Toasted Tofu Croutons

Have you tried tofu? This is a simple quick air-fryer recipe for tofu that's crispy and tasty. (You could also make it in the oven).

Tofu can be eaten in a variety of ways. Most recently, I've been obsessed with making tofu croutons in the air-fryer.

These are really overly done (maybe too well done)

It's a simple recipe. I simply cut the tofu into little cubes and then place the cubes on a parchment covered rack in the air-fryer at 390 degrees for 15 minutes. (My air-fryer is a Ninja . It is rectangular and looks like a large toaster oven and many features)

Where to buy tofu? 

Tofu is available in the refrigerator section of most food markets (usually in the produce section).  It comes in a package and can be purchased as soft, firm, or extra firm. I buy extra firm for this recipe. I always look for an organic brand.

How to store tofu? 

Once you get the tofu home, you will need to keep the package in the refrigerator. When you are ready to use it, simply remove the block of tofu from the packaging and hold the block of tofu over the sink to allow some of the extra liquid to drip off before cutting into cubes. 

How is tofu made? 

Tofu is made from soy milk that is pressed into the shape of block. If you are concerned about GMO's in Soy (and you should be), make sure to purchase organic tofu which is very readily available in almost all markets.

After I cut the tofu into cubes, I place the cubes on a parchment covered rack that is provided by my air-fryer. (If you are using an oven, use a parchment covered cookie sheet). 

Gluten-free and Vegan

• Tofu is naturally gluten-free and vegan. You may want to try one of my other recipes that uses tofu in other ways such as 
• Mongolian Mushrooms and Tofu 
• Tofu Egg-Like Salad 
• Vegan Pad Thai with Tofu
• Plant-based Hot and Sour Soup

When I air-fry the cubes, I will add them to a salad or just eat them off the plate. You'll enjoy them either way. 

Ingredients: 

1 package of firm or extra firm tofu (around 16 ounces)

Garlic powder, 

Sea salt

Paprika 

Optional: any seasoning of your choice- cumin, chili powder, etc. 

Directions: 

Remove the block of tofu from the packaging. Hold it over the sink for a minute to let excess liquid drip off and then pat dry. Place the block of tofu on a cutting board and cut into small cubes. Toss with seasoning and place on a parchment covered cookie sheet for the oven or on a parchment covered baking sheet that comes with the air-fryer. 

To air fryer: Air-fry at 390 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. (check occasionally to prevent burning).

To bake in oven: Pre-heat oven 450 degrees and bake for 15-25 minutes (time depends on how crispy you want them -check to prevent burning). 

*** I like the end result dry and crispy!!

I served these croutons over yellow rice and tomatoes. Dusted the rice, tomatoes and baked croutons with za'atar before serving...

Would you like information and or recipes on healthy plant-based eating? Visit this link for Forks Over Knives website for articles and interesting recipes.