Serving illustration. Nutrition is approximate; results vary with ingredients and equipment.
Equipment
- Basket air fryer, sized to hold one loose layer
- Scale, bowl and tongs
Before you begin
Use metric weights for the most consistent result. US volumes are approximate; oven temperatures refer to a conventional oven unless stated otherwise.
- Pressing is included in waiting time. Use extra-firm tofu; silken tofu breaks apart.
- The stated time excludes extra batches; follow your air-fryer manual for minimum load, preheating and safe operation.
Make it work
- Uneven browning: leave more space and turn the food as directed.
- Undercooked center: extend cooking and check thickness; browning alone does not establish safe meat doneness.
Prep 15 min · Cook 18 min · Waiting 15 min
The total includes preparation, one cooking batch and any listed pressing or resting. Allow extra time for additional batches.
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400 g) extra-firm tofu, drained
- 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (2 g) paprika
Step-by-step method
- Prepare the ingredients
Press the tofu between clean towels under a light weight for 15 minutes. Cut into 3/4-inch (2 cm) cubes. Toss with soy sauce and oil, then gently coat with cornstarch and paprika. - Heat the air fryer
Preheat according to your appliance manual to 390°F (200°C). Use the basket insert so air can circulate. Do not use loose parchment during preheating. - Arrange without crowding
Place the food in the basket in a loose, even layer, leaving room for air to move. If it does not fit, cook in batches; the listed cooking time assumes one batch. - Air fry and turn
Cook for 14–18 minutes, shaking gently halfway. Appliance power and food thickness vary, so start checking at the lower end of the range. - Check doneness
Finish when the edges are crisp and golden and the centers are hot. Extend cooking in short intervals if needed, rather than serving underdone food to meet the timer. - Finish and portion
Serve immediately in two portions. The crust softens as it stands.
Cook’s notes
Pressing is included in waiting time. Use extra-firm tofu; silken tofu breaks apart. This recipe uses an air fryer and includes only the ingredients listed.
Storage & reheating
- Refrigerate in shallow covered containers within 2 hours, at 40°F (4°C) or colder; use within 3 days.
- Reheat cooked leftovers until the center reaches 165°F (74°C). Freeze suitable portions for up to 2 months for best quality; thaw in the refrigerator.
Allergens
Wheat, Soy. Check all packaged ingredient labels for additional allergens and cross-contact.
Approximate nutrition
Per serving: 250 kcal · Protein 21 g · Carbohydrates 7 g · Fat 17 g.
Approximate per-serving estimates calculated from ingredient weights using USDA SR Legacy food-composition references and representative proxies. Brands, drained weights, cooking losses and portion sizes change the result; unlisted sides and toppings are excluded.