Frying Tofu: Air Fryer Magic

Tofu is a healthy and versatile source of protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is frying, which creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and pillowy interior. But is it possible to achieve the same results using an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air frying tofu is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. By using an air fryer, you can create crispy, golden tofu without the mess and hassle of splashing oil.

To make delicious air-fried tofu, start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, which can make it soggy. Then, create a marinade or seasoning blend to infuse your tofu with flavor. You can experiment with different spices and sauces to find your favorite combination. Finally, arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature between 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.

So, if you're looking for a new way to cook tofu that's both convenient and tasty, give air frying a try! It's a simple technique that will transform your tofu into a crispy and flavorful treat.

Pressing tofu before cooking

How to press tofu

There are a few ways to press tofu. You can use a tofu press, which is a simple and effective way to draw out excess moisture. Alternatively, you can wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top to press out the moisture. You can also use a stack of books or similar heavy objects.

How long to press tofu

The length of time you press tofu for can vary, but a good guideline is around 30 minutes. It's also important to cut and pat the tofu dry before pressing, to ensure as much moisture is removed as possible.

Vacuum-packed tofu

If you want to skip the pressing stage, you can buy vacuum-packed tofu, which is already very firm. This tofu can be cut into cubes, flavoured, and fried without pressing.

Freezing tofu

Freezing tofu before cooking is another way to improve its texture and allow it to soak up more flavour from the marinade. Simply freeze the tofu, then thaw it before pressing and cooking.

Marinating tofu

The key to achieving the perfect tofu texture and taste is to remove as much moisture as possible before marinating. This can be done by pressing the tofu between towels and placing something heavy on top for around 15 minutes, or by buying tofu that has already been pressed, such as "super-firm" or vacuum-packed tofu.

Once the tofu has been pressed, it can be cut into cubes. The marinade should be prepared in a separate bowl or measuring cup. A typical marinade will include soy sauce or tamari, an oil such as sesame or olive oil, and a selection of spices and flavourings. Other ingredients such as rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, garlic, and ginger can also be added to taste. The marinade should then be poured over the tofu and left for around 15 minutes, or longer if desired.

Some recipes recommend freezing and then defrosting the tofu before marinating, as this improves the texture and allows the tofu to absorb more flavour.

After marinating, the tofu can be tossed in cornstarch to create a crispy exterior. It can then be cooked in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes at 400°F.

Using extra-firm tofu

To get the best results when frying tofu in an air fryer, it is recommended to use extra-firm tofu. This is because it contains less water, which helps it to hold its shape and achieve a crispier texture.

Pressing the Tofu

Before cooking, it is important to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, which can make the tofu soggy and less crispy. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a tofu press, which makes it easier to remove the moisture.

Marinating the Tofu

After pressing the tofu, you can marinate it to add flavour. A simple marinade can be made by combining ingredients such as soy sauce or tamari, rice wine vinegar, olive oil or sesame oil, garlic or garlic powder, ground ginger, and Sriracha or hot sauce. You can also add spices like onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Once you have prepared the marinade, cut the tofu into cubes and place them in a shallow dish or bowl. Pour the marinade over the tofu and gently toss to coat. Let the tofu sit for about 15 minutes, tossing it halfway through.

Cooking the Tofu in the Air Fryer

Before placing the tofu in the air fryer, toss it with cornstarch to get an extra crispy exterior. Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there is a little space around each piece to allow for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Serving the Tofu

Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it as-is or with your favourite dipping sauce. It goes well with sauces like soy sauce, Sriracha mayo, or gochujang sauce.

Storing and Reheating

You can store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the tofu back in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking tofu in an air fryer is 400°F for 10-15 minutes.

Air Fryer Temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking tofu in an air fryer is 400°F. This temperature allows the tofu to cook through and achieve a crispy texture.

Air Fryer Time

The cooking time for tofu in an air fryer can range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness and the specific air fryer being used.

For example, some recipes suggest cooking tofu in an air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket after 5 minutes, and then continuing to cook. This results in crispy tofu that is cooked through.

Other recipes suggest a cooking time of 11 to 15 minutes at 400°F, tossing the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking. The tofu is ready when it is crisp and browned around the edges.

It is important to keep an eye on the tofu during the last few minutes of cooking, as the exact cooking time will depend on the specific air fryer being used.

Tips for Optimal Cooking

• It is recommended to use extra-firm tofu for air frying, as softer types of tofu may fall apart when tossed with seasonings and will not achieve the desired crispness.
• Pressing the tofu before cooking can help remove excess water, resulting in a firmer and crispier texture. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy cast iron skillet on top for 30 minutes.
• Marinating the tofu before cooking can add flavour and moisture. A simple marinade can be made by combining soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, pure maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce. The tofu should be marinated for about 15 minutes.
• Tossing the tofu with cornstarch before air frying can help create a crispy coating.
• It is important to arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each piece to ensure even cooking and crispness. Depending on the size of the air fryer, cooking in batches may be necessary.
• For best results, the air fryer basket can be coated with cooking spray or nonstick spray before adding the tofu.
• The tofu is ready when it is crisp and browned around the edges.

By following these guidelines for air fryer temperature and time, as well as the suggested tips, you can achieve delicious and crispy tofu with an optimal texture.

Tofu seasonings and spices

Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Here are some ideas for seasonings and spices to add flavour and perk up your tofu:

Savoury tofu

A simple way to season tofu is with salt and pepper, which will bring out the natural flavours in the dish.

For an Indian-inspired dish, turmeric is a great spice to use. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities and strong, earthy flavours. It can be used in tofu scrambles or added to sandwiches for a smokey flavour.

Dill is a tangy herb that pairs well with tofu and is perfect for adding to stews, sauces, and pickling. It can also be added to picnic salads and lemon-based dishes.

Paprika is a great spice to use in tofu marinades or as a tofu rub. It has intense smokey flavours and is used in many southern and creole dishes.

Other simple seasonings that give tofu incredible flavour include garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper.

Sweet tofu

Cinnamon is a powerful spice that can be added to sweet treats. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar. It can be added to tofu mousse, pies, and raw cakes.

Marinades

A marinade is a great way to add flavour to tofu. A simple marinade can be made by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The tofu can then be placed in this mixture for at least an hour or overnight for a more intense flavour.

Other marinade ideas include a soy maple marinade with garlic, ginger, and sriracha, or a marinade with avocado oil, tamari, and sriracha.

Other tips

Freezing tofu and then defrosting it will release a lot of moisture, so it's a good idea if you don't have a tofu press.

Cornstarch helps to draw out excess liquid and gives tofu a crispy exterior.

Frequently asked questions