Frying Tofu In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

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 texture without the mess and hassle of traditional frying. Air fryers are small, powerful countertop convection ovens that cook food as if it were being fried, but with air instead of oil. This results in a delicious, crispy exterior that is perfect for tofu.

Preparing tofu for air frying typically involves pressing or soaking the tofu to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a firmer texture. The tofu is then cut or torn into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces to enhance its flavour. Cornstarch is often added to create an extra crispy coating.

The seasoned tofu pieces are placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cooked at a temperature between 375°F and 400°F for around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. The basket is shaken periodically to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer tofu is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy crispy tofu without the mess and oil of traditional frying. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, added to salads or bowls, or tossed in a variety of sauces.

How to prepare tofu for frying

Frying tofu is a great way to add a delicious, crispy texture to this versatile ingredient. Tofu is a staple in Asian cuisine and is an excellent, affordable and healthy protein source.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Tofu

Select firm, extra firm, or medium tofu for frying. Softer types, such as silken tofu, will fall apart and won't get crispy.

Step 2: Drain and Press the Tofu

Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the liquid. Wrap the tofu in paper towels or a kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture. For an extra crispy texture, you can use a tofu press or place a weight, such as a plate, on top of the wrapped tofu for about 15-20 minutes until it feels dry.

Step 3: Cut the Tofu into Uniform Pieces

Cut the tofu into evenly sized pieces, such as cubes or 2-inch pieces, to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Seasonings and Coating

In a medium-sized bowl, prepare a mixture of your desired seasonings. This can include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, sea salt, Italian seasoning, or other spices of your choice.

Additionally, prepare a coating for the tofu to enhance its crispiness. Cornstarch is a popular choice and helps draw out excess moisture, creating a crispy exterior. You can also use arrowroot powder or cornmeal as alternatives.

Step 5: Coat the Tofu

Place the cut tofu into the bowl with the seasoning mixture and toss gently until the tofu is evenly coated.

For an even crispier coating, you can also dip the tofu in beaten eggs after coating it with cornstarch, as in this pan-fried tofu recipe.

Step 6: Arrange the Tofu in the Air Fryer

Place the coated tofu pieces in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, ensuring there is a little space around each piece. Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if needed.

Step 7: Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F. Cook the tofu for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even browning and cooking.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the tofu is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can serve air-fried tofu as a delicious topping for bowls and salads, or enjoy it as a crispy snack on its own.

Enjoy your freshly prepared, crispy tofu!

The best oils for frying tofu

Frying tofu is a great way to add a chewy-crisp coating to each piece, and there are several oils you can use to achieve this.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a great option for frying tofu, as it has a neutral flavour and a high smoking point. This means you can fry your tofu at a moderately high temperature to quickly achieve that crispy texture without the oil breaking down.

Vegetable/Soybean Oil

Similar to canola oil, vegetable or soybean oil is another neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoking point, making it ideal for frying tofu.

Refined Peanut Oil

Refined peanut oil is also suitable for frying tofu due to its high smoking point. However, keep in mind that this oil will impart a subtle peanut flavour to your tofu, which may not be desirable for certain dishes.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a popular choice for air-frying tofu as it adds richness and helps the tofu crisp up. It has a mild flavour and a high smoking point, making it suitable for stir-fries and other high-heat cooking methods.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has a distinct nutty flavour and aroma that can enhance the taste of your tofu. However, it's not suitable for deep-frying due to its low smoking point. Use sesame oil for pan-frying or stir-frying your tofu to add a unique flavour to your dish.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a common cooking oil that can be used for pan-frying tofu. It has a relatively low smoking point compared to other oils, so it's best to fry your tofu over medium-high heat to prevent the oil from breaking down.

When choosing an oil for frying tofu, consider the smoking point and flavour of the oil, as well as the cooking method you plan to use. Experiment with different oils to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and cooking needs.

The ideal temperature and time for frying tofu

The ideal temperature for frying tofu in an air fryer is between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal time depends on the specific air fryer being used, but on average, tofu should be fried for 10 to 20 minutes.

Factors affecting the temperature and time

There are several factors that can affect the ideal temperature and time for frying tofu in an air fryer:

• Type of tofu: Extra-firm tofu is recommended for air frying as softer types of tofu will fall apart when tossed with seasonings and won't get as crispy.
• Pressing the tofu: Removing excess moisture from the tofu by pressing it before cooking can help achieve a crispier texture. This can be done using a tofu press, a cast-iron skillet, or a stack of books.
• Size and arrangement of tofu pieces: Cutting the tofu into smaller pieces or tearing it into bite-sized pieces can increase the surface area exposed to the air fryer, resulting in crispier tofu. Arranging the tofu pieces in a single layer with a little space between each piece is recommended for even cooking.
• Coating: Coating the tofu in a thin layer of oil, such as avocado oil, sesame oil, or olive oil, can enhance crispiness and flavour. Additionally, a coating of cornstarch, arrowroot starch, or potato starch can help absorb excess moisture and create a crispy exterior.
• Air fryer model: Different air fryer models may require slight adjustments to the temperature and time settings. It is recommended to check on the tofu periodically during the cooking process to ensure it doesn't overcook or become too dark.

Tips for optimal results

• Preheating: Preheating the air fryer before adding the tofu can help ensure even cooking.
• Shaking the basket: Shaking the air fryer basket periodically during cooking, such as every 5 minutes, can help prevent sticking and ensure even browning and crisping.
• Customising spices: While garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are commonly used spices for tofu, feel free to experiment with different combinations, such as Italian seasoning or za'atar, to suit your taste preferences.
• Dipping sauces: Tofu can be enjoyed as a snack or added to dishes like stir-fries, rice bowls, or salads. For an extra flavour boost, try dipping the fried tofu in sauces like buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or orange sauce.

How to make tofu crispy

Ingredients:

• 1 block (12 oz/350 grams) firm or extra firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)
• Salt to taste

Method:

• Drain the tofu and tear it into bite-sized pieces.
• (Optional) Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This will make the tofu crispier. You can press it with a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books, or use a tofu press.
• In a medium-sized bowl, toss the tofu pieces with the avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
• Once coated, sprinkle the arrowroot starch (or cornstarch) over the tofu and toss again.
• Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
• Set the air fryer to 375°F to 400°F and cook for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The tofu is done when it's evenly deep golden brown and super crispy on all sides.
• Remove the tofu from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• If you want to add more flavour to your tofu, you can marinate it before cooking. Try tossing the tofu in soy sauce, liquid aminos, or tamari and your favourite spices.
• Make sure your air fryer basket is well-oiled or non-stick to prevent the tofu from sticking.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the tofu in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.

Dipping sauces for fried tofu

Tofu can be fried in an air fryer, and it is a great way to make crispy tofu without the mess of pan-frying. Now, onto the dipping sauces!

There are many sauces that can be used for dipping fried tofu. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Peanut sauce: A popular choice that can be made in a variety of ways. Try mixing soy sauce, vinegar, a little sugar, and chili pepper or powder to taste.
• Soy ginger sauce: Combine soy sauce with fresh grated ginger. Powdered ginger can also be used in a pinch.
• Ponzu: A great choice for anything fried.
• Japanese BBQ sauce: This sauce is a good option if you plan to eat the tofu with rice.
• Honey: A surprising but fun choice, especially if you are looking for something sweet.
• Teriyaki sauce: A classic sauce that pairs well with tofu.
• Yogurt-based sauce: Mix nonfat plain yogurt with soy sauce, or dried garlic, onion, and ginger.
• Sweet chili sauce: A sweet and spicy option that is perfect for fried tofu.
• Salsa or guacamole: For a fresh and healthy dip, try pairing your fried tofu with salsa or guacamole.
• Barbeque sauce: A tangy and sweet option that will add a bold flavor to your tofu.
• Gochujang sauce: A spicy and savory Korean condiment that pairs well with tofu.
• Sesame-soy dipping sauce: Combine low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and chili peppers to taste.
• Soy dipping sauce: Mix soy sauce with scallions, garlic, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce or chili black bean sauce for a spicy kick.

Frequently asked questions