Crispy Tofu Fries in the Air Fryer Recipe
These Crispy Tofu Fries are a delicious, healthy snack or side dish made from super-firm tofu coated in a flavorful blend of spices, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and nutritional yeast, then perfectly crisped in the air fryer. They deliver a satisfying crunch with a hint of spice and umami, making them an excellent plant-based alternative to traditional fries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Vegetarian/American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu Fries
- 1 block tofu (super-firm or extra-firm, vacuum-sealed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Open and drain the block of super-firm or extra-firm tofu. Pat it thoroughly dry with a towel to remove excess moisture, then slice it into fry shapes using a sharp knife. Place the tofu fries into a mixing bowl.
- Season the Tofu: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and toasted sesame oil over the tofu fries. Mix well until the tofu is evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Add Cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned tofu and mix again until the tofu fries have an even coating. The cornstarch will help create a crispy exterior.
- Add Nutritional Yeast: Gently fold in the nutritional yeast, ensuring the tofu fries are fully and evenly coated. It’s normal if some nutritional yeast flakes remain loose at the bottom of the bowl.
- Air Fry the Tofu Fries: Arrange the tofu fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch to allow even cooking. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, shaking the basket twice during cooking to ensure even crisping. Note that air fryer models vary, so monitor closely to achieve your desired crispiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the tofu fries from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious crispy snack or side dish.
Notes
- Ensure tofu is super-firm or extra-firm for best results to maintain shape and achieve crispiness.
- Pat tofu dry thoroughly to avoid soggy fries and improve crispiness.
- Shake the air fryer basket during cooking to cook fries evenly on all sides.
- If you prefer, you can preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking depending on your model.
- Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy, savory flavor and is optional if unavailable or undesired.
Keywords: Tofu fries, crispy tofu, air fryer tofu, vegan snack, healthy fries, plant-based fries, gluten-free fries
