Air-Fryer Tofu: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Option

Tofu is a healthy and versatile source of protein that can be cooked in an air fryer. Air-fried tofu is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in under 15 minutes and is perfect for meal prep. It can be seasoned with various spices and sauces to enhance its flavor and texture. The key to achieving a crispy coating is to press the tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel and placing a heavy weight on top or using a tofu press. Once prepared, the tofu is cut into cubes, seasoned, and placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. The air fryer is preheated to 400°F, and the tofu is cooked for approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. Air-fried tofu can be served as a snack, tossed in sauces, or added to bowls, stir-fries, and other recipes as a tasty source of protein.

Pressing tofu

There are several methods for pressing tofu, with the most popular method being the use of a tofu press. A tofu press is a simple gadget that evenly applies pressure to the tofu without cracking or squishing it. Many tofu presses also collect the excess water, making the process mess-free. To use a tofu press, place the block of tofu in the drainage container, nest it inside the larger container, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

If you don't have a tofu press, you can use a kitchen towel or paper towels. Wrap the tofu block in a kitchen towel and place it on a flat surface. You can also place the wrapped tofu on a rimmed baking sheet to capture all the excess liquid. Then, place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a cutting board or any other heavy object, such as canned goods or books, instead of a skillet.

Another method is to use a Pyrex pan. Line the bottom of the pan with 2-3 layers of paper towels, place the tofu in the center, and cover with another 2-3 layers of paper towels. Place a second Pyrex pan of similar size on top and press for 30-45 minutes with weights added. You can use small metal ball bearings or any other weights you have available.

The time required for pressing tofu can vary from 15 to 30 minutes, or even up to 60 minutes for a thorough pressing. It is recommended to press tofu for at least 10 minutes to achieve the desired results.

Marinating tofu

Tofu is a very absorbent ingredient, so it's a great base for a variety of flavours. Before marinating tofu, it's important to press it to remove excess moisture, which will make it less mushy and give it more room to absorb the marinade. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean, lint-free kitchen towel and placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top to weigh it down, or you can use a tofu press.

Once the tofu has been pressed, you can cut it into cubes or bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. You can marinate the tofu for up to 24 hours to really infuse it with flavour.

There are many different tofu marinade recipes, but a simple one includes olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For a smokier flavour, you can add spices like onion and garlic, or try taco spice, jerk seasoning, curry powder, or mala spice. You can also add liquid aminos to the marinade, or soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and pure maple syrup for a sweet and savoury combination.

After the tofu has been marinated, you can cook it in an air fryer at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through so that it cooks evenly on all sides. The tofu is ready when it's crisp and golden brown around the edges.

Seasoning tofu

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can take on a variety of flavours. It is important to press tofu before cooking it in an air fryer to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispy texture. Here are some ways to season tofu for air frying:

Marinades

A marinade is a great way to infuse tofu with flavour. Try a soy maple marinade with garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Alternatively, a combination of oil, tamari, and sriracha can be used. For a gluten-free option, swap soy sauce for tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos. Rice wine vinegar and pure maple syrup can also be added to the marinade for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

Spices and Seasonings

A variety of spices and seasonings can be used to add flavour to tofu. Some simple options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt. For an Italian-inspired dish, dried parsley, oregano, and basil can be used. Other suggestions include taco spice, jerk seasoning, curry powder, or mala spice.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a secret weapon for achieving crispy tofu. It helps to draw out excess liquid and gives the tofu a crispy exterior. It can be sprinkled on the tofu after tossing it with oil or another wet ingredient.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast adds a uniquely salty, nutty, and umami flavour to tofu. It also helps to coat the tofu evenly and gives it a golden colour.

Oils

Adding a small amount of oil can aid in crispiness, texture, and flavour. Avocado oil, sesame oil, or olive oil are all good options.

Other Tips

When seasoning tofu, it is important to be gentle to avoid crumbling the tofu. A flexible rubber spatula can be helpful when tossing the tofu with the seasonings. Additionally, make sure to leave space between each piece of tofu in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Cooking tofu

Pressing the Tofu:

Before cooking tofu in an air fryer, it is recommended to press it to remove excess moisture. This step helps to achieve a crispier texture when cooked. The tofu can be wrapped in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placed under a heavy skillet for 30 minutes, or a tofu press can be used. Pressing the tofu for at least 10 minutes is sufficient, but pressing it longer may reduce the cooking time.

Preparing the Tofu:

After pressing, the tofu should be cut into cubes or torn into bite-sized pieces. It can then be seasoned or marinated according to your preference. Seasoning options include olive oil, avocado oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, taco spice, jerk seasoning, curry powder, or a Mexican-inspired spice mix with cumin. The tofu can also be tossed in a batter or coated in cornstarch for added crispness.

Cooking the Tofu:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each piece to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches. Cook the tofu for 9-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to toss the tofu and ensure even cooking. The tofu is ready when it is crisp, golden brown, and browned around the edges.

Serving the Tofu:

Air fryer tofu can be served on its own or with a dip, such as ranch, or tossed in a sauce such as buffalo, BBQ, sweet chili, or orange sauce. It is a versatile ingredient that can be added to stir-fries, grain bowls, rice bowls, noodle dishes, or salads. It can also be used as a replacement for meat or eggs in various recipes.

Tofu serving suggestions

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in an air fryer and served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions for air-fried tofu:

Grain Bowls and Rice Bowls

Air-fried tofu is a great addition to grain bowls or rice bowls. You can pair it with cooked brown or white rice, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, and a tasty sauce. Some sauce options include gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.

Stir-Fries

Air-fried tofu is also excellent in stir-fries. Toss it with noodles, vegetables, and your favorite sauce. You can even add it to a curry for a flavorful and hearty dish.

Dips and Snacks

The crispy texture of air-fried tofu makes it perfect for dipping. Serve it with your favorite sauces, such as ranch, buffalo, BBQ, sweet chili, or orange sauce. It can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Salads

Air-fried tofu adds a chewy and crispy element to salads. You can pair it with greens, vegetables, and a dressing of your choice. It provides a plant-based protein boost to your salad.

Tacos, Wraps, and Sandwiches

Air-fried tofu can be a delicious filling for tacos, wraps, or sandwiches. Season it with taco spice, jerk seasoning, or your favorite spice blend to enhance the flavor.

Noodle Bowls

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be added to noodle bowls. Try it with soba noodles, sesame noodles, or any other noodle variety. It provides a good source of protein and a chewy texture to the bowl.

Customizable Seasonings and Sauces

The beauty of air-fried tofu is that it acts as a blank canvas for your favorite seasonings and sauces. Experiment with different spice blends, herbs, and sauces to find your favorite combinations. You can create a variety of flavors, from savory to spicy, to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions