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Air Fryer Low Sodium Tofu - Crispy & Salt Free

Tofu is the king of plant protein, but "braised tofu" leans on soy sauce for flavor — and one tablespoon of soy sauce is 1,000mg+ of sodium. This air fryer low sodium tofu uses extra-firm tofu, a cornstarch shell, and spiced oil with zero salt, landing under 30mg of sodium per serving in 14 minutes
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 39 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu (about 350g)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (salt-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (salt-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder (optional)
  • salt — the low-sodium key.
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon salt substitute (potassium chloride) — avoid if you have kidney disease or are on a potassium-restricted diet.

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Press and Cube: Wrap the tofu in paper towels and press under a weight for 15 minutes to release water (pressing equals crisper, less crumbly). Cut into 2cm cubes.
  2. Step 2: Dust With Cornstarch: Drop the cubes in a bowl and toss with the cornstarch so all six faces wear a thin layer. The starch is the skeleton of the crisp shell — but keep it thin, or it tastes powdery.
  3. Step 3: Toss in Spiced Oil: Whisk the olive oil with the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and ginger powder. Add the cubes and turn gently to coat — the oil browns and crisps the starch shell.
  4. Step 4: Load the Basket: Spread the cubes in a single layer with no overlap. Set the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 14 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Flip and Finish: At 7 minutes, pull the basket out and shake to flip the cubes. When all six faces are golden and crisp, they're done. Scatter the optional salt substitute.