Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my tofu not crispy air fryer? ›

First, too much water. If you don't press the water out of your tofu, it can easily become soggy. Second, temperature. Cooking your tofu at a low temperature won't allow it to crisp properly.

If your crispy tofu isn't getting crispy, it could be because there is too much moisture in the tofu. Another issue could be the oil isn't hot enough to fry the tofu. Or you forgot to add the corn flour. These three reasons can cause your tofu to be soggy or not crisp up as much as you'd like.

If you want to make the crispiest, crunchiest air fryer tofu possible, I recommend pressing your tofu before you cook it. This step adds some extra time to this recipe, but it's totally worth it. Pressing the excess water out of the tofu helps it cook up extra-firm and crisp.

You're not pressing out excess moisture.

Before frying, tofu should be pressed to eliminate any excess water. Sometimes, in a hurry to get dinner done, I skip this step. But I always regret it. The still-sort-of-wet tofu never gets as golden brown or as crisp.

Add an extra shake

But according to our air fryer expert Fiona Mair, you should always add an extra shake. "Definitely shake it more than advised if you want crispy, evenly browned results," she says.

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

For the best results, I recommend pressing tofu for at least 30 minutes before cooking, though longer is great if you're able to plan ahead. In a pinch, even less time can make a big difference. I pressed the left block of tofu in the photo above for just 20 minutes. An unpressed block of tofu is on the right.

Reheat leftovers: You can re-crisp any leftover tofu on a tray in the oven, or in an air fryer. Bake or air fry for about 10 minutes at 350°F, or until crispy.

Frying your tofu adds calories

If you want to reduce the calorie content of your dishes, baking or air-frying are better options. Air-frying is an excellent alternative to traditional frying methods, as it delivers the same delicious flavor and crispy texture without the added oil.

Place tofu pieces in one layer in the basket of your air fryer. You might need to work in batches. Air-fry at 390 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 6 minutes. Turn tofu pieces over and air-fry until crispy, about 6 more minutes.

What happens if you don't press tofu? ›

Pressing is a technique used to remove some of the moisture and make it easier to cook with. In some recipes, if the tofu is too wet, it can break up during cooking, which may not be what you wanted.

If you want a nutty flavor, she suggests trying semi-refined peanut oil (such as Lion & Globe), or blending unrefined peanut oil one-to-one with a neutral cooking oil. Cook the tofu over medium to medium-high heat, searing it for one to two minutes on each side.

Allow tofu to cook, undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crispy. Step 2: Flip the tofu pieces and season the cooked side with salt. Allow the second side to cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the second side is golden brown and crispy.

Lightly oil the air fryer basket: You do not need or want a lot of oil in the air fryer basket. However, a little spritz of olive oil or a light coating with an oil dipped paper towel will help prevent the tofu from sticking. You will lose seasoning if the tofu sticks, so it's best not to hedge your bets.

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

Firstly, if your potatoes are still wet before being placed into an air fryer, this can cause your potatoes not to crispen up. You can avoid this by thoroughly patting dry your potatoes before you place them in the air fryer. Secondly, you might be putting in too many potato chips so they aren't cooking evenly.

If they're too crowded, the potatoes will steam inside the air fryer, and they won't get crispy. In order to give them adequate space, you'll likely need to work in batches. When I use 2 russet potatoes, I cook 3 batches of fries.

Don't overcrowd your insert, or else the air fried veggies will turn out mushy. Go light on the oil. Too much, and the vegetables will become oversaturated and not crisp up.