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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced Tofu is the star of this dish. It gives you protein and a great texture. You need firm tofu for the best results. Press it to get rid of extra water. This makes it crispy when cooked. Olive oil adds flavor and helps the tofu crisp up. Garlic gives a nice punch and makes everything taste better. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Parmesan cheese brings a rich, savory flavor. If you want it vegan, you can use vegan Parmesan instead. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the garlic taste. Italian seasoning adds a mix of herbs that work well with tofu. Don’t forget salt and pepper to make all the flavors pop. Fresh parsley on top gives a nice color and fresh taste. - Vegan Parmesan - Additional Spices If you want a vegan dish, swap the Parmesan for vegan Parmesan. You can also try adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for some heat. Adjusting the spices lets you customize the flavor to your liking. This will make your tofu bites unique and tasty! Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step helps the tofu cook evenly. First, drain the tofu. Press it to remove extra moisture. This helps the tofu become crispy. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces about 1 inch in size. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Pour this garlic-oil mix over the tofu cubes. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Arrange the coated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to work in batches. Air fry the tofu for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This helps ensure even cooking. Look for a golden brown and crispy finish. Once cooked, remove the tofu bites from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can serve these tasty bites as a snack or side dish. They pair well with salads or grains like quinoa. Enjoy your crispy garlic Parmesan tofu! To get crispy tofu, pressing it is key. Pressing removes extra water. This lets the tofu soak up flavors. Use a clean towel and a heavy object to press it for about 15-30 minutes. This step helps the tofu become firm and crunchy. Using the right amount of oil matters, too. For this recipe, I recommend three tablespoons of olive oil. This amount coats the tofu well but does not make it greasy. The oil helps with crisping in the air fryer. Want to boost flavor? Add more spices! You can try cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky taste. These spices add a nice kick to the dish. You can also marinate the tofu before cooking. Mix soy sauce, lemon juice, or even your favorite hot sauce. Just let it soak for 30 minutes. This simple step packs in more flavor. Cook tofu in batches if needed. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you stack the tofu, it won’t cook evenly. This can lead to soggy bites instead of crispy ones. Adjust cooking time based on how much tofu you cook at once. If you have a full basket, you might need to add a few more minutes. Always check for a golden brown color to know it’s done. {{image_2}} You can spice things up with a spicy garlic version. Just add some red pepper flakes to the garlic-oil mix. This adds heat and a nice kick to your tofu bites. For an herb-infused option, try mixing in fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These flavors brighten the dish and give it a fresh taste. Using different oils can change the flavor. Instead of olive oil, use avocado oil for a richer taste. You can also try sesame oil for a unique twist. If you want cheese alternatives, use nutritional yeast for a vegan option. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Dipping sauces can elevate your tofu bites. Try pairing them with a tangy ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo. These dips complement the garlic and parmesan well. You can also serve the tofu bites with a fresh salad or grains like quinoa. This makes for a complete meal that is both tasty and filling. To keep your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu Bites fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may change, and they might not taste as good. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness. You can also use a skillet over medium heat. Just make sure to flip them often for even heating. If you want to freeze your tofu bites, first let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before to make them crispy again. To make these bites vegan, swap Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative. Nutritional yeast works well for a cheesy flavor. You can also use almond-based or coconut-based cheeses. For the oil, you can keep the olive oil or try avocado oil. When preparing for vegan cooking, press the tofu well to remove moisture. This helps absorb flavors. Toss the tofu gently in the oil and spices. Ensure the vegan cheese sticks to the tofu by mixing thoroughly. Yes, you can use firm or extra firm tofu. Firm tofu works well, but extra firm gives a denser bite. Extra firm tofu has less water, which enhances its crispiness. The texture and flavor change with the type. Extra firm tofu is chewier and holds its shape better. Firm tofu is softer and may absorb more flavor but can break apart easily. Cooking tofu in the air fryer takes about 15-20 minutes. At 375°F (190°C), check for golden brown color. For perfect doneness, shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking. You want the outside to be crispy and the inside warm and tender. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model for the best results. Tofu bites offer a tasty and healthy dish. We covered the main ingredients, like tofu and olive oil, and discussed helpful tips for crispiness and flavor. The step-by-step guide simplifies the cooking process while variations provide creativity. Consider trying new spices or serving suggestions to keep things exciting. Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make air-fried tofu!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu Bites

Looking for a delicious and easy snack? Try these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Tofu Bites! With simple ingredients like firm tofu, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers crispy, flavorful bites in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a party appetizer or a tasty addition to your meal prep. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering treat!
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Ingredients
  

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

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    While the air fryer is heating, drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large bowl.

      In a separate bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

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

          Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tofu and toss again to ensure the cheese sticks to all sides.

            Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches.

              Air fry the tofu for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.

                Once cooked, remove the tofu bites from the air fryer and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4