Short Answer:

Tofu should be pressed before air frying to remove excess water, which helps it crisp up properly. Unpressed tofu contains too much moisture, making it soft, soggy, or prone to sticking during cooking.

Pressing tofu also allows it to absorb marinades and seasonings better, enhancing flavor. Firm, pressed tofu cooks evenly in the air fryer, developing a golden-brown, crunchy exterior while remaining tender inside, making the final dish more delicious and visually appealing.

Detailed Explanation:

Importance of Pressing Tofu Before Air Frying

Pressing tofu is a crucial step before air frying because tofu naturally contains a high amount of water. Excess water prevents the hot circulating air from crisping the surface, resulting in soggy or unevenly cooked pieces. Pressed tofu holds its shape better, allowing it to cook into firm, golden-brown cubes or slices.

Moisture Removal

Pressing removes water from the tofu, which improves texture during air frying. Without pressing, the surface cannot dry properly, preventing the formation of a crunchy exterior. Moist tofu also releases water while cooking, which can make the air fryer basket messy and reduce even cooking. A drier tofu surface crisps up quickly while keeping the inside tender.

Better Flavor Absorption

Pressing tofu also enhances its ability to absorb marinades and spices. When excess water is removed, yogurt, soy sauce, garlic, or other flavorings penetrate deeper into the tofu, making it more flavorful. This ensures that every cube or slice is well-seasoned, even without excessive oil.

Even Cooking

Uniformly pressed tofu cooks more evenly in the air fryer. Pressed cubes maintain consistent size and density, allowing the hot air to circulate properly around each piece. This prevents some cubes from burning while others remain undercooked, resulting in a balanced texture of crispy exterior and soft interior.

Methods for Pressing Tofu

1. Traditional pressing: Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, place a plate on top, and add weight (like a can or heavy pan) for 15–30 minutes.
2. Tofu press: Use a commercial tofu press for faster, more efficient water removal.
3. Optional quick press: Pat tofu with paper towels and gently squeeze to remove some moisture if short on time.

Benefits in Air Frying

Pressed tofu achieves maximum crispiness with minimal oil. It cooks faster, develops a golden color, and holds together better on skewers or in baskets. Pressing also prevents tofu from sticking or breaking apart, improving both presentation and texture.

Conclusion:

Pressing tofu before air frying is essential to remove excess water, ensure even cooking, and enhance flavor absorption. It produces firm, golden-brown, and crispy tofu that remains tender inside, making air-fried tofu more delicious, healthy, and visually appealing. Skipping this step can result in soggy, unevenly cooked, or bland tofu.