Air Fryer Turmeric Tofu

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Crispy and flavorful, this Air Fryer Turmeric Tofu is an immune system-boosting dish that’s easy to make as a weeknight dinner or quick lunch!

All you need is some extra firm tofu and a blend of savory spices to make it.

Why you will love this air fryer turmeric tofu recipe

Served over a bed of white rice with tender-crisp broccoli, this puts other tofu recipes to shame! A blend of warm spices coats every piece of crispy tofu.

I love making this when I want something healthy and filling that’s light on prep work and cleanup. It’s so easy to make and only takes 20 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients you will need

Extra-firm tofu: This will hold up better when coating with the spice blend, and results in a hearty finished product with a nice amount of bite to it.

Spices: I recommend a blend of turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Olive oil: You could also use avocado oil or another neutral oil of your choosing, but olive oil is one I always have on hand guaranteed!

How to make air fryer tofu

1. Press the tofu. Remove the tofu from its package and use a heavy plate or tofu press to squeeze out all of the moisture. Let it press for at least 30 minutes.
2. Slice tofu. Once properly pressed, cut the block of tofu into 4 thinner blocks, then cut the tofu slices into 2-inch cubes.
3. Make the seasoning. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil with the turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Season the tofu. Add the cubed tofu to the large bowl and carefully toss it in the seasoning mixture until all pieces are well and evenly coated.
5. Air fry the tofu. Arrange the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes, stirring or shaking halfway through.
6. Assemble bowls and enjoy! I like to serve my turmeric tofu over top of some fluffy rice with broccoli, soy sauce, and a sesame seed garnish. You could also add some sliced green onions or a dash of hot sauce.

Do you have to press tofu before air frying?

Pressing tofu is crucial for the best results! If there’s too much moisture in the tofu, it will end up soggy.

Pressing the tofu will ensure it gets nice and firm with a crisp outside. And you don’t have to have any special equipment to press plain tofu.

How to press tofu

Basically, you’ll want to place the block of tofu on a paper towel-lined plate, cover with another paper towel, and place something heavy on top.

This could be a plate, a large skillet, or whatever you have handy. Press down to get things started, then let gravity do the rest! You may need to add additional items like canned food to ensure there’s enough weight.

Or, if you’re a big fan of tofu and make it often, you could use a tofu press. This handy tool perfectly fits a block of tofu, and many of them have latches or bands that apply constant pressure for easy and reliable tofu pressing.

Why isn’t my tofu crispy?

This could be a result of not pressing out enough of the moisture, or not allowing the air fryer to preheat.

You’ll want it to be hot so the tofu starts frying the second you add it in; this will prevent sogginess and ensure a nice firm inside with a crispy exterior.

Is tofu better pan fried or air fried?

In my experience, air frying tofu is the way to go! The circulation of heat in an air fryer is better for even and thorough cooking.

Plus, it’s hands-off compared to pan frying, which requires constant attention and flipping to prevent burning and ensure you get that golden crust on all sides of your tofu cubes.

How to store tofu

Allow any leftover tofu to cool, then transfer to an airtight container or plastic bag and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

If you’re not planning to eat it in this time frame you can keep it in the freezer for a month or so, but air fryer turmeric tofu is really better enjoyed right after cooking.

How to reheat tofu

Heat up your air fryer between 375 and 400 degrees F to get that nice crispy exterior back.

Add the tofu and cook for a couple of minutes, until it’s heated through and the outsides are nice and crisp again.

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