Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Bites

Ingredients

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu, drained
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp neutral oil, such as avocado oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, for serving (optional)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels, set it on a plate, and place something heavy like a cast-iron skillet or a few cans on top.
2. Let the tofu press for 20 to 25 minutes, replacing the towel once if it becomes fully soaked; pressing removes excess water so the tofu can crisp instead of steam.
3. Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes, aiming for uniform size so all pieces cook at the same rate.
4. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes gently with the soy sauce and sesame oil, letting them sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
5. Sprinkle the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt over the tofu and toss gently with your hands until every cube has a thin, even, slightly chalky coating.
6. Drizzle the neutral oil over the coated cubes and toss once more, being gentle so the cornstarch coating does not rub off.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 380F for 3 minutes.
8. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the basket with small gaps between pieces; cook in two batches if needed so no cube touches another.
9. Air fry at 380F for 8 minutes, then shake the basket firmly to roll the cubes over onto new sides.
10. Continue air frying at 400F for another 7 to 10 minutes, shaking once more halfway through, until the cubes are deep golden-brown and crackly-looking on most sides.
11. The tofu is done when the exterior is firm and crisp to the touch (it will feel hard, not squishy) while the inside stays soft and chewy when bitten.
12. Remove from the basket, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion if using, and serve hot as a snack, salad topper, or over rice with your favorite sauce.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• Crispy, restaurant-style tofu with no deep frying
• A high-protein plant-based option that works in any cuisine
• Naturally vegan and easy to make gluten-free with tamari
• Great meal-prepped and reheated in the air fryer for 3 minutes

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.