Tillie Doyle
Tofu is a tricky ingredient to work with. On its own, it can be tasteless and spongy, but when marinated and cooked properly, tofu is crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavour. One of the best ways to cook tofu is in an air fryer, which makes it crispy and removes the oily taste. To make marinated tofu in an air fryer, you need to start by pressing the tofu to drain out any excess water. Then, you can marinate the tofu for up to 24 hours to really infuse it with flavour. Finally, you can air fry the tofu at around 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, until it is golden and crispy.
How to cook marinated tofu in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tofu type | Extra-firm tofu |
| Marinade ingredients | Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, ginger, honey, sake, curry powder, maple syrup, sugar |
| Marinade time | 5-10 minutes to overnight |
| Cornstarch | Optional, but recommended for extra crispiness |
| Air fryer temperature | 350-400°F |
| Air fryer time | 10-15 minutes |
| Storage | Store cooked tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients and prep
The first step to achieving crispy tofu in an air fryer is to drain the tofu of excess moisture. This can be done by pressing the tofu between your hands to extract fluids, or by placing the tofu on a flat surface, such as a cutting board, and covering it with paper towels and a heavy object, like a cast iron skillet, to press out the moisture. This step is crucial, as tofu with excess moisture will not get crispy in the air fryer.
Once the tofu is drained, it's time to make the marinade. A simple and flavorful marinade can be made by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. You can also add olive oil to enhance the crispiness and flavor of the tofu. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add other ingredients to the marinade, such as curry powder, maple syrup, honey, ginger, or garlic powder.
After preparing the marinade, cut the tofu into small cubes, slightly smaller than 1-square inch, or into triangles if you plan to use them in sandwiches. Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and pour the marinade over them, tossing gently to coat each piece. You can also use a plastic bag to marinate the tofu, which makes it easier to shake and coat the tofu evenly. Leave the tofu to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if desired. Some people even recommend marinating the tofu overnight to really infuse it with flavor.
Before air frying, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu or toss the tofu in cornstarch to create an ultra-crisp and light coating. Cornstarch is not necessary, but it will give your tofu an extra crispy texture. You can also add a sprinkle of arrowroot starch or cornflour for a similar effect. Now your tofu is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!
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Pressing and cutting tofu
Pressing tofu is an important step in the cooking process as it helps to remove excess moisture, which would otherwise result in soggy tofu that isn't crispy. To press tofu, start by cutting it into cubes. Place the tofu cubes on a flat surface, such as a cutting board lined with paper towels or a clean towel. Cover the tofu with another layer of paper towels and set a baking sheet or another heavy, flat object on top, such as a large book or cast-iron skillet. Let the tofu press for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a towel and place a few heavy chopping boards on top.
Once the tofu has been pressed, you can cut it into smaller cubes, each slightly smaller than 1 square inch. You can also get creative and cut the tofu into triangles, which are perfect for sandwiches. It is recommended to use extra-firm tofu as it has less water and will result in crispier tofu.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking marinated tofu in an air fryer depend on the desired texture and level of crispiness. For tofu that is crispy and golden brown, it is recommended to air fry at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
For a quick cook, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking the tofu for 12 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of crispiness. For extra crispy tofu, it may be necessary to cook for up to 15 minutes total. Additionally, it is recommended to shake the pan occasionally, especially after the 10-minute mark, to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
When reheating leftover tofu, it can be placed back in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes to retain its crispiness.
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Reheating and storing tofu
Storing tofu in an airtight container in the fridge will keep it fresh for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep tofu for longer, you can freeze it. To do this, add the tofu cubes and marinade to a large ziplock bag, seal, and freeze for up to 6 months. Before cooking, let the tofu thaw in the fridge.
When you are ready to reheat your tofu, place it in the air fryer at 375ºF for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will help retain its crispiness. You can also reheat tofu in a pan for a few minutes.
If you are reheating tofu that has been frozen, it is recommended that you press it first for a better texture.
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Serving suggestions
Marinated tofu cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
- Rice Bowl: Serve the tofu with steamed rice, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or chives. You can also add a dip like Romesco sauce or Tzatziki on the side.
- Salad: Tofu is a great addition to salads, providing a crunchy and flavorful element. Try it in a Ramen salad or a vegetarian Caesar salad.
- Wraps: Use the tofu as a filling for wraps, such as Asian chicken wraps with Thai peanut sauce or tacos.
- Stir Fry: Tofu is a tasty and healthy alternative to chicken or meat in stir-fries. Try it with kimchi fried rice or vegetables.
- Noodles: The air fryer tofu can be served with noodles, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Appetizer: For a fun finger food option, serve the tofu as an appetizer with homemade meatballs and air fryer frozen tater tots.
- Snack: The tofu can be enjoyed as a pop-in-your-mouth snack, either on its own or with a dip.
- Sandwiches: Cut the tofu into triangles and use them as a filling for sandwiches.
- Grain Bowls: Create a well-rounded meal by adding the tofu to grain bowls, such as those made with rice or quinoa.
- Curry: For a heartier option, serve the tofu with a curry like General Tso's tofu.
Feel free to experiment with different sauces, spices, and herbs to create your own unique serving suggestions! The versatility of tofu allows for endless combinations and creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Marinate the tofu for at least 5-15 minutes, but preferably overnight or for up to 24 hours to really infuse it with flavour.
Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (180-190°C).
Air fry tofu for 10-15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to promote even cooking.
Use extra-firm tofu and press it to drain out excess water. You can also toss the tofu in cornstarch before cooking.
Air fryer tofu is a versatile dish that can be served with rice, noodles, in wraps, salads, tacos, or grain bowls.
