The Reason You Should Consider Making Tofu In An Air Fryer

There are two types of people in this world: those who love tofu, and those who still haven't given it a try but are oddly curious to do so. The first group probably already has an opinion about the best vegan restaurants to try tofu — and has discovered the wonders of preparing it at home. There are so many ways to cook with tofu. Thanks to its mild flavor and adaptable texture, the soy-based miracle can be fried, baked, grilled, and so on. It's so mild and versatile that with the correct marinade, it can even transform itself into tofu bacon.

Those in the second group should know that they don't have to be vegan to enjoy the wonders of tofu and all the health benefits that come with it. According to Healthline, the ingredient is high in protein and amino acids, and it packs in half of your daily recommended calcium and manganese. Why not try it? You can start in your own kitchen with a plate of crispy tofu. To avoid long sessions of oven supervision or the messiness of deep-frying, though, there's a trouble-free way to get the golden brown tofu of your dreams.

The easiest, quickest, and least messy way to get crispy tofu is in the air fryer, according to Kitchn. While deep-fried tofu is quite tasty, it can result in oil splattering around your kitchen. Plus, it requires your complete concentration while you monitor the oil temperature and remove each piece from the pot. The air fryer, on the other hand, gives your tofu those crispy golden edges without much work on your part. 

Before putting your tofu in the air fryer, there are a few extra steps to guarantee maximum crispiness. The biggest mistake people make with tofu is not pressing it before cooking to remove excess water. About half an hour before you want to air-fry it, place your block of tofu on a clean towel with a heavy object on top, which will press out the moisture. For an even crispier crust, coat each piece of cut tofu in cornstarch before adding them to your oiled air fryer basket for a little over 20 minutes, turning over halfway through. Now you're ready to enjoy your crispy air-fried tofu with a spicy dipping sauce, steamed white rice, and some chopped scallions for a complete meal. Hopefully, that first bite will make you officially part of the tofu fan club!