Crispy Air Fried Tofu

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: air fried tofu, asian crispy tofu, crispy tofu

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 12

Servings: servings

Calories: 188kcal

Author: Colleen

Even if you think tofu is not for you, this easy Crispy Air Fried Tofu recipe with Asian flavors may just change you mind, its that delicious!

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Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

1 pound block of extra firm or firm tofu
3 TBS soy sauce
1 TBS sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey more to taste
½ TBS chili with garlic sauce
1 ½ TBS grapeseed or olive oil

Instructions

Set tofu between folded paper towels (on top and on bottom) and place a heavy wood cutting board or pan on top. This will help press out liquid. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes, changing the paper towel halfway through if necessary.
As tofu sits to dry, combine marinade ingredients. Mixing the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, chili with garlic sauce and oil together with either a whisk or by shaking it in a mason jar (with lid) to emulsify. Set aside.
Once tofu has most of the liquid pressed out, cut it with a sharp knife into bite-sized pieces by first cutting your block into 3 or 4 strips and then cutting those into squares or rectangles.
Place tofu pieces into a shallow dish, pour marinade over them and use chopsticks or small tongs to turn them to ensure even coating. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes).
Air fryers vary, if yours has a preheat option set it for 4-5 minutes. If it does not, just start it empty and let it run for 3-4 minutes at 350. Then carefully place your tofu (using tongs) into the basket, you don't want them touching one-another. allow space between each for the air to circulate. (You will most likley be making two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer). Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F and set the timer for 13 minutes.
Halfway through the cooking process, gently and quickly turn your tofu.
Remove from air fryer, plate and if you wish, drizzle with just a bit of honey. Garnish with scallions, cilantro or parsley and enjoy! Serves 4 as an appetizer or two as an entree.

Notes

If you do not enjoy any spicy heat at all, you can omit the chili garlic sauce and instead substitute garlic paste or minced garlic. If you like things spicy, go ahead and add more chili garlic paste OR add a drizzle of sriracha to the finished dish, or better yet a drizzle of sriracha honey...Yum!

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