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Easy Perfect Air Fryer Tofu photo

Perfect Air Fryer Tofu

Crispy air-fried tofu seasoned with toasted sesame oil and tamari; optionally coated in arrowroot starch for extra crispiness.
Prep Time 14 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 39 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • air fryer basket
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • lint-free towel
  • Cutting Board
  • heavy flat object

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 14 ounce blockextra-firm tofu(not silken)
  • 2 tablespoonstoasted sesame seed oil
  • 2 tablespoonstamari gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoonarrowroot starch optional; or corn/tapioca starch

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Remove the tofu from its packaging, drain any liquid, and cut the block into roughly 1-inch cubes.
  • Lay a lint-free towel on a flat surface. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer, close together, on the towel. Fold the towel over the cubes (or place a second lint-free towel on top), then place a heavy, flat object (cutting board with books, cast-iron skillet, etc.) on top to press out moisture. Let press for at least 10 minutes. While the tofu is pressing, preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
  • In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seed oil and 2 tablespoons tamari. Stir to mix.
  • When the tofu is done pressing, transfer the cubes to a large bowl. Pour the sesame-tamari mixture over the tofu and gently toss until the pieces are evenly coated.
  • If using the arrowroot starch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon over the seasoned tofu and gently stir until the white powder is no longer visible and the tofu pieces have a light, even coating.
  • Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. If all the pieces won't fit without crowding, cook in batches.
  • Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the tofu pieces every 5 minutes so they cook evenly and don't stick. The tofu should be golden and firm to the touch when finished.
  • Serve warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Notes
Nutrition information is for 1/4 of this recipe, and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.
For a spicy flavor, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha. For a sweet & spicy flavor, I like to add equal parts maple syrup and sriracha.
You can omit the arrowroot starch, if you prefer. The tofu just won't have much of a coating in that case.