Go Back
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed - 3 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil For this dish, I recommend using firm tofu. It holds its shape well and crisps up nicely in the air fryer. Press your tofu to remove excess water. This helps the tofu soak up flavors better. Next, we need the seasoning mix. Combine cornstarch with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix gives the tofu its crispy coating and bold flavor. Lastly, we need oils and sauces. Soy sauce adds a savory touch, while sesame oil brings a nutty flavor. Together, they enhance the taste of the tofu. - Fresh parsley for garnish - Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping For garnish, you can use fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. For dipping, consider sweet chili sauce or soy sauce. Both pair well with the crispy tofu bites. Enjoy the crunch and dip them for extra flavor! First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step helps the tofu cook evenly. Give it about 5 minutes to warm up properly. Next, drain and press the firm tofu. This removes excess water. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over the tofu. Toss gently to coat each piece. This adds great flavor. In a small bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: - 3 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Sprinkle this mixture over the tofu. Toss again until every piece has a nice coat. This will help make them crispy. Now, arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not touch. This is key for getting that perfect crispiness. Set the cooking time for 15-20 minutes at the same temperature. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking. The tofu should turn a lovely golden brown and become crispy. After cooking, carefully remove the tofu bites and place them on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Enjoy your crispy garlic tofu bites! To get that perfect crispiness, do not overcrowd the basket. If the tofu pieces touch, they will steam instead of crisp. This makes them less crunchy. Instead, cook in batches if you have a lot of tofu. Each piece needs space to cook evenly. Also, adjust the time based on your air fryer model. Some air fryers cook faster than others. Start with 15 minutes and check for golden brown color. If they need more time, add a few minutes at a time. To add more flavor, try adding extra seasonings. You can use cayenne for heat or Italian herbs for a twist. A pinch of cumin or curry powder also works well. Mix in what you like. For more flavor, consider marinating the tofu. Let it soak in soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This gives the tofu a deeper taste. You can even add garlic or ginger to the marinade for extra zing. {{image_2}} You can change these crispy garlic tofu bites to fit your taste. For a spicy kick, add chili powder. This will give your tofu bites a nice heat. Just mix in about a teaspoon of chili powder with the other seasonings. You can start small and add more if you like it spicier. Another option is to make Italian herb-infused tofu bites. Use dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. You can mix two teaspoons of these herbs into your seasoning mix. This will give your tofu a fresh and fragrant flavor that pairs well with pasta or salads. These crispy garlic tofu bites work well with many dishes. You can serve them with a fresh salad or a warm rice dish. They add a nice crunch and protein to your meal. Try tossing them in a bowl of mixed greens or serving them on top of rice with veggies. Don’t forget about dipping sauces! Sweet chili sauce is a perfect match for these bites. You can also use soy sauce for a classic taste. Try mixing soy sauce with a little honey or sesame oil for a twist. These sauces will enhance the flavor and make your meal even more enjoyable. To keep your crispy garlic tofu bites fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place the tofu in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent spoilage. - Container Recommendations: Use an airtight container to store your tofu. Glass or plastic containers work well. Layer parchment paper between layers if stacking to keep them crispy. To enjoy your leftovers without losing crispiness, here’s how to reheat them: - How to Reheat for Retained Crispiness: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu bites in a single layer and reheat for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their crisp texture. - Avoiding Sogginess When Reheating: Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy. Stick to the air fryer or a conventional oven for the best results. Yes, you can use different types of tofu. Firm tofu works best for this recipe. It holds its shape well and gets crispy. Extra-firm tofu is also a great choice. It has less water and will crisp up nicely. Soft tofu is not ideal because it may fall apart during cooking. To prevent sticking, oil the air fryer basket lightly. Use a spray bottle for even coverage. You can also coat the tofu cubes with a bit of oil before cooking. Make sure to arrange the tofu in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; this helps all sides get crisp. Crispy garlic tofu bites pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal. - A fresh salad for a light and healthy option. - Roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrients. - Dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for extra taste. In this post, we explored how to make crispy garlic tofu bites. We covered essential ingredients and how to prepare your air fryer. You learned tips for achieving the perfect crispiness and flavor enhancements. We also looked at different flavor variations and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Tofu is a versatile ingredient, and with these methods, you can prepare tasty dishes. Try out these techniques to enjoy your tofu bites. You will love the crunch and flavor!

Crispy Garlic Tofu Bites Air Fryer

Discover the delicious crunch of crispy garlic tofu bites! This quick and easy air fryer recipe transforms firm tofu into a golden, flavorful snack that's perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like garlic powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil, these bites are a guilt-free treat. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your snacking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.

    Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes (about 1 inch each) and place them in a mixing bowl.

      In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

        Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat.

          Sprinkle the dry seasoning mixture over the coated tofu and toss again until each piece is well covered.

            Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. This will help them get crispy.

              Cook in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. The tofu should be golden brown and crispy when done.

                Once cooked, carefully remove the crispy tofu bites and place them on a serving plate.

                  Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice splash of color.

                    Serve immediately with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4