Shatteringly Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm or extra-firm tofu (Pressed under weight for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch slabs and cubes)
• 1 tsp salt (For the seasoning blend; divide the blend, using half in the wet batter and half as a finishing seasoning)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (For the seasoning blend)
• 1 tsp onion powder (For the seasoning blend)
• 0.5 tsp white pepper (For the seasoning blend)
• 0.5 tsp Chinese five-spice powder (For the seasoning blend)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (The transcript says a few tablespoons; used with half of the seasoning to make a wet batter)
• 0.5 cup cornstarch (For coating the tofu)
• 1 tsp baking powder (Mixed with the cornstarch for the coating)
• neutral oil spray (For spraying the air-fryer tray, tofu before cooking, and tofu after shaking; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the tofu between layers of paper towels or clean kitchen towels. Set it on a plate or tray, weigh it down with a heavy pan or other weight, and press for 15 minutes to remove excess water. Use firm or extra-firm tofu so the cubes hold their shape.

2. 2

   While the tofu presses, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

3. 3

   Slice the pressed tofu into slabs about 1 inch thick. Stack the slabs, cut the stack in half, and then cut across it to form roughly 1-inch cubes.

4. 4

   Transfer the tofu cubes to a bowl. Add half of the seasoning blend and the soy sauce. Toss gently until the tofu is evenly moistened and coated, forming a thin wet batter around the cubes.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and baking powder until evenly combined.

6. 6

   Add the cornstarch mixture to the seasoned tofu. Toss carefully until every cube is evenly coated and the surface looks dry and powdery rather than wet.

7. 7

   Lightly spray the air-fryer tray or basket with neutral oil spray. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer with space between them so hot air can circulate.

8. 8

   Spray the tops of the tofu cubes lightly with more neutral oil. Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, or until the coating begins to turn crisp and golden.

9. 9

   Shake the air-fryer basket or turn the tofu cubes to expose another side. Spray the tofu lightly with oil again.

10. 10

    Return the tofu to the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for another 4–5 minutes, until deeply crisp and golden on the outside and tender inside.

11. 11

    Immediately transfer the hot tofu to a bowl and toss it with the reserved half of the seasoning blend. Serve while hot and crisp.

Notes

The original source does not provide exact ingredient quantities; the seasoning and coating amounts are practical estimates based on the transcript. Avoid overcrowding the air-fryer basket, as the tofu needs airflow to become crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• main
• vegan
• vegetarian
• dairy-free
• air-fried
• crispy
• high-protein