Reheating Tofu: Air Fryer Method Explored

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, but getting the right texture can be tricky. One way to ensure tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside is to use an air fryer. This method is also healthier than deep-frying, as it requires very little oil.

To reheat tofu in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces don't touch so that air can circulate. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, then shake the basket and continue for another 2-3 minutes, checking for crispiness.

For extra crispiness, give the tofu a light spritz of olive oil before reheating, but be careful not to use too much, as this can make the tofu greasy. You can also use parchment paper in the basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

How to press tofu without a tofu press

Yes, you can reheat tofu in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place your fried tofu pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, then shake the basket and continue for another 2-3 minutes, checking for crispiness.

Now, here are some ways to press tofu without a tofu press:

Method 1: Using Paper Towels and Heavy Objects

• Wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place it on a plate.
• Put another plate on top of the tofu and stack heavy objects like books or cans on it.
• Leave for 30 minutes to an hour, then remove the top plate and objects.
• Unwrap the tofu and cut it into the desired size before cooking.

Method 2: Using a Kitchen Towel and Cast-Iron Skillet

• Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place it on a rimmed baking sheet to capture excess liquid.
• Put a cast-iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu. If you don't have a skillet, use a small cutting board.
• Place a heavy object like a book or canned goods on top of the cutting board.
• Press for at least 30 minutes, then cut the tofu to your desired size.

Method 3: Freezing the Tofu

• Freeze the tofu in its sealed package.
• Thaw the tofu by leaving it in the fridge or at room temperature.
• After thawing, open the package, drain the water, and squeeze out any remaining moisture with your hands.
• Cut the tofu into the desired size and cook as needed.

Method 4: Using a Microwave

• Cut the tofu block into slices and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave for 5-10 minutes until the tofu dries out.
• Cut the tofu into cubes and proceed with your recipe.

Method 5: Using an Air Fryer

• Cut the tofu into cubes and place them in the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to a low temperature and check on the tofu periodically.
• The air fryer will help remove moisture and give the tofu a drier texture.

Remember, pressing tofu helps remove excess moisture, making it firmer and less likely to crumble during cooking. It also improves the texture and enhances its ability to absorb flavours from marinades.

How to reheat tofu in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat tofu in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before anything else, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is essential because it ensures that your tofu will reheat evenly and stay crispy.

Step 2: Arrange Your Tofu

Place your tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven reheating. If you have a lot of tofu, consider reheating it in batches.

Step 3: Reheat the Tofu

Reheat the tofu for 3-4 minutes, then shake the basket to ensure even heating. Continue reheating for another 2-3 minutes, checking for crispiness.

Step 4: Serve

Once your tofu is crispy and heated through, serve it immediately. Pair it with your favorite barbecue dishes for an exciting and delicious meal.

Tips:

• A light spritz of olive oil can help achieve an extra crispy texture. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much oil can result in greasy tofu.
• For easy cleanup, consider using parchment paper in the air fryer basket. This also helps prevent sticking.

How long to cook tofu in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook tofu in an air fryer depends on the texture you want to achieve. Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you cook tofu in an air fryer to perfection.

Preparing the Tofu:

Before cooking tofu in an air fryer, it is important to press and drain the tofu to remove excess moisture. This step ensures that your tofu will be crispier and less mushy. You can use a tofu press, or simply wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top for about 30 minutes.

Cutting the Tofu:

Cut the tofu into cubes or tear it into chunks. For air frying, it is recommended to cut the tofu into uniform sizes so that it cooks evenly.

Marinating the Tofu:

You can enhance the flavour of tofu by marinating it before air frying. Combine ingredients such as soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce to create a savoury marinade. Toss the tofu cubes in the marinade and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Cooking the Tofu in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F. Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.

Cook the tofu for about 9 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The tofu is ready when it is crisp, golden brown, and heated through.

Reheating and Storing:

You can reheat cooked tofu in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes until warmed through. Tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Seasoning Ideas:

Experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations. You can try Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt.

Final Thoughts:

Cooking tofu in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. By following the above guidelines, you can achieve crispy, flavourful tofu that can be enjoyed on its own or added to salads, bowls, or stir-fries. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile ingredient!

How to get tofu crispy in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 block (12 oz/350 grams) firm or extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch
• Salt
• Cornstarch or cornflour
• Olive oil
• Parchment paper

Method

Getting tofu crispy in an air fryer is a simple process. First, you'll want to press your tofu to remove any excess liquid. This will help it cook up extra-firm and crisp. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels, then placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top and letting it sit for 30 minutes.

Next, cut the tofu into cubes and toss it with avocado oil, tamari, and sriracha (optional). Then, sprinkle on some cornstarch and toss again. This will help create a delicious crispy coating.

Place the tofu cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure to leave a little space around each piece. Don't overcrowd the basket—work in batches if you need to. Set your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu is ready when it's crisp and browned around the edges.

You can also spritz a little olive oil over the tofu before cooking to help achieve an extra crispy texture.

Tips

• Don't use silken tofu, as this will yield the wrong texture and fall apart.
• If you don't want to press your tofu, you can use a "super-firm" or "high-protein" kind, or freeze your tofu and defrost it before cooking.
• For easy cleanup, use parchment paper in the air fryer basket. This will also help prevent sticking.

What to serve with tofu

Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with tofu:

Grains

Tofu can be served with grains such as rice (including fried rice and cilantro lime rice), quinoa (try quinoa risotto with butternut squash and greens), barley, or jasmine rice. For example, a simple fried rice can be made by cooking rice and letting it cool, then stir-frying it with vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, and adding soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. Quinoa can be cooked in vegetable broth for extra flavor, then tossed with fresh herbs, chopped vegetables, and a light vinaigrette.

Pasta

Tofu is a delicious addition to pasta dishes as it absorbs the sauce well and adds more protein to the meal. Try adding tofu to vegan peanut noodles, pad woon sen (glass noodles), or vegan Mediterranean bowls.

Vegetables

Tofu can be served with a variety of vegetables, including stir-fried, roasted, or air-fried options. Some tasty vegetable sides to serve with tofu include roasted zucchini and broccoli with lemon and garlic, roasted carrots and asparagus with lemon and thyme, crispy Thai Brussels sprouts, zesty zucchini stir-fry, lemon herb-roasted asparagus, broccolini, or garlic green beans.

Salads

Tofu can be a great addition to salads, providing a boost of protein. Try serving tofu on top of a strawberry balsamic pasta salad, bright spring mix salad, kale sweet potato salad, or a spinach salad with sliced strawberries, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

Buddha Bowls

Buddha bowls are balanced, nutritious bowls typically composed of a grain, vegetable, and protein, often with a yummy sauce. Tofu is a great addition to Buddha bowls and can be transformed into many different flavors. Try a Korean tofu noodle bowl, crispy Asian tofu Buddha bowl, or buffalo chickpea Buddha bowl.

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