Crispy Tofu Recipe – Air Fryer Turmeric Paprika Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Tofu Recipe – Air Fryer Turmeric Paprika Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack. And honestly, this air fryer tofu recipe has become a total obsession in my kitchen. It’s unbelievably crispy, packed with flavour, and ready in under 15 minutes! I first made this when I was craving something crunchy and savory, and it’s been a regular ever since. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any tofu recipe. It’s a flavour explosion! The turmeric and paprika give it a beautiful colour and a warm, slightly smoky taste. Plus, air frying makes it incredibly crispy without all the oil. It’s perfect for a quick snack, a light appetizer, or even tossed into a stir-fry with your favourite noodles. Seriously, you’ll be making this again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1 block of extra firm tofu (16 oz / about 450g)
• 1 tablespoon soya sauce (15ml)
• 0.5 tablespoon sugar (7.5ml)
• 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder (1.25ml)
• 0.25 tablespoon paprika (1.25ml)
• 2 tablespoons oil (30ml)
• 0.25 cup corn flour (30g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec – a few little tips can make all the difference!

• Extra Firm Tofu: This is key. Seriously, don’t try this with soft or medium tofu, it won’t get crispy enough. The firmer the tofu, the better it holds its shape and gets that lovely crunch.
• Turmeric & Paprika Spice Blend: I love this combo for the colour and flavour, but feel free to experiment! A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick.
• Corn Flour for Crispiness: Corn flour (cornstarch) is the secret weapon here. It creates a super crispy coating when air fried. You could also use potato starch if you have it on hand.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First things first, let’s press that tofu. Wrap the block in a clean napkin, place a heavy bowl on top, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This removes excess moisture and helps it get extra crispy – though it’s optional if you’re short on time!
2. Now, slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. About 1-inch pieces work well.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the tofu cubes with the soya sauce, sugar, turmeric, paprika, oil, and corn flour. Gently toss everything together until the tofu is evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the basket. You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
6. And that’s it! Serve immediately and enjoy.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will steam the tofu instead of crisping it up.
• Shaking the basket halfway through is essential for even cooking.
• For extra flavour, marinate the tofu for a bit longer – even an hour in the fridge will do wonders.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already vegan, but double-check your soya sauce to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My family loves a little heat, so I often add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chilli flakes. For a milder flavour, just stick to the paprika.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the soya sauce for tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Snack vs. Meal Portion Sizes: This recipe makes a great snack for two people. Double or triple the ingredients if you want to serve it as a main course with rice or noodles. My friend, Priya, loves to add this to her veggie bowls!

Serving Suggestions

This crispy tofu is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a dipping sauce! Here are a few of my favourites:

• Sweet chilli sauce
• Peanut sauce
• Sriracha mayo
• A simple soya sauce and sesame oil dip

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? (If there are any!) Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It won’t be as crispy when reheated, but it will still be tasty. You can try reheating it in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it up a bit.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I bake this tofu instead of air frying it? Yes, you can! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy as air frying, but it will still be delicious.
• What type of tofu works best for this recipe? Extra firm tofu is the way to go! It holds its shape and gets the crispiest.
• How can I make the tofu even crispier? Pressing the tofu is key! Also, make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Can I use a different type of sugar? Absolutely! Brown sugar or maple syrup would also work well.
• What dipping sauces pair well with this crispy tofu? So many! Sweet chilli sauce, peanut sauce, sriracha mayo, or even a simple soya sauce and sesame oil dip are all great options.