Air-Fryer Tofu: Is It Possible?

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and air frying is one of the easiest and healthiest methods to achieve crispy and delicious tofu. Air-fried tofu is a quick and convenient option that delivers a crunchy exterior and a soft interior, making it a perfect addition to salads, stir-fries, or enjoyed as a snack with your favourite dipping sauce.

To make air-fried tofu, it is essential to start with extra-firm tofu to ensure it holds its shape during cooking. The tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture, which can be done using a tofu press or by placing a heavy pan on top of the tofu to drain the moisture. After pressing, the tofu is cut or torn into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces like soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and onion powder. The tofu is then tossed in cornstarch or other starches like potato or arrowroot starch to create a crispy coating.

The air fryer should be preheated to around 400°F, and the tofu is placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring adequate space between the pieces for even cooking. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to achieve the desired crispiness, with occasional shaking of the air fryer basket to ensure even browning.

Air-fried tofu is a convenient and tasty option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diet, and with its versatility in seasoning and sauces, it can be tailored to suit different taste preferences.

Pressing tofu before cooking

Pressing tofu is a technique used to remove moisture and make it easier to cook with. In recipes where tofu needs to hold its shape, it is critical to press the tofu to remove enough water. Commercial tofu presses are available, but you can also use basic household items to press tofu.

How to Press Tofu:

• Drain and remove tofu from packaging: This method is intended for firm and extra-firm tofu. Softer tofu is not well-suited for pressing since it will easily fall apart under moderate pressure.
• Place tofu on a rack: Set a densely-welded cooling rack within a sheet pan. Place the tofu block on the rack. This allows excess liquid to drain and collect in the bottom of the sheet pan during pressing.
• Add an absorbent layer: Fold a clean kitchen cloth or paper towels to increase absorbency and place on top of the tofu block.
• Apply weight: Place a second sheet pan or a large cutting board on top of the tofu block. Place heavy, weighted objects on top, such as canned goods, a heavy bowl of fruit or onions, cookbooks, or a frying pan. Be careful not to apply too much weight, as the tofu may crumble.
• Press: Let the tofu sit for at least 30 minutes. The weight will gradually squeeze out the moisture from the tofu, which will be absorbed by the paper towels or cloth.
• Slice and freeze (optional): After pressing, you may slice the tofu into strips or cubes and freeze it. Freezing tofu changes its texture, making it firmer, chewier, and more absorbent. This is beneficial for recipes where the tofu needs to hold its shape, such as grilling, baking, or stir-frying.

Air-Frying Tofu:

Once your tofu is pressed, it can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some general steps:

• Cut tofu into cubes: Cut the pressed tofu into cubes or rectangles.
• Marinate: Marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce.
• Coat with cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss to coat. Cornstarch helps to draw out excess liquid and gives the tofu a crispy exterior.
• Air fry: Place the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each piece. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Serve: Remove the tofu from the air fryer and allow it to cool before serving. You can serve it alone or with a dip.

Tips for Crispy Tofu:

• Pressing the tofu before cooking helps improve its texture and ensures it holds its shape.
• Freezing and then thawing tofu before cooking can also help create a spongey texture that is ideal for air frying and getting a crispy exterior.
• Make sure to pat the tofu dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
• Use extra-firm tofu for air frying, as it contains less water and will hold its shape better.
• Marinating the tofu adds flavour and moisture, but be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the texture.
• Cornstarch is key to achieving a crispy and golden exterior.
• Cooking spray or a light coating of oil can aid in crispiness, texture, and flavour.
• Cook at a high temperature for a shorter time to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the tofu.

Marinating tofu

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a great source of protein, especially for vegans and vegetarians.

Pressing:

The first step to achieving the perfect tofu texture is to remove as much liquid as possible. This can be done by pressing the tofu between clean towels or paper towels and placing something heavy on top. Alternatively, you can use a tofu press. This step is crucial as it ensures the tofu absorbs the marinade and crisps up during cooking.

Marinade Ingredients:

For the marinade, you can use a combination of soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, ginger, hot sauce, and maple syrup. You can also add in other spices and seasonings like onion powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs. Play around with the ingredients and find a combination that suits your taste!

Marinating:

Cut the pressed tofu into cubes, bite-sized blocks, or rectangles. Place the tofu in a shallow dish or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Toss gently to coat all the pieces. Cover and let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. You can also leave it overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.

Cornstarch Coating:

For an extra crispy exterior, sprinkle cornstarch or arrowroot starch over the marinated tofu and toss to coat. This step is optional but highly recommended for that perfect crispy texture.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces don't touch. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the tofu is golden and crispy.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy tofu that can be enjoyed as a snack or added to your favorite dishes like salads, bowls, stir-fries, and more.

The best tofu for air frying

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways, and air frying is one of the best methods to achieve a crispy exterior and a pleasant interior. Here are some tips for achieving the best results when air frying tofu:

Choosing the Right Tofu

Select extra-firm tofu, which contains less water and will hold its shape better during cooking. If you can find vacuum-sealed tofu, that's even better because it's drier than the kind that comes in water. However, if you can only find the kind that comes in water, simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Preparing the Tofu

Before cooking, press the tofu to remove the liquid it soaks in, making it less mushy and giving it more capacity to absorb flavours. Cut the tofu into cubes or strips, and pat them dry. You can also tear the tofu into chunks to create fun craggly edges that will hold onto the batter.

Marinating the Tofu

While not strictly necessary, marinating the tofu can add flavour and help achieve a more pleasant texture. A simple marinade can be made by mixing soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, pure maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce. Marinate the tofu for about 15 minutes, and then toss it with cornstarch to get a perfectly crispy and golden exterior.

Air Frying the Tofu

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the tofu in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space around each piece to ensure even cooking. Cook the tofu for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, and then cook for an additional 2-5 minutes until the tofu is crisp and golden.

Serving the Tofu

Air fryer tofu is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can toss it into a curry, add it to a rice bowl or noodle stir-fry, dip it in your favourite sauce, or simply enjoy it as a snack.

Air fryer temperature and time

The air fryer temperature and time will depend on the type of tofu you are using and the level of crispiness you want to achieve.

Pressing the Tofu

Before you season or cook your tofu, it is recommended to press it to remove excess liquid. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy object on top of it for 10-30 minutes. This process helps to remove moisture, which can prevent crispiness.

Air Fryer Temperature

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). However, one recipe suggests heating the air fryer to 375°F if your air fryer recommends preheating.

Air Fryer Time

The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used. It is generally recommended to cook the tofu for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking. For a more well-done tofu, you can cook it for an additional 5 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Tips for Optimal Crispiness

• Use extra-firm tofu: Softer types of tofu may fall apart when tossed with seasonings and may not get as crispy.
• Leave space between tofu pieces: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and cook the tofu evenly.
• Use cooking spray: Coating the air fryer basket with cooking spray can help prevent the tofu from sticking and clumping together.
• Toss or shake the tofu during cooking: This ensures even cooking and browning.
• Marinate the tofu: This adds flavour and allows the tofu to absorb the desired spices and seasonings.
• Use cornstarch or potato starch: Coating the tofu in cornstarch or potato starch helps create a crispy exterior.

Air fryer alternatives

Air fryers are small countertop high-powered convection ovens that cook food by circulating hot air. They are touted for their ability to cook food faster than a regular oven and in a healthier way than frying in fat. However, some people are now turning to halogen ovens as a cheaper alternative to air fryers.

Halogen ovens use a halogen lightbulb to cook food in a small glass bowl. They are said to be more cost-effective than air fryers, which can be quite pricey.

If you are looking for other alternatives to air fryers, here are some options:

• Oven: You can always use a regular oven, which likely came pre-installed in your home.
• Microwave: While not ideal for achieving the same crispy texture as an air fryer, a microwave is a convenient alternative for heating up food.
• Deep fryer: While deep fryers use more oil than air fryers, they don't have the same concerns around non-stick coatings.

Frequently asked questions