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Super Crispy Tofu Recipe: Air Fried or Oven Baked

Tofu often gets a bad rap for being bland and unappealing, but when prepared correctly, it can become a delightful star ingredient in any dish. This Super Crispy Tofu recipe is simple, quick, and can be made either in an air fryer or oven, allowing you to choose the method that suits you best. Whether you’re a vegan looking for a protein boost or simply someone seeking out new culinary adventures, this tofu dish promises to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Tofu

• 400g firm or extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped spring onions (green onions)
• Sesame seeds
• Chilli flakes for heat

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

1. Drain and Press the Tofu: Begin by draining the tofu of its liquid. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top (like a cast iron skillet) for about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess moisture, allowing for greater crispiness.

2. Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Marinate the Tofu

1. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

2. Coat the Tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, gently tossing to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. For deeper flavour, you can marinate it for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge.

Step 3: Coat the Tofu with Cornflour

1. Add Cornflour: Sprinkle the cornflour over the marinated tofu and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. This will help achieve that desired crispiness.

Step 4: Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F).

2. Cook the Tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The tofu should turn a lovely golden brown and be wonderfully crispy when done.

Oven Baked Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Bake the Tofu: Spread the tofu pieces out evenly on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them in the final moments to avoid burning — you want a crunchy texture!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Once cooked, remove the tofu from the air fryer or oven. You can garnish it with chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a bit of heat.

2. Serving Suggestions: Serve your super crispy tofu with a side of rice or noodles, toss it in a salad, add it to a stir-fry, or simply enjoy it as a snack with your favourite dipping sauce.

Conclusion

This Super Crispy Tofu recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also remarkably versatile. The air-frying or oven-baking methods ensure a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing flavour or texture. Whether you’re a tofu novice or a seasoned pro, this method will surely impress your taste buds and those of your friends and family. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and let tofu shine like never before!