Crunchy Air-Fried Tofu Cubes

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards plant-based diets, driven by a growing awareness of health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. As more people embrace vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, the demand for delicious and satisfying plant-based recipes has surged. Among these, air frying has emerged as a revolutionary cooking method, allowing home cooks to achieve that coveted crispy texture without the excess oil associated with traditional frying. Air frying not only enhances flavor but also promotes healthier eating habits, making it an ideal choice for those looking to indulge without the guilt.

Discover the delicious world of air-fried tofu bites, perfect for anyone embracing a plant-based diet. These crispy snacks offer a satisfying crunch and can easily elevate salads, stir-fries, or serve as tasty standalone treats. Made with firm tofu, cornstarch, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, they are simple to prepare and healthier than traditional frying methods. Dive into this guide for an easy recipe and uncover the versatility of tofu in your cooking. Indulge in guilt-free snacking today!

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Ingredients

1 block (14 ounces) firm tofu, drained and pressed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

Cooking spray or a tablespoon of oil for spraying

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Begin by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet) on top for at least 20 minutes. This helps achieve a firmer texture and better crisping.

Cube the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Aim for even sizes to ensure uniform cooking.

Marinate the Tofu: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 15 minutes for optimal flavor.

Coat with Cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu cubes. Add the nutritional yeast if using, then gently toss until all the tofu pieces are evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that crunchy texture.

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the tofu start cooking immediately once placed in the basket.

Air-Fry the Tofu: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully place the tofu cubes in a single layer, making sure they don't crowd the basket (it’s best to do this in batches if necessary). Lightly spray the tofu with cooking spray.

Cooking Time: Air fry the tofu cubes for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Serve: Once done, carefully remove the tofu cubes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and enjoy as a crunchy snack, in salads, or as a protein-packed addition to your favorite bowls!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 45 min | 4 servings