I make tofu in the air fryer in 10 minutes that is amazingly crunchy outside with the perfect texture inside. I use a coating of cornstarch which gives super crispy results without being chewy.
This is a naturally vegan recipe that you can adapt with different flavourings or keep plain and use in your favourite recipes.
This Air Fryer Tofu recipe will convert any tofu sceptic. It’s the perfect side dish or can be incorporated into so many recipes.
I love using the air fryer to make tofu rather than baking in the oven or deep-frying. It takes so much less time and the results are just as good, if not better! With air frying, the tofu becomes crunchy on all sides without having to turn.
Tofu has been advertised as a meat substitute but actually, it is so much more than that! It has the ability to soak up the wonderful flavours that it is cooked it.
I regularly make this Tofu and Coconut Curry with Mango Chutney and Burnt Garlic Fried Rice with Tofu .
Air Fryer Tofu Ingredients
Variations on flavour and substitutions provided below
Extra firm tofu – drained, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
Cornstarch – a cornstarch coating helps get the tofu extra crispy
Soy sauce – use light or dark soy sauce
Sesame oil – sesame oil otherwise another oil such as olive oil is a good alternative
Paprika – use smoked or hot
Garlic powder – alternatively, use fresh minced garlic. You can optionally also add in onion powder
Black pepper or white pepper
Salt to taste
Air Fryer Tofu without cornstarch
If you do not want to use cornstarch, you can also use rice flour, tapioca flour, all purpose flour.
Alternatively, skip the flour altogether but this may lead to a slightly different texture.
Gluten-free option
Use tamari instead of soy sauce which contains gluten. Tamari is easy to find in grocery stores or online. Tofu is naturally gluten-free as is cornstarch.
Flavour variations
You can change up the flavours based upon the dish you will serve or add the tofu too.
Stick to tofu, cornstarch (or alternative) and a neutral flavoured oil. You can then build on the seasoning.
- taco seasoning
- italian seasoning
- rosemary and garlic
- indian flavoured (use curry powder or individual spices such as red chilli powder and ground cumin)
How to press tofu
Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and for improved firm texture.
- Using a tofu press – I use tofuture
- Manual pressing with weights – drain the excess water and lay on top of plenty of paper towels. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel and place an even weight on top – a good example is a cast-iron skillet or a flat baking tray with a weight on top. Let it press for around 30-60 minutes.
- Freezing the tofu – freeze the tofu and allow it to thaw overnight or in the microwave. The defrosting process releases moisture and leads to firmer tofu
- Microwave – microwave the tofu to remove excess moisture quickly and then press with a method from above
How to air fry tofu – step by step instructions
Add tofu cubes into a large bowl. Ensure to cut them equal sized for even cooking.
Add all the seasoning ingredients of your choice.
Toss in cornstarch (or alternative if using).
If you have the time, set the tofu aside in the tofu marinade for 30 minutes to soak up the flavours.
Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket keeping some gaps in between to allow the air to circulate around all sides of the cubes.
Air Fry the tofu at 400 F or 200 C for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Do not crisp up the tofu in the air fryer too much as it will become more crispy as it cools – you do not want it to become tough and chewy
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches.
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy air-fried tofu as it is with a dipping sauce or add it to recipes.
Dipping sauces for air fryer tofu:
- sour cream and chive dip
- tamarind sauce
- basil sauce
- yogurt garlic sauce
- in buddha bowls with rice, veggies and green onion
- add it to a stir fry such as this Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles , or Instant Pot Chow Mein
- use it to top salads and soups
Storage
Store leftover air fryer tofu in the fridge in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer to get it crispy again on a lower temperature to prevent burning.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Beet Chips
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Corn on the Cob in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Fajitas
- Parmentier Potatoes
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 400 gram firm tofu extra firm tofu block
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch or alternative or omit totally
- 1 tablespoon oil I used sesame but you can use any other
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce use tamari to keep it gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Press the 400 gram firm tofu and then cut into 1 inch cubes.
- Add tofu cubes into a large bowl.
- Add all the seasoning ingredients of your choice. 1 teaspoon paprika , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , salt and black pepper , 1 tablespoon oil , 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Toss in 2 tablespoon cornstarch (or alternative if using).
- If you have the time, set the tofu aside in the tofu marinade for 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket keeping some gaps in between to allow the air to circulate around all sides of the cubes.
- Air Fry the tofu at 400 F or 200 C for 8-10 minutes or until crispy.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 400 gram firm tofu extra firm tofu block
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch or alternative or omit totally
- 1 tablespoon oil I used sesame but you can use any other
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce use tamari to keep it gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Press the 400 gram firm tofu and then cut into 1 inch cubes.
- Add tofu cubes into a large bowl.
- Add all the seasoning ingredients of your choice. 1 teaspoon paprika , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , salt and black pepper , 1 tablespoon oil , 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Toss in 2 tablespoon cornstarch (or alternative if using).
- If you have the time, set the tofu aside in the tofu marinade for 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket keeping some gaps in between to allow the air to circulate around all sides of the cubes.
- Air Fry the tofu at 400 F or 200 C for 8-10 minutes or until crispy.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
This Tropical Smoothie recipe is a refreshing blend of mango, banana, pineapple, orange and creamy coconut milk. Thanks to its creamy texture and tropical flavour, it is sure to become your favourite smoothie recipe!
- Tropical Smoothie Ingredients
- How to make homemade Tropical Smoothie
- Pro Tips
- Serving Suggestion
- Storage
- Other drinks recipes
This delicious tropical smoothie will transport you to a tropical vacation! And with good reason, its packed with delicious tropical fruits and tastes like sunshine!
A friend of mine recently visited the States and she became hooked on the smoothies at the Tropical Smoothie Café! She’d send me daily colourful pictures of the different smoothies she was trying! I wanted to make something similar, so bought a handful of tropical/exotic ingredients from my local supermarket!
The end results were amazing! The smoothie has a gorgeous deep golden hue. I’ve been making this smoothie all summer using different combinations of tropical fruit but the recipe below has to be my favourite from the lot!
Are you ready to visit tropical paradise?!
Tropical Smoothie Ingredients
Mango – fresh mango is best but you can also use frozen mango or mango pulp (canned or homemade made from ripe mangos).
Pineapple – If using fresh, ensure it is a ripe pineapple before use
Banana – use ripe bananas or frozen banana
Coconut milk – Alternatively, use coconut water or coconut yogurt
If using coconut water, add greek yogurt or vegan alternative to thicken for the best texture.
Orange juice – other fruit juices such as apple juice or tropical juice work well too.
Frozen fruits work just as well as fresh fruit for all the ingredients above – perfect for a quick breakfast on a hot day
Experiment with different fruits and make this refreshing smoothie your own.
Optional
Add in chia seeds.
Maple syrup for added sweetness.
How to make homemade Tropical Smoothie
In a high-speed blender (I used the Ninja blender), add the mango chunks, pineapple chunks or pineapple juice, banana and coconut milk. Pour in fruit juice of choice.
Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add in a little more juice.
Serve in glasses. You can top the smoothie with more fruit and mint leaves if you wish.
Pro Tips
- You can customise this recipe to suit your taste buds and what you have to hand
- Other fruits such as passionfruit, kiwi, papaya, guava are great additions to this tropical smoothie
- For a thicker smoothie, add more banana or other soft ingredients
- To get a thinner smoothie, add more liquid such as juice or coconut milk
Serving Suggestion
This delicious smoothie is best served immediately after blending.
Top with ice cubes and cute cocktail umbrellas for a great way to serve this great recipe for beach vacation island vibes on a hot summer day.
It’s great for breakfast or as a chilled snack any time of the day.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
You can also freeze tropical smoothie in popsicle moulds and serve to kids as a healthier alternative to ice cream!
Other drinks recipes
Tropical Lassi (Mango, Passionfruit and Coconut Lassi)
Starbucks Pistachio Latte (Copycat)
Watermelon Mocktail
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Tropical Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 HIGH-SPEED BLENDER
Ingredients
- 1 cup mango chunks, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup banana fresh or frozen
- ⅓ cup coconut milk
- ¾ cup fruit juice orange juice or tropical juice works well
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender (I used the Ninja blender), add the 1 cup mango chunks, 1 cup pineapple chunks or pineapple juice, 1 cup banana and 1/3 cup coconut milk . Pour in 3/4 cup fruit juice of choice.
- Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add in a little more juice.
- Serve in glasses. You can top the smoothie with more fruit and mint leaves if you wish.
Video
Notes
You can customise this recipe to suit your taste buds and what you have to hand
Other fruits such as passionfruit, kiwi are great additions to this tropical smoothie
For a thicker smoothie, add more banana or other soft ingredients. You can serve this as a smoothie bowl with more chopped tropical fruit.
To get a thinner smoothie, add more liquid such as juice or coconut milk. Or use coconut water instead of coconut milk.
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
