Air-Fryer Tofu: Is It Possible?

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, but achieving the perfect crispy texture can be challenging. One effective method for cooking tofu is using an air fryer, which is a small, powerful countertop oven that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, creating a fried-like texture without the need for excessive oil.

Air-frying tofu is a convenient and healthy way to prepare this plant-based protein, resulting in a crispy exterior and a pleasantly firm interior. The process is simple: tofu is typically marinated, coated in a starch, and then cooked in the air fryer for approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness.

This technique allows tofu to absorb flavours from marinades, such as soy sauce, maple syrup, or garlic, and creates a crunchy texture without the need for deep-frying. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air efficiently ensures even cooking and browning, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick, tasty, and relatively mess-free way to prepare tofu.

How to prepare tofu for the air fryer

Step 1: Choosing the right tofu

Firstly, it is important to select the right type of tofu. You should opt for extra-firm tofu, as this has less water content than other varieties and will hold its shape better during cooking. Softer types of tofu will fall apart when tossed with seasonings and won't get as crispy. If you can find it, super-firm tofu is even denser and will crisp up well without pressing.

Step 2: Pressing the tofu

The next step is to press the tofu, which will help to remove excess moisture and ensure your tofu is crispy rather than soggy. You can buy a tofu press, but you can also do this by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels, placing it on a plate, and then putting something heavy like a cast-iron skillet on top to weigh it down. Leave it for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.

Step 3: Marinading the tofu

Now it's time to add some flavour! You can marinate the tofu for up to 24 hours to really infuse it with flavour, but even just 15 minutes will make a difference. A simple marinade can be made by combining soy sauce, olive oil, garlic and spices of your choice. You could also add maple syrup, ginger, hot sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar or tamari.

Step 4: Dredging the tofu

For an extra crispy coating, you can dredge the tofu in cornstarch, potato starch or arrowroot starch before putting it in the air fryer. Simply toss the tofu gently in the starch of your choice to coat it, shaking off any excess.

Step 5: Cooking the tofu

Now your tofu is ready to go into the air fryer! Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces are not touching and the air can circulate. You may need to work in batches. Spray the tofu with cooking spray or olive oil and then cook at around 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu is ready when it is crisp and golden brown.

Step 6: Making a sauce

While the tofu is cooking, you can make a sauce to toss it in once it's ready. Try whisking together mayonnaise, chilli sauce, garlic and sriracha, or go for Thai peanut sauce, BBQ sauce, or a sauce of equal parts ketchup and gochujang.

Step 7: Serving the tofu

Your tofu is now ready to serve! You could serve it over rice with sliced scallions and sesame seeds, or add it to a stir-fry, salad, or grain bowl. Enjoy!

The best tofu type for the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook tofu, yielding a crispy exterior while keeping the inside pleasantly firm. When choosing tofu for your air fryer, opt for extra-firm or super-firm varieties. These types of tofu have less water content, which is key to achieving that desirable crispy texture.

Vacuum-packed tofu is an excellent choice as it is the firmest variety, and the pressing has already been done for you. This means you can simply cut it into cubes and get frying! If you can't get your hands on vacuum-packed tofu, don't worry. You can press the water out of your extra-firm tofu by using a tofu press or by placing a heavy pan on top of it to let the moisture drain out.

It's important to note that silken tofu is not suitable for air frying as it has a softer texture that will fall apart when pressed or cooked in the air fryer.

So, to summarise, the best tofu for the air fryer is extra-firm or super-firm varieties, with vacuum-packed tofu being the most convenient option. Now you're ready to cook up some delicious, crispy tofu in your air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature for cooking tofu in an air fryer is 400°F (204°C). This temperature will crisp the outside of the tofu while allowing the inside to become pleasantly firm. At this temperature, the tofu will take between 9 and 15 minutes to cook, but it is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer being used. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the tofu during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.

When cooking tofu in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the tofu is not overcrowded in the basket. The tofu should be arranged in a single layer with a little space around each piece to allow hot air to circulate freely. If necessary, cook the tofu in batches.

Additionally, it is recommended to toss or shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. This will help to prevent the tofu from sticking to the basket and ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides.

For best results, it is also suggested to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture, which can make the tofu soggy. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top for 15 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, one can buy vacuum-packed tofu, which is already pressed and ready to be cut into cubes.

Marinade and seasoning options

The key to achieving the perfect tofu texture and taste is to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture, which would otherwise make the tofu soggy. You can do this by covering the tofu cubes with a clean towel and placing something heavy on top, letting the water drain out for about 15 minutes, or by using a tofu press.

Once the tofu has been pressed, you can move on to the marinade. A simple marinade of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil can be used, or you can get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings and spices. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, sriracha, garlic powder, and ground ginger
• Soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika
• Light soy sauce, liquid aminos, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and cornstarch
• Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano, and basil
• Liquid aminos, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper

Feel free to add whatever spices and seasonings you like to your marinade! Onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika are always tasty options. You can also try adding maple syrup, sriracha, or your favorite hot sauce for a touch of sweetness and spice. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos.

Once you've prepared your marinade, place the tofu cubes in a shallow baking dish or medium mixing bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to combine, then let the tofu sit for 15 minutes, tossing it again halfway through. If you have the time, you can even let the tofu marinate for up to 24 hours to really infuse it with flavor!

After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss to coat. Cornstarch will give your tofu a crispy, golden exterior. Finally, place the tofu in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving a little space around each piece to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until your tofu is golden and crispy.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer tofu!

How to serve air fryer tofu

Air fryer tofu is a quick, easy, and delicious meal. Here are some tips on how to serve it:

Marinade

On its own, tofu is bland. Letting it sit in a marinade for as little as 15 minutes can make a huge difference. You can use a variety of ingredients to make a marinade, such as soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce.

Cornstarch

Tossing the tofu in cornstarch before placing it in the air fryer can help make it crispier.

High Temperature

The best temperature for cooking tofu in an air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will crisp the outside while allowing the inside to become pleasantly firm.

Extra-Firm Tofu

It is essential to use extra-firm tofu, as it contains less water than other varieties and will hold its shape better during cooking.

Oil

Although oil is not necessary when using an air fryer, adding a small amount can aid crispiness, texture, and flavor. Avocado oil, sesame oil, and olive oil are all good options.

Spices and Seasonings

Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt are some simple seasonings that can give your tofu incredible flavor. You can also experiment with different combinations of spices and seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or dried parsley.

Dips and Sauces

You can serve air fryer tofu with a variety of dips or sauces, such as gochujang sauce, peanut sauce, or sesame ginger dressing.

Accompaniments

Air fryer tofu can be served as a side dish or added to a variety of recipes, such as stir-fries, grain bowls, salads, or wraps. It is a perfect way to add protein to your favorite vegetarian or vegan dishes.

Frequently asked questions