Air-Fryer Tofu Recipe

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023975-air-fryer-tofu?smid=share-url

Total Time

30 minutes

Rating

4(2,299)

Comments

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Much like [air-fryer French fries](https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020124-air-fryer-french-fries), tofu becomes perfectly crunchy in the air fryer without the need for deep-frying or an abundance of oil. This recipe takes a cue from Eric Kim’s [crispy tofu nuggets](https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022410-crispy-tofu-with-sweet-and-sour-sauce), using potato starch to create a crackly exterior. The potato starch and salt coating, as well as the circulating high heat, helps evenly draw out the moisture. Similar to many [air fryer recipes](https://cooking.nytimes.com/68861692-nyt-cooking/42286557-air-fryer-recipes), the tofu benefits from being tossed or shaken halfway through to ensure even cooking. If using a smaller air fryer, cooking spray helps prevent the cubes from clumping when piled into the basket. For a full meal, serve with [rice](https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019204-basic-stovetop-rice) and a squeeze of lime for an extra shot of brightness.

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Yield:2 servings

*   14ounces medium or medium-firm tofu (if unavailable, go with firm), drained
*   ½cup potato starch
*   1½teaspoons kosher salt
*   Freshly cracked black pepper
*   Nonstick cooking spray
*   ¼cup light or dark brown sugar
*   3tablespoons rice vinegar
*   3tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
*   ½teaspoon sambal oelek or sriracha
*   Sliced scallions (optional), for serving

[Ingredient Substitution Guide](/article/ingredient-substitutions)

##### Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

722 calories; 44 grams fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 25 grams monounsaturated fat; 13 grams polyunsaturated fat; 64 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 19 grams sugars; 20 grams protein; 858 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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1.  Step
    
    1
    
    Heat air fryer to 375 degrees, if preheating is recommended for your air fryer.
    
2.  Step
    
    2
    
    Wrap the drained tofu in a clean kitchen towel or in a few layers of paper towels. Place on a plate and weigh down tofu with something heavy, like a glass bowl, skillet or can, and allow to drain for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
    
3.  Step
    
    3
    
    While the tofu drains, in a large, wide bowl, combine the potato starch, salt and pepper. Unwrap the tofu and pat dry once more. Cut the tofu into ¾-inch cubes and add to the potato starch mixture. Use your fingers to gently toss until coated.
    
4.  Step
    
    4
    
    Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the tofu in the air fryer basket, shaking off any excess potato starch while transferring. Once the tofu is in the air fryer basket, spray once more with the cooking spray to prevent clumping. Cook until tofu becomes slightly puffed, about 10 minutes. Use tongs to move tofu pieces around the basket. Continue to cook until lightly browned in some spots and crisped all around, about 10 minutes.
    
5.  Step
    
    5
    
    Discard the potato starch from the large bowl, wipe it clean and set it aside. While the tofu cooks, make the sauce: In a small skillet, combine the brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings lightly to the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the sambal.
    
6.  Step
    
    6
    
    Return the crispy tofu to a large bowl. Pour the soy glaze over the tofu; toss to coat. Transfer to a serving plate and top with scallions, if using.
    

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4

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Hard to find potato starch in my village. Would cornstarch be an acceptable substitute?

For people having trouble finding potato starch (at least in the US)- you're in luck! Look in the Passover aisle of your supermarket.

Used cornstarch instead of potato starch

Made exactly as written and we all found it blah. Tofu texture was fine but it still had a powdery tasting exterior after 15 mins in the air fryer.

Bob's Red Mill makes Potato starch and we found it at Wegmans in the gluten free baking section. It really comes out delicious. We used it in tofu banh mi with a hoisin sauce and mayo.

I didn't like the texture the first time I made this with high-protein, super firm tofu. It's much better with firm. Also, rather than using cooking spray, I just swirled some oil in a bowl and tossed the coated cubes, then shook them every 5 minutes during cooking.

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