Air-Fryer Tofu Steaks

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. + marinating Cook: 10 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
This Asian-inspired air-fryer tofu recipe was the first meatless meal my fiance made for me. It's a wonderful light protein and is so easy to pair with broiled or grilled veggies such as eggplant, asparagus or even tomatoes. —Emily Steers, Los Angeles, California
Air-Fryer Tofu Steaks Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 package (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu

Directions

  1. In a bowl or shallow dish, combine the first 6 ingredients. Cut tofu lengthwise into 3/8-in. thick slices; cut each slice in half diagonally to make triangles. Add to marinade and turn to coat. Refrigerate 3-5 hours, turning occasionally.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 400°. Reserving marinade, place tofu on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Drizzle remaining marinade over tops. Cook until lightly browned and heated through, 6-8 minutes.

Air-Fryer Tofu Recipe Tips

What kind of tofu is best for frying?

For recipes that require frying or grilling, avoid tofu that's labeled "silken." Instead, look for firm or extra-firm tofu. Also, refrigerated tofu cooks up better than shelf-stable packages.

Why is my tofu not crispy?

The biggest tip for making better tofu: Get rid of as much moisture as possible! Since it is packed in water, the first thing you need to do is drain it. Once you remove the tofu from its container, wrap it in 3 or 4 sheets of paper towels to absorb excess moisture. (Learn how to prevent soggy tofu.)

How can I make fried tofu without an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make this recipe on a gas or charcoal grill. Check out these tofu recipes for some ideas.

Research contributed by Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

2 slices: 208 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 lean meat.