A great addition to your rice bowls. Air-fried tofu with avocado oil, aromatic turmeric, oregano, rosemary, basil, onion, parsley, thyme, pepper flakes, and more. It's a fast way to prep ahead.
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Your Ultimate Best Tofu Recipe Ever!
I do this at home almost once a week because it's so easy and quick. The secret is to use a tofu press to remove excess water, which will help firm up the tofu and make it crispy in the air fryer. Plus, it handles well in marinades when mixing.
Related Recipes
Love air-fried tofu? Then you have to try Turmeric-Herbed Tofu with Roasted-Vegetable Israeli Couscous and Basil Romesco Sauce. Or you can serve them a Quick 5 Vegetable Medley that's also made in the air fryer, then toss it in the Quick Basil Romesco Pasta Sauce. They will also go amazingly in a pita with shredded crunchy vegetables and topped with the Quick Zhug Sauce or Quick Harissa Sauce recipe.
Ingredients with Steps
Use a Tofu Press to squeeze out the excess water from the tofu block. Then marinate in avocado oil, turmeric, oregano, rosemary, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper chili flakes. Cook in the air fryer and then toss with lemon zest.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
Tofu presses can have bands on this side, like this Tofuture, or a nob to turn.
Simply place the block of tofu into the basket.
Place the bands in the fridge and let them sit for 30 minutes.
After removing the basket, you will see the excess water in the reservoir.
The tofu will be reduced in size.
Slice into desired pieces.
Add the seasoning and dried herbs.
Mix in the avocado oil and toss.
Originally used with the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill attachment at a higher temperature. But I later just started using the basket.
Substitutions
Find easy ingredient swaps to fit dietary needs or what you already have in your pantry.
- Herbs: An excellent alternative to the listed herbs in the recipe is 2 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning. Or you can use fresh, chopped: 1 tablespoon, then 1 teaspoon.
- Avocado Oil: Any vegetable oil with a high smoke point and no distinct flavor.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
Explore fun twists and creative ways to make this recipe your own.
- Cajun Spiced - Keep the herbs, but replace the spices with one teaspoon of Cajun spice.
- Curried - Either with Jamaican curry, on the spicy side, or with garam masala, on the aromatic side.
Equipment
Air Fryer - Used as the cooking method for the air-fried tofu. I used my Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill, which has a grill attachment. I have this recipe both attached and in the basket.
Tofu Press - This recipe was developed using the Tofuture Tofu Press. This helps remove excess water, changing the texture when fried.
Kitchen Tools I Use and Recommend
These are some of the kitchen tools I personally use that make cooking faster and easier. If you're building your kitchen setup or upgrading your tools, these are great places to start. More Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Review: The Cosori Turbo Blaze Air Fryer has been an absolute big help in my kitchen! The large basket is perfect for cooking larger portions, and cleanup is a breeze: just toss it in the dishwasher, and it comes out spotless and undamaged. I also love the thoughtful design, with a flat grid basket and silicone feet that prevent scratching and are super easy to remove and reinsert. The big, clear display with multiple preset temperature and time options makes cooking so quick and hassle-free, taking all the guesswork out of the process. Honestly, I love it so much that I haven’t had to pull out my Ninja air fryer since getting this one! I even ended up buying one for my mom!
My Review: I use this must-have air fryer practically every day! Most of my recipes call for it. It is quick and easy to use. Also, it’s multifunctional, with not only an air fryer option but also roast, grill, bake, and even a dehydrate function. Setting the time and temperature is easy with soft, clearly labeled buttons. See the results with my Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables recipe. 08/19/24: I rate this product 4 out of 5 for space and convenience. It takes up a lot of space.
Additionally, it has many components that need cleaning and is not dishwasher-safe. I suggest hand washing after every use to prevent chipping. However, I refuse to give this equipment away; as an air fryer, it's the best I've had so far.
My Review: This was my first tofu press, and it does a great job of pressing excess water from tofu without making a mess. The self-contained design is convenient, and the three separate parts are super easy to take apart and clean. My only issue at first was the side bands, which can be a little difficult to put into place, but I got used to them with practice. Overall, it’s a simple, useful tool that has made prepping tofu much easier.
My Review: This knife is well-made. Super solid and multi-functional. It is made with high-carbon steel, so it will not rust. Slicing meat, like fish, is easier with the grooves. It doesn’t stick to the knife. The handle has an excellent grip and isn't heavy. For some background, a Santoku is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife characterized by its straight edge and "sheepsfoot" blade, designed for precise slicing, dicing, and chopping. Its name means "three virtues," referring to its ability to handle meat, fish, and vegetables efficiently, making it a staple in both professional and home kitchens.
My Review: I love that this bamboo cutting board set came in so many convenient sizes; it makes it easy to grab exactly what I need, whether I’m chopping herbs or breaking down meat. The bright tones of the wood really stood out to me; they look beautiful on camera and bring a nice pop of warmth to my kitchen. It’s especially come in handy during meal prep or when I have someone else helping me; everyone gets their own board! I also appreciate how lightweight yet sturdy they are, making them easy to move around while still holding up to serious chopping. Definitely a great gift for yourself or anyone who loves to cook or entertain. P.S. My hubby accidentally placed it in the dishwasher. And guess what? It didn't warp. A+!
My Review: The American Metalcraft 16" Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl is one of those kitchen essentials I think every cook should have, and honestly, I believe it’s smart to own at least two of these large bowls. They’re incredibly useful for big prep jobs like washing greens, marinating meats, seasoning large batches, or even breaking down whole chickens. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy and well-crafted, so it can handle heavy kitchen use and last for years. Simple, reliable, and versatile, this is the kind of bowl you’ll constantly reach for in the kitchen.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftover tofu to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, skillet, or indoor grill to help restore some of its browned exterior.
Airtight Food Containers: I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clip-on lids. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, hold food without staining, and maintain a more stable temperature, keeping food fresher for longer. I recommend checking out these airtight food containers on Amazon.
Cooking tips
- Preparation - Allow the tofu to press in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Spread Out - Allow half an inch of space between the pieces; cook evenly and crisp in the air fryer basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avocado oil is a neutral-tasting oil that will not overpower the meal's flavor and has a high smoke point.
Oils that can withstand high heat at 400 °F or more before smoking. I recommend Avocado or Canola Oils. Learn more about smoke points.
To prevent tofu from falling apart during cooking, use a tofu press to release excess liquid and firm up the tofu, even if it is already extra firm.
Zesting is the process of peeling only the skin of the citrus fruit without the white flesh, referred to as pith. The skin also contains aromatic oils and is an excellent addition to recipes that intensifies a dish's flavor. A fine grater is the most convenient way to obtain the zest of the citrus fruit, usually referred to as a zester or a Microplane. Learn more about zesting.
Tofu Recipes
Looking for other tofu recipes like this? Try these:
- Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe | Simple Base You Can Build On
- Herb Panko Tofu with Curried Potatoes, Carrots and Onions
- Bang Bang Crispy Tofu with Egg Fried Brown Rice
- Grilled Tofu with Vegetable Pearl Couscous Salad
Cooking Tips and Tutorials
If you found this tutorial helpful, you'll love my Cook's Notebook collection. From knife skills and flavor bases to time-saving tricks and essential equipment guides, this section is packed with chef-tested lessons to help you cook with confidence.
- What Is Emulsification? A Simple Guide to Creamier Sauces and Dressings
- Homemade Baby Food: How to Prep, Freeze & Build Easy Meals
- Summer Seasonal Produce: A Guide to Fruits and Vegetables in Season
- The Best Cooking Shows on Prime Video for Curious Home Cooks
📖 Recipe
Grilled Turmeric Herbed Tofu
Ingredients
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu sliced into ½-inch thick, 2-inch rectangle pieces
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
Equipment
- Air Fryer or Indoor grill, outdoor grill, or sheet pan
- Chef's Knife
Instructions
- Save Time in the Kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Press the tofu (optional). For firmer tofu that browns more easily, place the block in a tofu press for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour. If you're short on time, pat the tofu thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Cut the tofu. Place the tofu on a cutting board with the long side running horizontally. Slice the block in half horizontally, then cut it into approximately ½-inch-thick rectangular pieces.
- Season. Place the tofu in a large mixing bowl. Add the avocado oil, turmeric, oregano, rosemary, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Gently toss until the tofu is evenly coated.
- Optional marinating time. For more developed flavor, cover and refrigerate the seasoned tofu for about 30 minutes before cooking. You can also cook it immediately.
Ninja Indoor Grill Method
- Insert the grill grate into the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill. Select Grill, set the temperature to MED (450 °F), and set the timer for 15 minutes.
- When the grill displays Add Food, arrange the tofu in a single layer using tongs and close the lid promptly to minimize heat loss.
- Grill until the cooking cycle ends and the tofu is lightly browned with grill marks.
- Transfer the hot tofu to a clean mixing bowl. Add the fresh lemon zest and gently toss before serving.
Outdoor Grill Method
- Preheat the grill to approximately 400 °F.
- Arrange the seasoned tofu directly on the clean, heated grill grates.
- Grill for about 7 minutes, then carefully flip each piece.
- Continue grilling for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until browned and lightly crisp around the edges.
- Transfer to a clean bowl, add the fresh lemon zest, and gently toss.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Arrange the seasoned tofu in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Bake on the middle rack for about 7 to 8 minutes, then flip.
- Continue baking for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the tofu is lightly browned.
- Transfer to a clean bowl, add the fresh lemon zest, and gently toss.
Notes
Nutrition
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