Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
These yummy little tofu bites have the perfect crispy exterior. The cubes cook quickly in the air fryer, developing a delightful crunchy crust. Toss them into a grain bowl or enjoy them as snacks during the big game.
Everyone–vegan or not–will enjoy them! I make these at least once a month–they’re so healthy and tasty. Even my husband happily devours them!
I like to serve them with this easy homemade peanut sauce, but they would be good with any sort of Asian condiment including chili crisp or just a side of soy or hoisin sauce.
Ingredients
- Tofu, extra-firm or firm: Extra-firm is sometimes called super firm.
- Soy sauce (reduced sodium): Substitute coconut or liquid aminos for lower sodium.
- Peanut oil: Neutral oils like canola or sunflower are also fine.
- Ginger: Dried ground performs best in this recipe.
- Toasted sesame oil
- Garlic clove: Garlic powder is a good substitute.
- Red pepper flake (optional) adds heat.
- Cornstarch creates the crispy crust.
How to Make Them
- Place the tofu cubes in a zip bag with the marinade ingredients. Let them sit and soak in the Asian-inspired marinade for 15 minutes to several hours.
2. Just before dumping them into the air fryer, toss with cornstarch (shake-and-bake style).
3. Air-fry for 15 to 18 minutes at 400 °F. Be sure to shake the air-fryer basket halfway through the cooking time.
Prep Tips:
Extra-firm tofu does not truly need pressing, but firm tofu benefits from at least 15 minutes or up to an hour of pressing to remove excess moisture.
If you don’t have a tofu press (affiliate link), use a heavy book. Slice the tofu block through the middle so it is half as thick. Place the halves on a thick layer of paper towels on a plate. Cover with more paper towels and place your heavy book on top.
Cut tofu into cubes after pressing. Extra-firm tofu, of course, can be cut into cubes without pressing.
You shouldn't need to drain off the marinade before coating the tofu cubes in cornstarch. The tofu absorbs most of the flavorful moisture. If there is excess liquid in the zip bag, carefully pour it off before adding the cornstarch to the bag.
Nutrition Notes
🦴Tofu is made from soy beans. It is often set with calcium salts, making it a bone supportive food. Check the label for calcium sulfate since some brands use magnesium sulfate instead.
It is a complete high-quality protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it perfect for vegans and vegetarians who sometimes struggle with getting enough protein.
🧂A note on sodium: The marinade does contains a noticeable amount of salt, even when using reduced-sodium soy sauce. To reduce sodium further, use coconut or liquid aminos (like Braggs) in place of the soy sauce.
Excess sodium can increase the amount of calcium excreted in urine, which can be a negative for bone health.
♨️Storage and re-heating
Although best enjoyed immediately out of the air fryer (affiliate link), these tofu bites can be stored in in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.
- Microwave: Reheat in a single layer for 30 to 60 seconds depending on the amount. They will not be quite as crispy using this method, but they make a great work lunch! (I promise your co-workers will be jealous.)
- Air-fryer: Reheat in a single layer for about 3 minutes at 375°F.
FAQ
Yes! Bake at 400°F on a baking sheet (affiliate link) lined with parchment paper or heavy-duty foil (affiliate link) coated with nonstick spray. Cook the tofu for 20 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through.
Related Recipes
Easy Peanut Sauce: A craveable Asian sauce made with creamy peanut butter plus peanut powder for extra flavor.
Tofu Steaks: Hearty slabs of smoky tofu with a thick, delicious sauce.
Grilled Baby Bella Mushrooms: Gorgeous brown cremini mushrooms bathed in a tasty balsamic glaze.
Creamy Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Cherry Tomatoes: This comforting main course is vegan if you omit the Parmesan (sub in nutritional yeast). Its bounty of complex carbs are perfect for fueling up your muscles.
Air Fryer Tofu Crispy Cubes
Equipment
- Tofu press optional
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large zip bag
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or use coconut aminos
- 2 Tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger or 1 Tablespoon grated fresh
- 2 teaspoons toasted (dark) sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic pressed or grated or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake optional
- 1 14-ounce block super-firm tofu If your tofu is a 16-ounce block, it will still be fine for this recipe. Firm tofu will work also, but please press it before marinating.
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions Start Cooking
- Wash hands thoroughly, lathering with soap, and rinsing with running water.
- In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce (or aminos), peanut oil, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flake.2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 Tablespoons peanut oil 1 teaspoon ginger 2 teaspoons toasted (dark) sesame oil 1 clove garlic ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake
- Slice tofu through the middle and then cut each hunk through the middle lengthwise. Slice the pieces and pat and pat dr with paper towels, removing as much moisture as possible. Cut slices into strips and then into 1½-inch cubes.You can also press the tofu for 15 minutes to an hour, but this is not truly necessary with extra firm tofu.1 14-ounce block super-firm tofu
- Add tofu cubes to a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over the cubes. Gently swish the cubes in the marinade to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate for up to four hours.
- Carefully drain any excess marinade, keeping the tofu cubes in the bag. Add 4 Tablespoons of cornstarch to bag, and toss cubes in cornstarch.See tip below.3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- Spray an airfryer basket with cooking spray unless it is non-stick. Arrange tofu cubes in basket in a single layer, being careful not to crowd. You may need to work in two batches.
- Cook cubes in the air fryer at 400 ℉ for about 15 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking half way through.
- Serve as snack with a dipping sauce or use them as protein in a grain bowl.
Notes
Nutrition
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