Air fryer tofu might just be the culinary revelation you've been searching for.
I've tried countless tofu recipes over the years, but none quite nailed that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside—that is until I tried air frying it.
This method not only transforms tofu into a delightfully crunchy bite but also retains its moist, delectable core. Gone are the days of bland, soggy tofu. With this recipe, you'll elevate this humble bean curd to star status in your meals.
So, if you're keen to elevate your tofu game, stick around. This isn't just another tofu recipe—it's the ultimate tofu revelation.
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Video Tutorial
Ingredients
- 400g firm tofu (firm and extra firm varieties are better suited for achieving a crispy texture and maintaining their shape)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- A pinch of black pepper
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Plate or tray
- Mixing bowl or container
- Paper towels
- Weight for tofu pressing (I used a stone mortar for grinding spices)
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving dish
Steps on How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
Carefully place the tofu on a layer of paper towels and cover it with another layer. Put something heavy on top, like a stone mortar, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Once the tofu has been pressed, slice it into cubes.
In a large mixing bowl or food container, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and ground coriander. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Add the cubed tofu to the marinade and gently toss until each piece is coated with the sauce.
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). I’m using the Instant Vortex Plus XL.
Place the coated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.
Put the tofu-filled basket into the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the tofu.
Once the tofu turns golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer.
You can season it with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Note: It's important to keep in mind that cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer and personal preferences. Feel free to adjust them accordingly for the best results.
Serving Recommendations
- Salad Base: Air fryer tofu works wonders atop fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette. It adds a delightful crunch and protein boost.
- Rice or Quinoa Bowls: Pair the crispy tofu with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a wholesome meal.
- Wrap Filling: Slide these golden bites into a wrap with avocado, lettuce, and a spicy mayo for a quick lunch fix.
- Dipping Delight: Serve them as an appetizer with a selection of dips like soy sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet chili.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Marinate the tofu in a mixture of sriracha, soy sauce, and a dash of honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
- BBQ Lovers: Brush your air-fried tofu with barbecue sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for a smoky flavor.
- Asian-Inspired: Use a mix of teriyaki sauce, ginger, and garlic as a marinade before air frying.
- Herb-Infused: Toss the tofu in olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic for a Mediterranean touch.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or opt for tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute.
Pro Tips for Success
- Press Your Tofu: To achieve maximum crispiness, always press your tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. A tofu press or heavy objects on a plate can help.
- Even Sizing: Cut the tofu into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This way, all pieces will be ready at the same time.
- Marinade Matters: Let your tofu marinate for at least an hour or overnight if possible. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, onion powder, or your favorite seasoning blend. The longer it soaks, the richer the flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd: Place tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer, ensuring there's space between each piece. This allows for even crisping.
Air Fryer Tofu FAQs
Depending on the size and thickness of your tofu cubes, air frying typically takes between 10-15 minutes. Remember to shake or flip halfway through for even crispiness.
A temperature of 400°F (200°C) is ideal. This ensures the tofu gets crispy on the outside without drying out inside.
Absolutely! Tofu has a mild flavor, making it a perfect canvas for marination. It can soak up flavors beautifully, so marinating is a fantastic way to infuse it with taste.
Ensure you've pressed the tofu well to remove excess moisture. Also, overcrowding the air fryer can prevent the tofu from becoming crispy. Space them evenly!
Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for air frying. Silken tofu has a higher water content and might not hold up as well in the air fryer.
A light spray of non-stick cooking oil on the basket or tofu can prevent sticking. Additionally, make sure the tofu is not overly wet when placing it in the air fryer.
There you have it, a guide to achieving tofu perfection with your air fryer! If this air fryer tofu recipe has inspired you, our blog is bursting with more air fryer recipes and invaluable tips.
From ingredient substitutes to elevate your cooking to new mouth-watering dishes, we've got you covered.
So, give this recipe a go, and once you've tasted the results, we'd love to hear from you. Drop a comment below, and let's keep the culinary conversations alive.
Here's to crispy, flavorful tofu bites and many more air-fried delights!
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Recipe
Air Fryer Tofu
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Plate or tray
- Mixing bowl or container
- Paper towels
- Weight for tofu pressing I used a stone mortar for grinding spices
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 400 grams firm tofu or extra firm
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 heaping tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric for color
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Carefully place the tofu on a layer of paper towels and cover it with another layer. Put something heavy on top, like a stone mortar, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Once the tofu has been pressed, slice it into cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl or food container, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and ground coriander. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed
- Add the cubed tofu to the bowl (or container) and gently toss until each piece is coated with the sauce.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). I’m using the Instant Vortex Plus XL.
- Place the coated tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.
- Put the tofu-filled basket into the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of the tofu.
- Once the tofu turns golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer.
- You can season it with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
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