and oil until evenly coated.
- Mix the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle it over the tofu and toss until each cube has a thin dry coating.
- Heat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. Spread the cubes in a single layer with a little space between them.
- Cook for 8 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for 6 to 8 minutes more until the cubes are golden and firm to the touch.
- Let the tofu cool for 2 minutes in the basket so the coating sets, then serve hot.
Tips
- Use extra-firm tofu, not silken. Silken tofu falls apart in the basket.
- Toss the finished cubes in a sticky glaze of soy sauce, a little sugar and chili sauce for a sweet and spicy version, but add it after cooking so the crust stays crisp.
Questions and answers
Do I have to press the tofu?
Pressing helps a lot, because wet tofu steams instead of crisping. If you are short on time, pat the cubes very dry with paper towels instead.
How do I store leftover tofu cubes?
Keep them in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 4 minutes to crisp them again.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari or another soy sauce labeled gluten-free, and check that your cornstarch is also labeled gluten-free.
How long does it take to make Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Cubes?
About 28 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 18 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Cubes?
About 190 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 190 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
