Elevate your plant-based cooking game with this Mediterranean Diet Crispy Air Fried Tofu recipe! Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly crunchy, this dish combines the bold flavors of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika for a taste explosion inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. The tofu is coated in cornstarch before being air-fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crispy texture that's both light and healthy. Ready in just 35 minutes, this protein-packed masterpiece pairs beautifully with fresh salads, wraps, or grain bowls, making it ideal for any meal. Whether you're following a vegetarian lifestyle or exploring Mediterranean-inspired recipes, this quick and easy dish will become a flavorful favorite!
Start by draining the tofu. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place it on a plate.
Set a heavy object, like a skillet or a book, on top of the wrapped tofu to press out excess water for about 15 minutes.
Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss until well coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
While the air fryer is preheating, sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes and gently toss to evenly coat. This step will help the tofu become crispy when air-fried.
Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer, to prevent overcrowding.
Air fry the tofu for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
Once the tofu is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute or two before serving.
Serve the crispy air-fried tofu with a side salad, in a wrap, or as a topping for grain bowls.
Calories |
909 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.9 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.6 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1245 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.8 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 63.3 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2743 mg | 211% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1044 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.