Step 1

Drain and press the tofu. We recommend using a tofu press for this step, as it simplifies and streamlines the process. Press the tofu for a minimum of 30 minutes. Ideally, place it in your tofu press the night before and let it press overnight in the fridge.

Step 2

If you don't have a tofu press, place the tofu between paper towels or a kitchen towel, and then weigh it down with heavy objects like plates and books.

Step 3

Shred the pressed tofu using a cheese grater. Place the grater on its side while grating to prevent the tofu from falling out. This technique facilitates transferring the grated tofu to a bowl quickly. Be cautious not to cut yourself. For small chunks that break off and are too small to grate, use a kitchen knife to chop them. Alternatively, you can also use your food processor or a kitchen mandolin to shred your tofu.

Step 4

Transfer the shredded tofu to a big bowl, add the listed seasonings, and mix thoroughly with your hands until the seasonings cover all of the tofu. Cover the bowl and allow the tofu to marinate for a minimum of 20 minutes. For maximum flavor absorption, marinate the tofu overnight in the fridge.

Step 5

Heat oil in a big pan or skillet, preferably using non-stick. Once the oil is hot, fry the tofu until it turns crisp and brown. The longer you fry it, the crispier the tofu will become.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 355°F (which is 180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and/or grease it with heat-resistant oil. Spread the tofu evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, pausing halfway through to stir the tofu. The tofu should be browned. For even crispier shreds, extend the baking time; for a more tender texture, reduce the baking time slightly.

Step 7

Preheat your air fryer to 355°F (which is 180°C). Spread the marinated tofu evenly in the air fryer basket. We recommend using an air-fryer liner or parchment paper, as it helps with cleanup and prevents any potential sticking or mess in the air fryer basket. Just be mindful of the air circulation in your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the tofu in the air fryer for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred level of crispiness.