Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty meal, then Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu is exactly what you need. This recipe delivers tofu that’s crispy on the outside yet tender and flavorful on the inside, offering a delicious texture and savory taste that will make you fall in love with tofu all over again. With minimal oil and a simple seasoning blend, this air fryer recipe is not only easy to make but also healthier than traditional frying methods. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or new to plant-based dishes, this recipe is a winner!

Why You Should Make Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu

There are many reasons why this Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu is the perfect dish for you. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any special skills or complicated cooking techniques—just a few ingredients and an air fryer. The magic happens when the tofu gets air-fried to golden perfection, with a crispy, flavorful exterior and a soft, tender interior.

Second, this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried tofu. Air frying reduces the need for excessive oil, making this a much lower-fat option. Despite using less oil, the tofu still gets perfectly crispy without sacrificing flavor. With the addition of nutritional yeast and spices, tofu becomes savory and satisfying.

Lastly, this Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu is versatile. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying to eat more plant-based meals, this dish is a great choice. It’s also customizable—just toss it with your favorite sauce or enjoy it as is for a simple, healthy snack. This tofu can be served as a main dish, a side, or a topping for salads, bowls, or wraps.

How to Make Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu

Making Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu is straightforward and quick. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, and the air fryer does most of the work. Follow this simple recipe to get that crispy, golden tofu every time.

Air-fried tofu is a game-changer when it comes to healthy, delicious meals. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, it provides the perfect texture for any dish. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course, a topping for salads, or as a flavorful snack, air fryer tofu is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil
• 2–3 teaspoons all-purpose spice blend (adjust to taste)
• Your favorite sauce for serving (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

To begin, press the tofu to squeeze out any extra liquid. To do this, wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place something heavy on top (like a skillet or a can) for 10-15 minutes. Once pressed, tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks. The irregular shape helps the tofu get extra crispy.

Step 2: Make the Coating

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, oil, and your spice blend until you have a smooth batter. The nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy flavor, and the cornstarch helps the tofu crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 3: Coat the Tofu

Add the torn tofu pieces to the bowl with the batter. Using a wide spatula, gently toss the tofu in the mixture, making sure every piece is well coated. The batter should stick to the tofu, giving it a flavorful and crispy outer layer when cooked.

Step 4: Air Fry the Tofu

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Put the tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so that the air can circulate and cook the tofu evenly. Air fry the tofu for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Final Air Fry

After the initial 8-10 minutes, check the tofu for golden crispiness. If you’d like it extra crispy, air fry the tofu for an additional 5 minutes. The longer you air fry it, the crispier it will get, so feel free to adjust the time depending on your desired texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Take the tofu out of the air fryer when it is crispy and golden brown.. Toss it with your favorite sauce or serve it plain for a lighter option. Whether you pair it with rice, noodles, or salads, this crispy air fryer tofu is sure to impress!

How to Serve Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu

Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile dish for any meal of the day. Here are a few ideas for serving this crispy tofu:

• As a main dish, serve the tofu with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Add a veggie stir-fry or sautéed greens for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• As a side: Pair the tofu with your favorite plant-based main dishes. It works beautifully as a side to grain bowls, veggie wraps, or a salad.
• In bowls: Build a delicious grain bowl by topping your favorite cooked grains (like brown rice or farro) with crispy tofu, fresh veggies, and a flavorful sauce such as tahini, peanut sauce, or a tangy soy-based dressing.
• As a topping: Sprinkle the tofu over salads or serve it as a crunchy topping for soups or curries to add texture and protein.
• With dipping sauce: For a quick snack or appetizer, serve the tofu with dipping sauces like soy sauce, sriracha mayo, or sweet chili sauce.

How to Store Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu

If you have leftovers, you can store the tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again to restore its crispy texture. Simply air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, and the tofu will be hot and crispy once more.

Alternatively, you can reheat the tofu in a skillet over medium heat, turning the pieces to crisp them back up. While reheating, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy.

Tips for Perfect Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu

To ensure your Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Press the Tofu Well: Pressing the tofu is crucial to removing excess moisture and achieving a crispy texture. If you skip this step, the tofu may turn out soggy instead of crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To get that golden, crispy exterior, make sure there’s enough space between the tofu pieces. They may steam instead of crisp up if they are packed too closely together.
• Experiment with Seasonings: The spice blend in this recipe is just a base—feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for a more flavorful tofu.
• Use Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy flavor to the tofu. If you’re missing the umami, it’s a must-have ingredient in this recipe. You can find it in most health food stores or online.

Variations of Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu

One of the best things about Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways you can vary the recipe:

• Add a Sweet Twist: For a sweet and savory combo, toss the tofu in a mix of maple syrup or agave nectar and soy sauce before air frying. This will create a caramelized exterior that’s both sweet and salty.
• Make It Spicy: Add some chili flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce to the spice mix for an extra kick. You can also drizzle some spicy sauce over the tofu after it’s cooked for a bold flavor boost.
• Use Other Sauces: While this recipe suggests using your favorite sauce, you can get creative with different types of sauces. Try a tangy BBQ sauce, tangy lemon-tahini sauce, or a simple sesame oil dressing for unique flavors.

Cooking tofu in an air fryer is a simple yet effective way to achieve the perfect crunch without the extra oil. The air fryer circulates heat evenly, ensuring every piece of tofu gets beautifully crisped up. Whether served with a dipping sauce or added to your favorite bowl, this air-fried tofu is a tasty, plant-based option that everyone can enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use silken tofu for this recipe?

No, silken tofu has a softer texture and would not work well in the air fryer. Use extra-firm tofu for the best results.

Can I cook this tofu in a regular oven?

Yes, you can bake the tofu in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping it halfway through. While it won’t be as crispy as when air-fried, it will still be delicious.

What sauce pairs well with air-fryer tofu?

Many sauces pair well with this crispy tofu! Some popular options include soy sauce, peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha mayo, or even sweet chili sauce.

Final Thoughts

Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Tofu is an easy, flavorful, and healthy dish that anyone can make. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, it’s the perfect plant-based protein option for any meal. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a snack, this tofu will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it out today, and see just how good air-fried tofu can be!