High Protein Crispy Air Fried Tofu

Elevate your plant-based protein game with this High Protein Crispy Air Fried Tofu recipe! Featuring extra firm tofu that's marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic powder, and paprika, then lightly coated in cornstarch for the ultimate crunch, this air-fried dish delivers bold flavors and a perfectly crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and wholesome option packed with protein, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it as a standalone main course, toss it into a vibrant salad, or use it to top stir-fries and grain bowls. With no gluten (when using tamari) and minimal oil, this easy recipe is as healthy as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Directions

Step 1

Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 4

Add the cubed tofu to the bowl with the marinade, gently tossing to coat all pieces evenly. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes and gently toss to evenly coat each piece. This will ensure a crispy texture.

Step 6

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 8

Air fry the tofu at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.

Step 9

Once golden brown and crispy, remove the tofu from the air fryer.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy as a main dish or add to salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(473.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	799.2

Total Fat 48.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2065.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 30.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.7g	0%
Total Sugars 2.8g
Protein 67.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2729.2mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 1243.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.0%

Protein: 32.5%

Carbs: 14.5%