Description
Crispy air fryer tofu bites with savory dipping sauce. Plant-based protein snack ready in 20 minutes with 24g protein per serving. Perfectly crispy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon green onions, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Remove tofu from package and drain completely.
- Wrap tofu tightly in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Press the wrapped tofu under a heavy object for 15 to 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- While tofu presses, make the dipping sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl.
- Unwrap the pressed tofu and pat completely dry with fresh paper towels.
- Cut tofu into 20 to 25 bite-sized cubes.
- Combine soy sauce, avocado oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, smoked paprika, and salt in a large bowl and mix well.
- Add tofu cubes to the seasoning mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the seasoned tofu and toss again gently until each piece is evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 11 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at the 6-minute mark, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer crispy tofu to a serving plate.
- Garnish the dipping sauce with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.
Notes
- Press tofu thoroughly for maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
- Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan sauce version.
- Add nutritional yeast to the coating for a cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: General