Air-Fried Tofu: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but can you make fried tofu in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air-fried tofu is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook tofu that gives it a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior.

To make air-fried tofu, you will need extra-firm tofu, which has less water content and will hold its shape better during cooking. You can also use super-firm or high-protein tofu for an even denser texture. Before cooking, it is important to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, which can be done using a tofu press, a heavy pan, or by freezing and thawing the tofu.

For seasoning, you can use a variety of ingredients such as soy sauce, tamari, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic, onion powder, and cornstarch. Simply toss the tofu in your desired seasonings, place it in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook at a temperature between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Air-fried tofu is a delicious and healthy option that can be enjoyed as a snack or added to grain bowls, stir-fries, salads, and more. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences and is a great way to incorporate plant-based protein into your meals.

Pressing the tofu

There are a few ways to press tofu. You can use a tofu press, which makes it super easy to remove the moisture. You can also set a heavy pan, like a cast-iron skillet, on top of the tofu and let the moisture drain out. If you don't want to press the tofu, you can buy super-firm or high-protein tofu, which is denser than extra-firm tofu and will crisp up without pressing.

Once you've pressed the tofu, or bought the right kind of tofu, cut it into bite-sized blocks and transfer to a bowl. You can then add your marinade and let the tofu absorb all the flavour.

Marinating the tofu

The first step to achieving the perfect tofu is to press it. This can be done by placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the tofu block and letting it sit for 15-30 minutes. This will help squeeze excess water out of the tofu, which will make it more crisp as it cooks. If you cook tofu often, it is recommended to invest in a tofu press.

Next, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces. Tearing the tofu will result in irregular pieces that will develop a nice crispy, craggy texture that holds sauces well.

Now, it's time to marinate the tofu. In a medium-size bowl, add the tofu and pour in the liquid aminos (or light soy sauce/tamari/liquid aminos), tossing to coat. You can also add in other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, sea salt, or sesame oil for extra flavour. Make sure to toss thoroughly to combine.

Let the tofu sit and marinate for 15-24 minutes. During this time, the tofu will absorb the flavours of the marinade. Don't worry if a few bits crumble; those pieces will turn deliciously crispy when cooked.

Just before cooking, sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the tofu and toss to coat. Cornstarch is the key to achieving a perfectly crispy and golden exterior. However, some recipes suggest that cornstarch can be skipped, and the tofu will still turn out crispy.

The best tofu types for air frying

Air-fried tofu is a quick, easy, and delicious meal. It's also healthier than deep-fried tofu as it uses very little oil.

The best type of tofu to use for air frying is extra-firm tofu. This is because it contains less water than other tofu varieties, which means it will hold its shape better during cooking.

If you want to make your tofu even crispier, you can also use super-firm or high-protein tofu. This type of tofu is even denser than extra-firm tofu and will crisp up well without pressing.

Another tip for achieving the perfect crispy tofu texture is to press your tofu before cooking. This will remove excess moisture and give your tofu a chewier texture. You can buy a tofu press, or simply place a heavy pan on top of your tofu and let the moisture drain out.

Once you've chosen and prepared your tofu, simply cut it into cubes, season, and air fry!

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking tofu in an air fryer vary slightly depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. However, most recipes recommend setting the air fryer between 375°F and 400°F.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 375°F and cooking the tofu for about 10 minutes, or until slightly puffed. The tofu is then tossed and cooked for an additional 10 minutes, or until lightly browned and crisped all around.

Another recipe recommends cooking the tofu at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes, and then continuing to cook.

Similarly, a third recipe suggests air frying at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket, and then air frying at the same temperature for another 5 minutes or until the desired level of golden crispiness is achieved.

It is important to note that air fryer temperatures and performance can vary, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the tofu during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.

Additionally, when cooking tofu in an air fryer, it is crucial to ensure that the tofu pieces are not overcrowded in the basket. They should be arranged in a single layer with a little space around each piece to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Lastly, for optimal crispiness, it is recommended to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing something heavy on top for 10 to 30 minutes.

Dipping sauces

Spicy and Savoury

If you like your food hot, try a spicy peanut sauce, or sriracha mayo. You could also try a sauce with a more subtle heat, such as a sesame-soy sauce with minced garlic and red chilli pepper, or a soy sauce with rice vinegar and sriracha.

Sweet and Tangy

For a sweet and tangy flavour, try a sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and pure maple syrup. Alternatively, a sweet Thai chilli sauce is a great option, and you can even mix it with orange marmalade for a chilled, sweet dipping sauce.

Mild

For a milder sauce, you could try a simple soy sauce with scallions, or a gyoza sauce.

Other Ideas

Other sauces that go well with tofu include hoisin sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, satay sauce, and oyster sauce.

Frequently asked questions