Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Let's talk about tofu. We know, we KNOW — somewhere in the back of your mind you're picturing a wobbly cube floating in a puddle of its own tears on a little plate next to some steamed broccoli. But here's the fact: tofu doesn't have to be a culinary tragedy. With the right tools and about 45 minutes of patience (okay, maybe an hour — we're being honest with you), you can turn a humble block of tofu into crispy, golden, flavor-packed little cubes that will make you question every life decision that led you to deep-frying things all those not-so-nice seed oils!
What you'll need:
• 1 block extra-firm tofu
• 3 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• Avocado oil spray
• Sliced green onion, for garnish
First things first: you need to PRESS THAT TOFU. This is not optional. This is not a suggestion. Ideally with your Raw Rutes Tofu Press!
Unpressed tofu is just a sponge full of water pretending to be food. Grab a block of extra-firm tofu, unwrap it, and load it into your press and do something else for 30 minutes! When you come back, you'll have a dense, tofu block that's actually ready to absorb flavor instead of just... being wet. Cut your pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes (roughly 1 inch) and toss them into a bowl.
Now for the marinade: whisk together 3 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce if you're not fussy), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated), and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy feeling alive. Pour it over the tofu, toss to coat, and let it
marinate for at least 20 minutes — but don't get too ambitious. Over-marinating is a real thing, and soggy ambition is still soggy. A quick marinade, even just 15 minutes is maybe all you need.
When your tofu has had its spa moment, dust the cubes lightly with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder or cornstarch give it a spray of avocado oil cooking spray. Place in air fryer for 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cubes are deeply golden and crispy on
the outside. The smell alone will convince your skeptical partner/roommate/golden retrieverthat you've been doing this for years. Serve these bad boys over rice, noodles, a grain bowl, or honestly just eat them straight out of the basket while standing over the sink at 7pm — we're not here to judge your dinner ambiance. Finish with a scatter of sliced green onion for a little color and a little crunch.
Tofu press + air fryer + a marinade that actually tastes like something = the crispy tofu of your dreams. So what are you waiting for?!
Enjoy!!!
