Crispy & Tender Whole Baked Tofu in the Air Fryer
Simple and Healthy Snack Recipe! Air Fryer Whole Baked Tofu
Here’s a simple recipe for making crispy on the outside and tender on the inside whole baked tofu using your air fryer. It’s delicious enough to enjoy without any dipping sauce, making it perfect as a snack or a meal replacement.
Main Ingredient
- 1 block Tofu (firm pressing tofu or stew tofu recommended)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, use paper towels to gently but thoroughly press out as much moisture as possible from the block of tofu. Removing excess water is key to achieving a crispy exterior.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to score the tofu. Don’t cut all the way through to the bottom. Instead, make deep incisions into the top surface of the tofu. It’s important to make cuts deep enough so the tofu has texture, but not so deep that it falls apart. For cleaner and more uniform cuts, you can place chopsticks on either side of the tofu block before slicing. This acts as a guide, preventing you from cutting too deep and ensuring beautiful scoring.
Step 3
Brush the entire surface of the prepared tofu evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The oil will create a coating that helps the tofu become crispier when cooked.
Step 4
Sprinkle 0.5 tablespoon of salt evenly over the tofu. Make sure to get some into the scored lines as well, so the seasoning penetrates the tofu.
Step 5
Similarly, sprinkle 0.5 tablespoon of black pepper all over the tofu to add a layer of flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference.
Step 6
And that’s it! The preparation for your delicious whole baked tofu is complete. Get ready for that satisfying crispy outside and tender inside texture!
Step 7
Place the prepared tofu into your air fryer and cook at 200°C (392°F) for approximately 30 minutes. Check halfway through to monitor the browning and doneness, adjusting the cooking time if needed.
Step 8
Voila! Once removed from the air fryer, your whole baked tofu will be beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining warm and wonderfully tender on the inside – the perfect ‘crispy outside, tender inside’ texture.
Step 9
This whole baked tofu is so flavorful on its own with the salt and pepper seasoning that no extra sauce is needed! Enjoy it as a delightful snack or a satisfying meal alternative.
