Hot take: basket vs. tray air fryers for crispy tofu

I went back and forth for 3 weeks on whether to get a basket style or a tray style air fryer, and I picked the tray because I thought it would be easier to flip things. Honestly, the tofu came out way less crispy than my friend's basket one, so I'm kind of regretting it now. Has anyone managed to get a good crunch with a tray model?

2 comments

2 Comments

morgan.cameron8d ago

tray models actually create more steam buildup because the hot air bounces off the solid bottom instead of passing through. i found that putting a wire rack on top of the tray changed everything, it lifts the tofu up so air hits all sides. my tofu turned out way crunchier after i stopped flipping and just let it sit on the rack for the full 12 minutes.

jordangibson9d ago

Way less crispy" feels like you're overthinking this a bit. I've messed around with both styles and the difference is pretty small once you figure out the right temp and time for your specific model. Maybe try preheating longer and giving the tofu a light spray of oil right before it goes in.