Air-Fryer Tofu: A Healthy, Quick-Fix Treat

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and using an air fryer is one of them. Air fryers are small, powerful countertop convection ovens that cook food by circulating hot air around it, producing a fried-like texture without the need for large amounts of oil. When it comes to cooking tofu in an air fryer, the key to achieving a crispy exterior and a silky interior lies in several factors, including pressing and marinating the tofu, as well as the cooking time and temperature.

How to get the right tofu texture

Getting the right tofu texture is essential for achieving the perfect air-fried tofu dish. Here are some tips to help you get that desired texture:

Choose the Right Type of Tofu

Start by selecting the right type of tofu. Extra-firm or firm tofu is typically recommended for air frying as it contains less water and will hold its shape better during cooking. Stay away from silken tofu as it will yield the wrong texture and break apart easily.

Press and Remove Excess Moisture

Before cooking, it is crucial to press and remove excess moisture from the tofu. This step is key to achieving a nice crispy coating. You can use a tofu press or simply wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and gently weigh it down to remove the moisture. The longer you press, the more moisture is removed, resulting in a firmer texture.

Cut or Tear Tofu into Pieces

After pressing, cut or tear your tofu into bite-sized pieces. Tearing the tofu will create irregular pieces with craggy edges that can hold more sauce and develop a crispy, craggy texture.

Marinate the Tofu

Prepare a marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce. Marinate the tofu pieces for about 15 minutes to infuse flavour and moisture.

Cornstarch for Crispiness

Toss the marinated tofu with cornstarch to get an extra crispy and golden exterior. Cornstarch absorbs excess moisture and helps create a delightful crispy texture.

Air Frying Technique

Place the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on the tofu to ensure it doesn't burn.

Customise with Seasonings and Sauces

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favourite flavour combinations. You can try onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or taco spice. For sauces, options like buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, sweet chilli, or orange sauce are excellent choices.

Marinating your tofu

The first step to achieving crispy, flavoursome tofu in an air fryer is to press it. This removes excess liquid, making the tofu less mushy and more receptive to the marinade. You can do this with a tofu press or by covering the tofu with a clean towel and placing something heavy on top. Leave it to press for at least 10 minutes, but 20 minutes to an hour is preferable.

Next, cut the tofu into cubes. You can cut them into smaller cubes (1-1.5 inches) or larger (2 inches) depending on your preference, but remember this will affect the cooking time.

Now it's time to make your marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together your chosen ingredients. You can use a simple combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, or get creative and add maple syrup, sriracha, fresh garlic, dried herbs, or any other condiments and seasonings you like.

Place the tofu cubes in the bowl and gently toss until they are completely coated in the marinade. You can let the tofu marinate for as little as 15 minutes, but the longer you leave it, the more flavour it will absorb. You can even leave it overnight for extra flavour.

Finally, it's time to cook your tofu! Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space around each piece so that they don't touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu is ready when it's golden and crispy.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy tofu!

The best tofu seasonings

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of seasonings to create delicious dishes. Here are some of the best tofu seasonings to elevate your plant-based meals:

Chinese Five Spice

A harmonious blend of sweet, sour, savoury, pungent, and salty flavours, Chinese Five Spice is perfect for creating an Asian-inspired crispy tofu dish. It pairs well with stir-fries and can be used to marinate tofu before grilling or baking.

Tandoori Masala

Take your taste buds on a journey to India with Tandoori Masala, a fragrant fusion of cumin, coriander, cayenne, cinnamon, and ginger. This spice blend is ideal for crafting tofu kebabs, adding a unique flavour to your grilled or baked tofu dishes.

Chili Powder

For a warm and smoky twist, chili powder, a blend of chili peppers, garlic, and cumin, is a perfect choice. It pairs exceptionally well with tofu tacos or fajitas, giving them a delightful kick.

That's Amore

This Mediterranean-inspired blend, featuring basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, is perfect for marinating tofu before grilling or baking. It adds a touch of Italian flair to your tofu dishes.

Single Spices

• Galangal Powder: For a unique, peppery zing, galangal powder adds an exotic touch to your tofu dishes.
• Turmeric: Known for its vibrant golden hue and earthy flavour, turmeric is excellent for tofu scrambles, adding both colour and a subtle taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Infuse your tofu with a smoky depth by using smoked paprika. It's perfect for barbecue-style tofu or adding a charred touch to salads and bowls.
• Cumin Powder: Delivering an earthy warmth, cumin is a versatile spice that shines in rubs, marinades, and curries.
• Garlic Powder: The universal flavour enhancer, garlic powder, adds a savoury twist to your tofu, making it more versatile and delicious.
• Black Pepper: Coarsely ground black pepper provides a zesty kick that elevates the natural flavour of tofu.

Other Seasoning Ideas

• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning (dried parsley, oregano, and basil)
• Cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil
• Soy sauce
• Maple syrup
• Sesame oil
• Nutritional yeast
• Paprika
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Cumin
• Chili flakes
• Ginger
• Brown sugar
• Balsamic vinegar
• Red wine vinegar
• Garam masala
• Curry powder
• Taco seasoning
• Jerk seasoning

With these seasonings, you can transform tofu into a flavourful and versatile ingredient, taking your plant-based meals to the next level.

The role of cornstarch

Tofu cooked in an air fryer can be crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. Cornstarch is the secret weapon to achieving this texture.

Cornstarch is a key ingredient in making tofu crispy. It helps draw out excess liquid and gives the tofu a crispy exterior. It is the final step before placing the tofu in the air fryer.

Firstly, the tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture. This is a critical step to achieving a nice crispy coating. Tofu can be pressed using a tofu press or by wrapping the tofu block in a clean, lint-free kitchen towel and gently weighing it down with a flat object, such as a cutting board.

Secondly, the tofu should be cut into cubes or torn into bite-sized pieces.

Thirdly, the tofu should be tossed with oil and seasonings. A flexible rubber spatula can be helpful here to gently toss the tofu without crumbling the pieces.

Finally, the tofu is tossed with cornstarch and placed in the air fryer.

The cornstarch coating helps to ensure that the tofu has a crispy exterior and is not soggy. It is an essential step in achieving the desired texture of crispy air fryer tofu.

Reheating tofu

Firstly, it is important to note that tofu will lose its crispiness when stored. To reheat, place the tofu in the air fryer at 350°F to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This will help to restore its crispiness.

If you are reheating tofu that has been covered in sauce, heat the sauce in a skillet and then add the tofu. Stir until the tofu is well coated.

If you are reheating tofu that has been stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can be placed back in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

It is worth noting that tofu can also be reheated in the oven. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 420°F for 20 to 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through.

Frequently asked questions