Wake up your taste buds with this unique Asian-inspired combination of tangy ginger and pungent garlic…it works! Make it a complete meal by simply adding fried rice, cauliflower rice, stir fried or steamed fresh vegetables.
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Why this recipe works
- Quick and easy from the air fryer to table in less than 30 minutes. Works great in oven as well. This recipe is incredibly tasty and delicious dish perfect for an anytime quick dinner. Add to stir-fried or steamed veggies and/or serve over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa or toss on salad or a grain bowl.
- Much healthier than the fried version.
Ingredients in this recipe
- Tofu: an excellent source of protein and one of few foods that contain all nine essential amino acids as well as rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and Vitamin B1.
- Soy sauce: choose from low-sodium, tamari, coconut aminos and liquid aminos. Tamari contain soybean, and is closest flavor to soy sauce. Coconut aminos made from sap of coconut blossoms is a good substitute for vegans and gluten and soy friendly or those following the Paleo diet. Liquid aminos is also gluten free, vegan friendly and the sweetest of all and less salty
- Sesame oil: made from raw, pressed sesame seeds, high in antioxidants
- Olive oil: contains large amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition it may help protect against heart disease and prevent strokes
- Ginger powder: feel free to use fresh garlic, but when in a hurry powder works well. Although garlic is small, its effects are large. It is a valuable source of Vitamins B and C, iron, copper, potassium, selenium and manganese. Highly nutritious and used as a dietary supplement for a variety of human conditions such as combating the common cold and promoting heart health.
- Paprika: derived from a variety of different peppers, it contains capsacin known for its many health benefits. Paprika also contains a powerful source of vitamin C, in fact an even higher level that citrus.
- Turmeric: referred to by many a super food turmeric has been around for centuries commonly used in cooking and as a medicine. Even today we see this spice used for fighting a myriad of diseases and conditions such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
- Cayenne: a type of chili pepper belonging to the nightshade family.
How to make this recipe
- First, remove as much moisture as possible from tofu. Pat dry with several paper towels. The more moisture you can remove the crispier your tofu will be. You can also use a Tofu Press, but it is not necessary. I do not use one and my tofu comes out great.
2. Next, cut tofu in small ½ inch pieces.
3. Preheat Air Fryer to 400 F (should take about 5 minutes)
4. While waiting combine the soy sauce, sesame and olive oil in medium size bowl. Whisk well. Add ginger, smoked paprika, turmeric, cayenne, and salt. Hand toss tofu pieces into mixture and coat each piece well. Marinate if you wish for 5-10 minutes.
5. Carefully arrange pieces in Air Fryer and roast for 8 minutes. Turn pieces and continue roasting for another 9 minutes. Your tofu should be golden brown and crispy at this point.
6. Serve over rice, fried rice, cauliflower rice, stir fried or steamed fresh vegetables.
FAQ and expert tips
Trader Joe’s sells the best extra firm tofu. It is the driest tofu I have ever purchased and so easy to remove moisture.
If you are a garlic lover like I am, drizzle with Chinese-style garlic sauce
If you prefer the oven version: follow directions above and instead of using Air Fryer arrange on baking tray and place in 400 F. oven on middle rack and bake for 6 minutes, turn and continue for 6 minutes more. Tofu should turn out golden brown, crispy and just as delicious using this method.
Check out my other healthy and delicious tofu recipes
Best air fryer crispy ginger garlic tofu
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz tofu block extra-firm
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp paprika smoked or regular
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 spa garlic powder
- 1 pinch cayenne
- salt to taste
Instructions
- First, remove as much moisture as possible from tofu. Pat dry with several paper towels. The more moisture you can remove the crispier your tofu will be. You can also use a Tofu Press, but it is not necessary. I do not use one and my tofu comes out great.
- Next, cut tofu in small ½ inch pieces.
- Preheat Air Fryer to 400 F (should take about 5 minutes)
- While waiting combine the soy sauce, sesame and olive oil in medium size bowl. Whisk well. Add ginger, smoked paprika, turmeric, cayenne,and salt. Hand toss tofu pieces into mixture and coat each piece well. Marinate if you wish for 5-10 minutes.
- Carefully arrange pieces in Air Fryer and roast for 8 minutes. Turn pieces and continue roasting for another 9 minutes. Your tofu should be golden brown and crispy at this point.
- Serve over rice, fried rice, cauliflower rice, stir fried or steamed fresh vegetables to make a complete meal.
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