Crispy Tofu- Air Fryer version

I once had a school classmate say to me that she doesn’t like tofu because it was too bland. I was stunned. I grew up eating all different types of tofu products like tofu skin, firm and soft tofu. To me tofu is such a versatile ingredient to cook with. I can think of plenty of tofu recipes that you can cook.

When I was young, I ate a lot of Mapo tofu but I really like cooking with firm tofu because they are easier to work with. When firm tofu are fried, it is delicious! That’s why I want to share this crispy tofu recipe that is so delicious. You can eat this as a snack or with a salad on the side!

This particular tofu recipe is done in air fryer and toss in a delicious sauce. I love tofu and I’ve always had some type of tofu at least a few times a month. I’ve been loving this crispy tofu because it’s so addicting. The crispy skin tossed with an addicting sauce is just to die for! Honestly if you are not a love of tofu, I highly recommend that you try this tofu recipes and see if this will change your mind!

Crispy tofu ingredients

The first ingredients you will need is firm tofu. The reason why I recommend firm tofu is that it’s easier to handle and doesn’t break easily. You also need the firmness so it can fry up well.

There is also a sauce that will go with the tofu.

• 2 tbsp minced garlic (5-6 cloves)
• 1-2 Thai chili
• 1 1/2 tbsp chopped scallions (1 whole small or 1/2 large scallion)
• 1/2 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp 5-spice powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• 3 tbsp hot oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 1/2 tbsp Black Chinese vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp of salt (depending on how salty you want it)
• 2 tbsp sesame paste/tahini (optional) for more creamier taste

This is optional but you can add some sesame paste which gives the sauce some creaminess. However if you don’t have any one hand, it’s okay! It will still taste delicious.

How to make it

Preparing the tofu

1. Cut the tofu into 1-2 inch cubes (they will shrink once cooked)
2. Place into a bowl and add water and a bit of salt. This helps to take away any the raw or unpleasant soybean taste
3. Dry the tofu on a paper towel.
4. Place into air fryer and spray some oil.
5. Set to air fry at 200℃/390℉ for 20 minutes, flip the tofu half way.

Prepping the sauce

1. Combine all the aromatics, scallions, garlic, Thai chilis, white sesame seeds, ground cumin, 5 spice powder, in a bowl. Heat some oil in a pot.
2. Once the oil starts to smoke, then pour onto the aromatics
3. Then add in soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Mix.

Assembling Crispy tofu

1. Take the tofu out of the air fryer.
2. Toss with sauce.
3. Enjoy it as a snack is or have it with a salad!

Pro-tip

• If you don’t like it too crispy or like to have more a soft center, decrease the time by a couple minutes
• Since each air fryer is different, I would recommend starting off with the time lower than what I have recommended and look at the state of the tofu. Then adding a few minutes on accordingly to your desired crispiness.
• Cut the tofu slightly bigger as it will shrink in the air fryer.
• If you don’t like cumin or 5 spice powder, leave it out.
• Add this to some greens and use the sauce as salad dressing for a meal rather than a snack!