Tofu is a wonderfully versatile ingredient, and when it comes to making crispy tofu nuggets, marinating is key! Tofu absorbs flavours beautifully, and giving it ample time to marinate in the fridge will make a huge difference in the final dish. A good marination ensures that every bite is packed with flavour, allowing the tofu to take on a savoury, spicy, or even sweet profile depending on your preferences. Whether you’re a tofu lover or a sceptic, these crispy air fryer tofu nuggets are sure to change your mind!
This crispy spicy tofu noodles dish is a perfect example of how to transform tofu into something everyone will enjoy. Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve the perfect crispy texture without the need for breadcrumbs or excess oil. The air fryer creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the tofu light and tender. It’s a game changer for anyone who loves a good crunch without the hassle of deep frying.
What makes this dish even better is its versatility. If you have vegan guests, simply swap the mayo for a vegan alternative, and the entire dish remains plant-based and delicious. You can customize the seasoning to your liking – whether you prefer a spicy kick with chili flakes or a more mild flavour with garlic and soy sauce. The tofu pairs perfectly with a fresh noodle base, and you can throw in any veggies you like, such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach, for an added crunch and nutrition.
You can find this air fryer chilli tofu recipe on page 90 of The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook.
PREP 10 minutes excluding marinating time
COOK 10 to 15 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need kitchen roll, two mixing bowls and an air fryer
Ingredients for air fryer tofu
A 300g block of tofu
1 teaspoon of garlic salt
1 teaspoon of chilli powder
A tablespoon of sesame oil
60g of corn flour
A bunch of spring onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds
1 fresh chilli, finely chopped
A lime, cut into wedges
To serve:
Cooked noodles – fresh or dried
A drizzle of soy sauce
For the sriracha mayo:
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce
Method
Start by cutting your tofu block into bite-sized cubes around 2–3cm works well. Pat them dry thoroughly using kitchen roll to remove any excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, mix together garlic salt, chilli powder, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the tofu, gently stirring to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you’ve got more time, a couple of hours will boost the flavour even more.
Once marinated, remove the tofu from the fridge. Spread some cornflour onto a flat plate, then roll each piece of tofu in the flour until evenly coated. This step helps create a crisp, golden crust when air fried. Place each floured tofu cube into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between pieces. Make sure the crisper plate is in if your air fryer has one. You can also use a silicone liner, foil, or an ovenproof dish if you prefer easier clean-up.
Then air fry the tofu at 200°C (390°F) for about 10 to 15 minutes until crispy and golden. Remember to shake the basket or turn the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking.
So while the tofu is cooking, cook your noodles according to the packet instructions. You can also make a quick dipping sauce by mixing sriracha and mayo in a small bowl.
To serve, place the crispy tofu over the noodles, scatter with sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped red chilli. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve with lime wedges and the spicy mayo on the side for dipping.
Tips for Air Fryer Tofu
1. Press your tofu
Before you start, press the tofu for at least 15 to 30 minutes to remove any excess water. This will help it to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and prevents it from turning soggy.
2. Use extra-firm tofu
Choose extra-firm or firm tofu so it holds its shape best during cooking and gives that satisfying bite once air-fried.
3. Cut into even cubes
Cut your tofu into even-sized cubes so they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Around 2 to 3cm chunks work best for air frying.
4. Coat with cornflour for crunch
Toss the tofu in a little cornflour (or arrowroot starch) before air frying. This helps create a golden, crisp coating that holds up to sauces.
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Spread the tofu pieces out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches. Overcrowding the basket will lead to steaming instead of crisping.
6. Flip halfway through
Shake or turn the tofu halfway through cooking to ensure that all sides become evenly golden and crispy.
7. Add sauce after cooking
For the best texture, toss the tofu in your chilli sauce after air frying. This keeps the tofu crispy while still absorbing all that spicy flavour.
8. Make it a meal
Serve your air fried tofu with rice, noodles, or stir fried veg to turn it into a balanced, satisfying dish.
Similar recipes
If you love this simple air fryer tofu you might also like my easy air fryer stuffed butternut or this tasty air fryer shiitake mushrooms recipe.
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