Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Tofu

Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Tofu

from evergreenkitchen.ca
30 min

Golden brown and crispy tofu made with barely any oil! This breaded air fryer tofu recipe uses panko breadcrumbs to mimic a deep-fried crust. Season with pepper for a delicious snack or use as a plant based protein in rice bowls and salads. (Vegan, Gluten Free option)

Ingredients

  • 12 oz extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons tamari ((or soy sauce))
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs ((more if needed, see note 1))
  • Oil spray ((olive oil or grapeseed oil))
  • Black pepper ((ideally coarsely ground))
  • Salt ((optional))

Directions

  1. 1

    Prep tofu: Cut tofu into cubes (¾-inch/2 cm). Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

  2. 2

    Season tofu: Transfer cubes to a shallow dish (see note 2). Pour tamari over tofu and sprinkle with garlic powder. Use your hands to gently toss to coat. Let marinate for 6 to 8 minutes, turning the cubes every couple of minutes, until most—but not all—of the tamari is absorbed (see note 3).

  3. 3

    Add cornstarch: Scatter cornstarch over tofu. Use your hands to gently toss to coat. (There should be no dry cornstarch visible—if you see any powder, keep tossing).

  4. 4

    Bread tofu: Working with one cube at a time, use one hand to swirl the cube in the residual tamari at the bottom of the dish to moisten. Dip tofu into panko and coat all sides (use your other dry hand to press the panko into tofu). Place breaded tofu in an air fryer basket and repeat. (Space out the cubes in a single layer in the basket.)

  5. 5

    Bake: Give the tofu a good spray of oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) in the air fryer (no need to preheat) for 10 minutes. Give the basket a shake, spray lightly with oil (optional, but helps with browning), and bake for another 1 to 3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

  6. 6

    Serve: Season tofu with black pepper (we like to use lots!) and more salt if needed. Enjoy while hot from the oven (see note 4).