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To make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu, you need these key ingredients: - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a crispy and flavorful dish. Firm tofu holds its shape well and absorbs the marinade. The garlic and spices add depth, while the Parmesan gives a rich, savory finish. Feel free to get creative with your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu. You can add: - A splash of lemon juice for brightness - Chili flakes for heat - Other herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor These optional ingredients can enhance your dish and reflect your taste. Adjust the flavors to make it your own. If you have dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan option. - Swap olive oil for avocado oil for a different flavor. - For a gluten-free option, ensure your spices are gluten-free. These substitutions maintain the taste and texture of the dish while catering to various diets. Enjoy creating a meal that suits your needs! Start with a block of firm tofu, about 14 ounces. Press it to remove extra water. This step helps the tofu absorb flavors better. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes in a medium bowl. They should be about one inch each for even cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, four minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of onion powder, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything combines well. This mixture gives the tofu a tasty garlic flavor. Pour this marinade over the tofu cubes. Toss gently until all the cubes get coated. Let the tofu marinate for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for five minutes. After marinating, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the tofu. Toss the tofu cubes again to coat them with cheese. Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry the tofu for 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. When the tofu turns golden and crispy, it’s done. Remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. To get crispy tofu, start with firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well. Press the tofu to remove excess water. I use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Cut the tofu into small cubes. The smaller the cubes, the crispier they get. When you marinate the tofu, let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Air fry them at a high temperature, like 375°F. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps get an even crunch. For this recipe, I recommend firm or extra-firm tofu. These types hold their shape and crisp well. Soft tofu may crumble during cooking. The right tofu gives you that perfect crunch and texture. You can find firm tofu at most grocery stores. Check the packaging to ensure it’s labeled as firm or extra-firm. Marinating the tofu is key to great taste. Use olive oil, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. You can adjust the spices to fit your taste. Mix these well before adding them to the tofu. Toss the tofu cubes gently to coat them fully. Let the tofu sit and soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinate it longer for a bolder taste. Adding salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip this step! {{image_2}} To make this dish vegan, swap the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Use about half a cup to get that rich taste. This change keeps the dish light and still packed with flavor. It also boosts your B-vitamin intake. You can sprinkle it on the tofu right before you air fry it. You can play with spices to change the taste. Want a kick? Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika. You can also try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. These spices make the dish exciting and unique. Adjust the amounts based on your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite blend! Serve your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu in many fun ways. Try it on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh salad. You can add cherry tomatoes and avocado for more flavor. Another great option is to serve it with rice or quinoa. This makes a filling meal. You can also pair it with a dipping sauce, like a tangy tahini or a spicy sriracha. Get creative and enjoy every bite! After enjoying your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu, let any leftovers cool. Place the tofu in an airtight container. This keeps the tofu fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, an air fryer works best. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu in the basket. Heat it for about 5-7 minutes until crispy again. This method keeps the tofu's texture nice and crunchy. You can also use a microwave, but the tofu may lose some crispness. Heat on medium for about 1-2 minutes. Check to make sure it’s warm throughout. If you want to save tofu for later, freezing works. Place the cooled tofu in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This prevents freezer burn. Store it in the freezer for up to two months. To use frozen tofu, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat it in the air fryer to restore its crunch. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! No, soft tofu will not work well here. It has a high water content. Soft tofu breaks apart easily when you cook it. Firm tofu holds its shape better. It absorbs the flavors well and becomes crispy. To prevent sticking, coat the tofu with oil. Use three tablespoons of olive oil to cover all sides. Placing the tofu in a single layer helps too. Avoid overcrowding the basket. You can also use parchment paper to make cleanup easier. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try serving it on a bed of mixed greens. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and more Parmesan on top. Another option is to serve it with rice or quinoa. It goes great with steamed veggies too! This blog post detailed how to make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips. You learned about variations to make the recipe your own and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, crispy tofu comes from using firm tofu and the right marinade. With these insights, you can enjoy a tasty and healthy dish anytime. Try it out, and you may discover a new favorite!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu

Discover the delight of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu with this simple and flavorful recipe! Perfectly crispy on the outside and savory on the inside, this dish is a fantastic plant-based option that everyone will love. Learn how to create a delicious marinade and air fry your tofu to perfection in just 35 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight with this irresistible dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by cutting the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a medium bowl.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Pour the garlic mixture over the tofu cubes and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

        Let the tofu marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

          Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.

            After marinating, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tofu and toss gently to coat once more.

              Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.

                Air fry the tofu for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking, until golden and crispy.

                  Once cooked, remove the tofu from the air fryer and serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy garlic Parmesan tofu on a bed of mixed greens, with additional Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil on top for an appealing visual.