Air Frying Tofu: Is It Possible?

Tofu is a great source of protein and a fantastic meat alternative. It can be cooked in many ways, but can you put tofu in an air fryer?

The answer is yes! Air-frying tofu is a quick and easy way to prepare tofu for your meals. It is also a healthy option as air-frying requires very little oil to make tofu crispy.

There are many ways to season tofu before air-frying it. Some recipes suggest marinating tofu in a lemon and oregano vinaigrette, while others recommend a simple sprinkling of salt. You can also coat tofu in cornstarch for extra crispiness.

The key to achieving the perfect tofu texture is to remove the excess moisture. This can be done by pressing the tofu with a towel or paper towel and placing a heavy object on top of it for at least 10 minutes.

Once the tofu is dry, cut it into cubes and place them in the air fryer. Air-fry for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

So, if you're looking for a new way to cook tofu, give air-frying a try! It's a convenient and tasty option.

How to prepare tofu for air frying

Pressing the Tofu

Before air frying tofu, it is important to press it to drain the excess water. This can be done by placing the tofu block between two plates lined with paper towels or clean kitchen towels. Place something heavy, like a cast iron skillet, on top of the tofu block to press it evenly. Leave it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes.

Cutting the Tofu

Once the tofu has been pressed, cut it into cubes. Most recipes recommend 1-inch cubes, but you can cut them to your desired shape and size. Just remember that smaller pieces will cook faster, so try to cut the tofu into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Marinating the Tofu

While the tofu is being pressed, you can prepare a marinade. Tofu is commonly paired with Asian-style marinades such as soy sauce, miso, or teriyaki. Alternatively, you can make a simple Greek vinaigrette-style marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.

Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and add the marinade. Toss the tofu gently to ensure all pieces are well coated. You can refrigerate the marinated tofu for at least 20 minutes or even overnight if you prefer to prepare it ahead of time.

Air Frying the Tofu

Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most recipes recommend air frying the tofu at temperatures between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the air fryer basket or toss the tofu to ensure even cooking.

Your tofu will be ready when it is golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for later.

Marinade options for tofu

Tofu is a chameleon ingredient that can soak up any flavour you throw at it. A good marinade can transform tofu from bland to grand, giving it zest, heat, or sweetness. Here are some marinade options for tofu:

Lemon and Herb

Olive oil, garlic, lemon, thyme, rosemary, parsley, oregano, sea salt, pepper, and water.

Sesame Gochujang

Toasted sesame oil, vegetable oil, garlic, gochujang, soy sauce (or tamari), light brown sugar, toasted white sesame seeds, and water.

Soy Lemongrass

Lemongrass, vegetable oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, garlic, spring onions, sugar, bird's eye chilli, ginger, and water.

Sticky BBQ

Vegetable oil, garlic, vegan Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, light brown sugar, tomato puree, dark soy sauce, and water.

Lemon and Oregano

Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.

Balsamic-Soy

Store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, soy sauce or tamari, and garlic. You can also add dried Italian seasoning or fresh cilantro, and a splash of maple syrup or a dab of brown sugar for a sweeter marinade.

Asian-Style

Soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking tofu in an air fryer depends on the desired texture and level of doneness. Here are some guidelines and tips to achieve the best results:

Temperature Settings:

• Most recipes recommend setting the air fryer temperature between 375-400°F (about 190-200°C). The higher the temperature, the crispier the tofu will be.
• It's worth noting that air fryer performance may vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature slightly to find your perfect setting. Aim for the 375-400°F range.

Cooking Time:

• The cooking time can range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specifics of your air fryer.
• For best results, it is recommended to cook the tofu in a single layer with some space around each piece. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Halfway through the cooking process, shake or toss the tofu to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness, you may need to cook the tofu for an additional 5 minutes or so after shaking/tossing.
• Keep a close eye on the tofu during the final minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Pressing or draining the tofu before cooking can help remove excess moisture, resulting in a firmer and crispier texture. You can use a tofu press, a kitchen towel, or paper towels to remove moisture.
• Cutting the tofu into uniform pieces, such as 1-inch cubes or 3/4-inch cubes, ensures even cooking.
• Coating the tofu with a light spray or drizzle of oil can enhance crispiness and flavour.
• For a crispier exterior, consider using a coating or batter, such as cornstarch, potato starch, or a combination of spices and starches.
• If using a smaller air fryer, cooking spray can help prevent the tofu pieces from clumping together.
• Experiment with different sauces and dips to enjoy your air-fried tofu. Some popular options include gochujang sauce, peanut sauce, honey mustard, or a simple combination of mayo, ketchup, and Sriracha.

Pressing tofu before air frying

To press your tofu, start by draining the water from the package and placing the tofu on a flat surface. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and place it on a plate. Place a heavy, flat object like a cast-iron skillet or a pan with cans on top of the tofu to weigh it down. Allow the tofu to sit for 20 to 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours if you have the time. This process will help remove the water from the tofu, resulting in a firmer texture.

Once pressed, you can proceed to cut the tofu into your desired shape. For air frying, it's recommended to cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or 2-inch squares, but you can also tear the tofu into chunks for a craggly, crispy exterior.

Serving suggestions for air-fried tofu

Air-fried tofu is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a snack: Air-fried tofu makes a great snack on its own, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You can serve it with a dip or sauce on the side, such as ketchup, Romesco, tzatziki, or a mix of mayo and ketchup.
• In a bowl: Air-fried tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein and can be added to grain bowls, Buddha bowls, or salad bowls. You can serve it with rice (white or brown), roasted vegetables, and a sauce or dressing of your choice.
• In a soup: Air-fried tofu works well in Asian-inspired soups, such as Korean and Japanese-style ramen bowls.
• As an appetizer: You can serve air-fried tofu as an appetizer with your favourite dipping sauce.
• With a side dish: Air-fried tofu can be served with a side of brown rice or quinoa and some roasted vegetables.
• On pizza: Yes, you can absolutely put air-fried tofu on pizza!
• In a sandwich: Air-fried tofu makes a great sandwich filling and can be paired with your favourite sauces and vegetables.
• In a stir-fry: Air-fried tofu is a tasty addition to any stir-fry, providing a boost of protein and texture.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different serving suggestions! You can also switch up the seasonings and marinades to create new flavour profiles that pair well with your chosen serving suggestion.

Frequently asked questions