Air-Fried Tofu: Delicious Or Disaster?

Tofu is a versatile food that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is to cook it in an air fryer, which is a small countertop high-powered convection oven that cooks food as if it were being fried, but with air. Cooking tofu in an air fryer can make it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It can be seasoned in a variety of ways and added to salads, stir-fries, or simply enjoyed as a snack.

Does tofu cooked in an air fryer taste good?

Tofu preparation: pressing, seasoning, and marinating

Tofu is a versatile food that can be prepared in many ways. Pressing, seasoning, and marinating tofu are all important steps in ensuring it has the desired texture and flavour.

Pressing

Pressing tofu helps to remove excess water, which can make it more crisp when cooked. It is possible to press tofu without a tofu press by placing the tofu on a flat surface, such as a cutting board lined with paper towels, and then placing a heavy object on top, such as a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books. However, a tofu press is recommended for those who cook tofu often, as it is easier to use and captures the excess water.

Seasoning

Seasoning tofu is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano, and basil, or a savoury and spicy combination of tamari and sriracha. It is also possible to use soy sauce instead of tamari if gluten is not a concern. Avocado oil can add richness and help the tofu crisp up in the air fryer. Cornstarch can also be added to create a crispy coating.

Marinating

Marinating tofu can add a lot of flavour to the dish. It is recommended to marinate tofu for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left overnight for more flavourful results. A simple marinade can be made by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The tofu cubes can then be placed in a shallow dish, covered with the marinade, and left to sit in the refrigerator. The longer the tofu sits in the marinade, the better it will taste.

Air fryer settings and cooking time

Air-fried tofu is a quick, easy, and delicious meal. It is also a healthy alternative to traditionally fried tofu as it requires less oil.

The ideal temperature setting for cooking tofu in an air fryer is 400°F. The cooking time varies from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the air fryer model. It is recommended to shake the basket after 5 minutes and keep an eye on the tofu during the last few minutes of cooking. The tofu is ready when it is golden brown and crisp around the edges.

For the best results, it is important to ensure that the tofu cubes are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. They should be arranged in a single layer with a little space around each piece. If the tofu cubes are too close together, they may not crisp up evenly. If needed, cook the tofu in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Additionally, pressing the tofu before cooking can improve its texture and crispness. 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 about 30 minutes. This process helps remove excess water, making the tofu firmer and crispier when cooked.

Air-fried tofu is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It can be added to grain bowls, stir-fries, salads, or tacos, or simply enjoyed as a snack with a dip.

The crispiness of tofu

Tofu is a versatile food that can be cooked in many ways, and using an air fryer is one of the best methods to achieve the ideal crispiness. The circulating high heat of an air fryer draws out the moisture, making the tofu crispy and crunchy on the outside, and soft and tender on the inside.

How to achieve the perfect crisp

Firstly, it is important to use extra-firm tofu as softer types will not get as crispy and may fall apart. Pressing the tofu before cooking is also recommended to remove excess moisture, which would otherwise make the tofu soggy. This can be done with a tofu press, a cast-iron skillet, or a stack of books. The tofu should be cut into cubes, and marinated in a variety of seasonings, such as soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, garlic powder, and onion powder. The tofu should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

Cooking instructions

Preheat the air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer, but on average, the tofu should be cooked for around 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to toss or turn the tofu. The tofu is ready when it is golden brown and crisp around the edges.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer tofu is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed on its own, with a dip, or added to salads, stir-fries, tacos, or grain bowls. It is a great plant-based protein option and a versatile ingredient that can be used in place of other proteins in many recipes.

Tofu texture and consistency

Tofu cooked in an air fryer has a crispy, crunchy exterior and a soft, tender interior. The texture and consistency of the tofu can be altered by using different types of tofu and preparing it in various ways before air frying.

To achieve the ideal texture and consistency for air fryer tofu, it is recommended to use extra-firm or super-firm tofu. Softer types of tofu may fall apart when tossed with seasonings and will not get as crispy during cooking. Pressing the tofu before cooking can also improve its texture by removing excess moisture, resulting in a firmer and crispier tofu. This can be done using a tofu press, a heavy cast-iron skillet, or by simply squeezing the tofu with your hands to remove as much water as possible.

Freezing and then thawing the tofu before cooking is another way to improve its texture and ability to absorb flavours. Marinating the tofu can also enhance its flavour and texture. A variety of seasonings and spices can be used, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a combination of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, pure maple syrup, and spices.

The cooking time and temperature in the air fryer also affect the texture of the tofu. Most recipes recommend cooking the tofu at around 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of crispness.

Tofu taste and flavour

Tofu is a versatile food that can be cooked in a variety of ways to enhance its taste and flavour. Cooking tofu in an air fryer is one of the best ways to cook tofu, as it becomes perfectly crunchy without the need for deep-frying or an abundance of oil. The circulating high heat helps draw out the moisture, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

The tofu itself is flavourless, but it readily absorbs any flavours you add to it. Tofu cooked in an air fryer can be paired with various seasonings and sauces to enhance its taste. For example, Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano, and basil is a tasty option. Other popular choices include onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

To prepare the tofu for air frying, it is essential to start with extra-firm tofu to ensure it holds its shape during cooking. The tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture, which can be done with a tofu press, a cast-iron skillet, or even a stack of books. Freezing and then thawing the tofu before cooking can also improve its texture and enhance its ability to absorb flavours.

When cooking the tofu in the air fryer, it is important to ensure the tofu pieces are in a single layer with a little space between each piece to allow for even airflow. The air fryer should be preheated to a temperature between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the tofu should be cooked for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to promote even cooking.

The result is a delicious, crispy, and healthy tofu dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or added to various meals such as salads, stir-fries, tacos, or rice bowls. The versatility of tofu and the ease of cooking it in an air fryer make it a popular choice for those seeking a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal option.

Frequently asked questions