Frying Tofu In An Air Fryer: Quick And Crispy

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 achieve a crispy exterior with a chewy or pleasantly firm interior is to use an air fryer. This method is also healthier than deep-frying, as it uses less oil, and it's quicker than baking in the oven.

To make tofu in an air fryer, you'll need to press or blot the tofu to remove excess moisture, which can make it soggy. Then, you can marinate the tofu or simply toss it with a variety of seasonings and oils to add flavour. Cornstarch is often used to help create a crispy coating. Finally, cook the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer at around 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

The exact cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on the tofu to ensure it doesn't burn. With this method, you'll get delicious, crispy tofu that can be added to salads, bowls, or stir-fries.

How to get the right tofu texture

Getting the right tofu texture is a matter of four key components: pressing the tofu, marinating it, coating it with cornstarch, and cooking it at a high temperature.

Pressing the Tofu

The first step to achieving the perfect tofu texture is to press the tofu to remove excess water that could make it soggy. You can do this by wrapping the tofu block in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can cut the tofu block into slices, lay them flat with paper towels on top and bottom, and set a heavy pan on top for a few minutes.

Marinating the Tofu

Tofu is bland on its own, so letting it sit in a marinade can make a big difference. A simple marinade can be made by combining soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and Sriracha. You can also experiment with different spices and sauces to find your favorite flavor combinations. The tofu should be marinated for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight for maximum flavor.

Coating the Tofu with Cornstarch

Before adding the tofu to the air fryer, toss it with cornstarch. This step will help create a crispy coating around the tofu and enhance its texture. You can also use arrowroot starch or cornmeal if you prefer.

Cooking the Tofu at a High Temperature

The best temperature for cooking tofu in an air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F. Cook the tofu for about 10-15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the tofu during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.

By following these four key steps, you can achieve the perfect tofu texture that is crispy on the outside and pleasantly firm on the inside. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and textures to find your favorite way to prepare tofu in an air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature for cooking tofu in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). At this temperature, the tofu will cook in around 10 to 15 minutes.

However, the exact cooking time will depend on your specific air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on the tofu during the cooking process to ensure it doesn't burn. You may need to cook the tofu in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the tofu.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for 3 minutes before adding the tofu, while others recommend cooking the tofu straight away.

It's also a good idea to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure the tofu cooks evenly on all sides.

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water, which can make the tofu soggy. You can use a tofu press or simply wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 30 minutes.

Cut the tofu into cubes, around 1-inch in size. Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and add your chosen seasonings, ensuring the tofu is well-coated.

Step 2: Air Fry the Tofu

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each piece to allow the hot air to circulate.

Cook the tofu for 9 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu is ready when it is crisp and golden brown.

Step 3: Serve

Remove the tofu from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly before serving. You can serve the tofu as-is or with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips for Crispy Tofu

• Use extra-firm tofu, as softer types of tofu may fall apart and won't get as crispy.
• Marinate the tofu before cooking to add flavour and help draw out excess moisture.
• Toss the tofu in cornstarch or arrowroot starch before air frying for extra crispness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
• Keep an eye on the tofu during the final minutes of cooking to avoid burning.

Marinade options

The fun part about making air fryer tofu is that you can experiment with different marinades to find your favourite. Here are some marinade options to get you started:

Soy Sauce Marinade

This is a simple marinade that only requires two ingredients: soy sauce and rice vinegar. You can also add sesame oil for a nutty, umami flavour. Play around with the measurements to find the perfect balance of flavours for your taste.

Spicy Marinade

For those who like a kick, try a spicy marinade. Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, pure maple syrup, garlic powder, ground ginger, and Sriracha or hot sauce of your choice. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level.

Sweet and Savoury Marinade

If you're looking for a sweet and savoury option, try a marinade made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, pure maple syrup, and garlic powder. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the savoury flavours of the soy sauce and vinegar.

Asian-Inspired Marinade

For an Asian-inspired twist, create a marinade with soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt. You can also add light soy sauce or liquid aminos for a less salty option.

Nutritional Yeast Marinade

If you're looking for a unique, salty, and nutty flavour, try using nutritional yeast in your marinade. Combine nutritional yeast, cornstarch, soy sauce, and oil with your favourite spice blend. This marinade will give your tofu a super golden colour and an extra crispy texture.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique marinade combinations!

How to prevent tofu from sticking to the air fryer

Air-fried tofu is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be prepared in a variety of ways. To prevent tofu from sticking to your air fryer, follow these steps:

Use Extra-Firm Tofu:

Choose extra-firm tofu for air frying. Softer types of tofu may fall apart when tossed with seasonings and won't achieve the desired crispiness. Look for tofu labelled as "extra-firm," "super-firm," or "high-protein."

Press the Tofu:

Before cooking, remove excess moisture from the tofu by pressing it. This step helps to eliminate any soggy texture and promotes even crisping. You can use a tofu press, which is designed specifically for this purpose, or try a DIY method by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy cast-iron skillet on top for 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can skip pressing by opting for vacuum-packed tofu, which is already firm and dry.

Marinate the Tofu:

Marinating the tofu in a flavourful blend of ingredients will enhance its taste and texture. Try a combination of soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, olive oil, and spices like garlic, onion powder, paprika, or smoked paprika. You can also add cornstarch to the marinade for an extra crispy coating.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 400°F. This ensures that your tofu starts cooking immediately and promotes even cooking.

Arrange Tofu in a Single Layer:

Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each piece. This arrangement ensures that air can circulate evenly around each tofu cube, resulting in uniform cooking and crispiness.

Avoid Overcrowding:

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed to give the tofu enough space. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and prevent the tofu from achieving the desired crispiness.

Flip or Shake the Tofu:

During the cooking process, flip the tofu cubes or shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.

Adjust Timing as Needed:

Keep an eye on the tofu during the final minutes of cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. Adjust the timing as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

By following these steps, you can prevent tofu from sticking to your air fryer and enjoy delicious, crispy tofu every time!

How to reheat tofu

Using an Air Fryer

If you're looking to reheat tofu while also adding some crunch, an air fryer is the way to go. Set your air fryer to around 350-400°F (180°C) and spread the tofu out in the basket. You can lightly spray the tofu with oil for a 'freshly fried' taste, but this is optional. Heat the tofu for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as each tofu piece needs good airflow to crisp up.

Using an Oven

For a reliable and simple method, try reheating your tofu in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (180-190°C) and place a baking tray inside to heat up. Dry the tofu with a paper towel, then coat it with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. Place the tofu on the hot baking tray and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until warm and crispy. Flip the tofu chunks halfway through. If you're worried about the tofu drying out, cover it with foil for most of the heating process and remove the foil for the last few minutes.

Using a Microwave

If you're short on time, a microwave is a good option for quickly reheating tofu, though it won't retain any crispiness. Place the tofu in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle with water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Microwave in 30-second intervals until the tofu is warmed through.

Using a Frying Pan

For a crispy tofu texture, you can also reheat it in a frying pan. Dry the tofu with a paper towel, then coat your pan with a layer of oil and heat on medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and fry for around 5 minutes, flipping it over every minute or so.

Storing Leftover Tofu

To keep leftover tofu, let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze cooked tofu by spreading the pieces on a parchment-paper-lined baking tray and freezing them for an hour. Once frozen, transfer the tofu to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Use the tofu within 3 months.

Frequently asked questions