Air-Frying Tofurky: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking a Tofurky roast in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty option for those looking for a plant-based meal. While some opt for a traditional oven, others explore the air fryer route for a hot, crispy Tofurky roast. There are various ways to cook a Tofurky roast, and the air fryer method has gained popularity for its convenience and ability to produce a golden-brown, crispy exterior. The cooking time and temperature settings can vary depending on personal preferences and the specific air fryer model, but the end result is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat-based dishes.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for a Tofurky roast depend on whether it is cooked from frozen or thawed, and whether it is cooked in an oven or air fryer.

If cooking a thawed Tofurky roast in an oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the roast on a pan in foil and pour half of the baste over it. Cover and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then, uncover and pour the remaining baste over the roast and cook, uncovered, for 10 more minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

If cooking a frozen Tofurky roast in an oven, cook for 2 hours and 20 minutes, plus 15 minutes uncovered. In this case, the total cooking time is 2 hours and 35 minutes.

If cooking a Tofurky roast in an air fryer, one source recommends cooking at 325-350°F for 20 minutes. Baste again and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which may take another 20-40 minutes. Another source recommends cooking a frozen Tofurky roast in an air fryer at 350°F for 2 hours. However, this may result in the outside of the roast being slightly too dry, so it is important to monitor the internal temperature and rotate the roast if needed.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the size and shape of the Tofurky roast. It is always a good idea to use an internal thermometer to check the temperature of the roast and ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

For reference, when cooking vegetables in the same dish as the Tofurky roast, it is recommended to cook the roast for 1 hour before adding the vegetables and continuing to cook as directed. This ensures that the vegetables do not get overcooked or over-seasoned.

Basting

Preparing the Baste:

Start by preparing the baste in a small bowl. A simple baste can be made by whisking together olive oil, soy sauce, and optionally, maple syrup, minced garlic, and herbs. You can also get creative and experiment with other ingredients, such as hot sauce or butter, to make a buffalo butter baste.

Once you have prepared your baste, it's time to baste the Tofurky roast. If you are cooking your Tofurky in an air fryer, you will first need to place the roast on a pan or in a basket, depending on the model of your air fryer. Brush or whisk the baste onto the Tofurky roast, ensuring that it is evenly coated. You can also pour the baste over the roast, allowing it to penetrate the surface.

Cooking the Tofurky:

After basting, you will cook the Tofurky in the air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, but generally, you will cook the Tofurky at around 300°F to 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes. You may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time based on your specific air fryer and the size of your Tofurky roast.

During the cooking process, you may need to baste the Tofurky again to ensure that it remains moist and flavourful. If you are cooking in an air fryer, you will likely need to baste the Tofurky after removing the foil or transferring it to a basket. This helps to add extra flavour and moisture to the roast.

Finishing the Tofurky:

Finally, finish cooking the Tofurky until it is golden-brown and crispy on the outside. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes in an air fryer. Once it is cooked to your desired level of doneness, transfer the Tofurky to a serving platter and brush it with any remaining baste. You can also pour the baste over the sliced Tofurky before serving, along with the pan juices.

Remember, basting is a crucial step in cooking a Tofurky roast, as it adds flavour and moisture to the dish. By following these steps and adjusting the cooking times and temperatures as needed, you can ensure that your Tofurky roast turns out delicious and crispy.

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook a Tofurky roast from frozen in an air fryer. It is recommended to cook it at 350°F for 2 hours and 20 minutes, and then for an extra 15 minutes uncovered. This should ensure that the Tofurky is cooked through and has a crispy exterior.

If you are cooking a frozen Tofurky roast in an oven, it is recommended to cook it for 2 hours and 40 minutes. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is always good to check on your Tofurky while it's cooking.

One way to ensure your Tofurky doesn't dry out is to cover it in a rub or a baste. You can make a baste by mixing olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, and herbs. You can also try wrapping your Tofurky in foil before placing it in the air fryer, and then pouring a broth or rub over it. This will help keep the Tofurky moist and allow the flavors to develop.

If you are cooking your Tofurky with vegetables, it is recommended to cook the Tofurky for an hour before adding the vegetables to the air fryer. This will ensure that both the Tofurky and the vegetables are cooked through. You can also use the drippings from the Tofurky to make a vegan gravy.

Reheating leftovers

Firstly, it is important to note that reheating in an air fryer is done in the same way as cooking food for the first time. The main difference is that you will use a lower temperature to prevent your food from drying out. Reheating at a lower temperature is especially important if you are reheating something like steak or chicken wings, which you do not want to dry out.

When reheating Tofurky, it is best to wrap the slices in foil and add a small amount of vegan gravy or water to moisten it slightly. Then, place the Tofurky in the air fryer basket or tray and reheat at a lower temperature than you would normally cook at. For example, one source recommends reheating at 300°F for 5 minutes at a time until it is heated through.

You can also reheat any leftover vegetables in the air fryer. Simply toss them with a small amount of oil and place them in the air fryer until they are crispy and tender.

Using an air fryer to reheat your leftovers is a great way to reduce waste and save money. It is also much quicker than reheating in a conventional oven, so you can enjoy your tasty leftovers in no time!

Making gravy

Yes, you can cook a tofurky in an air fryer. Here is a recipe for making gravy for your tofurky roast, using the "drippings" from the roast.

First, heat the tofurky "drippings" in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, make a roux by whisking in 3 tablespoons of flour. If the roux is too thick to stir, add a splash of vegetable broth. Cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Next, whisk in the vegetable broth, slowly and gradually, to prevent lumps. Simmer until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. It's worth noting that the gravy will thicken slightly as it cools. Taste and adjust the consistency with vegetable broth or water, and season with salt and pepper.

If you are making gravy from scratch, rather than using the "drippings", you can whisk together water, wheat flour, soy sauce, canola oil, natural flavours, chicory root fibre, corn starch, onion, baker’s yeast extract, salt, carrot, celery seed, garlic, leek, rosemary extract, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and spices.

Frequently asked questions