Super Simple Air Fryer Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe
Super Simple Air Fryer Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe
Leftover Tofu Hack! Crispy Outside, Tender Inside Air Fryer Tofu
Don’t let that half-block of tofu go to waste! Easily pan-fry it in the air fryer for a delicious side dish or snack. Using an air fryer makes it effortless to achieve a tofu that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 block firm tofu (approx. 150-200g)
- Herb salt, to taste
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently rinse the tofu under running water, then thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels. Scoring the tofu helps the seasonings penetrate better and keeps its shape nicely when cooked. Place two chopsticks parallel underneath the tofu block. Using a knife, slice the tofu about 0.5cm apart, following the chopsticks as a guide. The chopsticks prevent the tofu from being cut all the way through, preserving its structure.
Step 2
Brush all sides of the scored tofu evenly with olive oil. Applying olive oil prevents the tofu from sticking to the air fryer basket and helps it achieve a crispier texture. After brushing with oil, sprinkle generously with herb salt according to your preference. If you don’t have herb salt, regular salt works just fine. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for extra flavor if desired.
Step 3
Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper to further prevent the tofu from sticking. Arrange the prepared tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces don’t overlap. Place the tofu in a preheated air fryer set to 200°C (390°F) and cook for about 15 minutes. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the tofu, so check halfway through to ensure it’s cooked to your desired crispiness. Flipping the tofu halfway through the cooking time (around 10 minutes) will help ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
Step 4
Transfer the beautifully cooked tofu to a serving plate. If you like, you can drizzle it with oriental dressing or a simple soy-based sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Adding a light drizzle of sauce makes the tofu even more moist and flavorful. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while warm.
