Hey y’all!
Let’s talk about soup upgrades for a sec. You’ve got your cozy bowl of soup, but you’re craving something crunchy and flavorful to take it to the next level. Try Fried Tofu Stir Fry! These little bites of crispy perfection are like crunchy clouds that soak up all that broth-y goodness.
Picture this: perfectly seasoned tofu, golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, ready to dive into your soup and add that extra bit of texture you didn’t know you needed. Plus, it’s super easy to make—no fuss, just toss ‘em in the air fryer and you’re done!
Ready to crisp things up? It's tofu stir fry time!
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Why You'll Love These Tofu Croutons
Let's be honest, sometimes a bowl of soup just feels incomplete without a little something extra on top. But traditional croutons? They can be greasy, bland, and let's face it, not the healthiest option. That's where these amazing Fried Tofu Stir Fry come in! Here's why you'll absolutely adore them:
- Crispy Perfection: These little cubes of tofu get incredibly crispy in the air fryer, giving you that satisfying crunch you crave in a crouton. Say goodbye to soggy toppings!
- Light & Healthy: Compared to bread-based croutons, this stir fry tofu is much lighter and lower in calories. They're a great source of plant-based protein and won't weigh you down.
- Flavor Explosion: We're not just talking plain tofu here! This recipe infuses the croutons with delicious flavors from herbs, spices, and a touch of nutritional yeast for a hint of cheesy goodness.
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, these are so simple to make! Just cube the tofu, toss it with the seasonings, and pop it in the air fryer. Dinner (or lunch) will be ready in a flash.
- Versatile Toppings: While amazing in soup, these tofu stir fry recipe are also fantastic sprinkled on salads, added to grain bowls, or even enjoyed as a snack straight from the air fryer.
Ingredients for Fried Tofu Stir Fry
- Firm Tofu – The star of the show, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and totally ready to soak up all that soup goodness.
- Olive Oil – Gives the tofu that golden, crispy finish without needing a deep fryer. Healthier, but still delish. 🍶
- Garlic Powder – For a hit of savory flavor, because bland tofu is a crime.
- Paprika – A sprinkle of smoky goodness that’ll make your taste buds sing.
- Salt and Pepper – The classic duo that adds the perfect final touch.
- Soy Sauce – Just a splash to give the tofu some umami magic.
How to Make Fried Tofu Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
- Yield: 4 servings
- Press the Tofu: Wrap your firm tofu in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, then place something heavy (like a skillet) on top. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture—trust me, this makes all the difference in getting that perfect crispy texture.
- Cube It: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. We’re talking crouton size here, folks—small enough to scoop up with your soup but big enough to stay crispy.
- Season It: In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce. Make sure each cube gets evenly coated in all that flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. This ensures the tofu crisps up as soon as it hits the basket.
- Cook the Tofu: Place the seasoned tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them—give them some space to get crispy! Air fry for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so all sides get that perfect golden brown.
- Check for Crispiness: After 15 minutes, check your tofu croutons. They should be crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside. If you want them extra crispy, give them another 2-3 minutes in the air fryer.
- Serve and Enjoy: Add these crispy tofu crispy to your favorite soup for an instant upgrade. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and the perfect addition to any broth, from miso to tomato!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Tofu Air Fryer
Want to guarantee crouton perfection every time? Here are my top tips for getting the best results with your air fryer:
- Press It Out: Before you start, press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This is key to achieving maximum crispiness. You can use a tofu press or simply place a heavy object on top of the tofu for about 30 minutes.
- Cube It Up: Cut the tofu into even-sized cubes, about ½-inch to ¾-inch, to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Don't Overcrowd: Resist the urge to cram all the tofu into the air fryer basket at once. Arrange the croutons in a single layer so that the air can circulate properly and they cook to crispy perfection.
- Shake It Up: Halfway through the cooking time, give the air fryer basket a good shake. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the croutons brown evenly on all sides.
- Time It Right: Keep a close eye on your croutons as they cook. Air fryer cooking times can vary, so start with the recommended time in the recipe and adjust as needed. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and sound crispy when you shake the basket.
- Cool Down: Once the croutons are cooked, let them cool completely before storing them. This helps them retain their amazing crunch.
And that’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve got crispy, golden Fried Tofu Stir Fry ready to take your soup game to the next level. Light, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make in the air fryer—these healthy tofu recipes are the perfect crunchy addition to any bowl. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you like your croutons ultra-crispy, leave them in the air fryer for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- These tofu croutons can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the air fryer for a quick snack or soup topping the next day!
- Want more flavor? Add chili powder or cumin for an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Don't be shy! There's a whole world of deliciousness waiting to be discovered on my blog. Start exploring at So Damn Delish.
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Crispy Fried Tofu Stir Fry: The Best Version Ever
Make crispy Fried Tofu Stir Fry! This recipe by So Damn Delish, creates the perfect crunchy topping to elevate any soup with flavor and texture.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Press and cube the tofu.
- Toss tofu cubes in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F and cook tofu for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve crispy tofu croutons in your favorite soup.
Notes
- If you like your croutons ultra-crispy, leave them in the air fryer for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- These tofu croutons can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the air fryer for a quick snack or soup topping the next day!
- Want more flavor? Add chili powder or cumin for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
