Press extra firm tofu for at least 15 minutes (best 30 minutes). Then cut the tofu into cubes.
In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and salt.
Stir the pressed tofu cubes into the bowl, followed by olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, or ground pepper (if using).Coat everything evenly but delicately with your hands or spatula.Leave marinating for 15 minutes.
Add the tofu cubes into a plastic bag. Stir in the cornstarch and gently shake with your hands- so it sticks to the tofu cubes but doesn't become a paste.
Cover the air fryer basket with parchment paper and distribute the seasoned tofu cubes evenly in a single layer, leaving room between each of them.
Bake at 400ºF (204ºC) for 15 minutes (see notes), shaking the air fryer basket- or moving them carefully with kitchen tongs, halfway.
Serve in your favorite buddha bowl, stir fry, or eat as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or on top of a green salad.
Oven
If you want to make this crispy tofu recipe in the oven, simply preheat the oven to 450 ºF (232 ºC) and lay the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicon mat, and bake for 25 minutes, turning with kitchen tongs, halfway.
Pan-fry
Simply remove cornstarch from the recipe, then pan-fry the marinated tofu on a non-stick skillet, with very little oil, for a shallow fry. Toss gently the pan occasionally until golden brown.
Video
Notes
Size of tofu cubesCut tofu into ½-inch cubes if you prefer chunky bites and ¼- ⅓ inc cubes if you prefer tofu pop corn-sized cubes.CrispinessCook in the air fryer for 15 minutes for extra-crispy tofu bites and 13 minutes for fluffy and still crispy ones.