Cody Casey
Tofu is a healthy source of protein and a great way to add some crunch to your meals. Cooking tofu in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying or excessive oil. The air fryer circulates hot air to cook the tofu, resulting in a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.
How to cook plain tofu in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tofu type | Extra-firm tofu |
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Tofu preparation | Press tofu to remove excess water |
| Tofu size | 3/4-inch cubes |
| Seasoning | Italian seasoning, Mexican-inspired spices, cumin, dried parsley, oregano, dried basil, etc. |
| Oil | Avocado oil, sesame oil, olive oil, vegetable oil |
| Sauce | Tamari, soy sauce, sriracha, peanut sauce, sesame ginger dressing, gochujang sauce |
| Starch | Cornstarch, arrowroot starch, potato starch |
| Other ingredients | Rice vinegar, maple syrup, hot sauce, fresh garlic, dried herbs |
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What You'll Learn
Pressing tofu before cooking
There are several ways to press tofu. One method is to use a tofu press, such as the Tofuture tofu press, which is compact, dishwasher-safe, and effective. If you don't have a tofu press, you can wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place it on a flat surface, such as a rimmed baking sheet. To capture the excess liquid, place it on a plate or a cutting board. Then, place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu block and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For even more pressure, you can place a kettle full of water on top of the skillet. Alternatively, you can place a heavy book or canned goods on top of the tofu instead of a skillet.
Another method is to use a big pot, a big sieve, and a flat casserole dish or similar. You can also press tofu by wrapping it in a paper towel, placing it in a sandwich bag, and then pressing it with your hands over the sink. This method is quicker but may not remove as much moisture.
You can also press tofu by freezing it first and then pressing the thawed block. This gives the tofu an even firmer texture. You can also try pouring boiling water over the tofu, as the heat causes it to contract and push out moisture.
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Seasoning tofu
Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of tofu. For air frying, it is recommended to use extra-firm tofu as softer types may fall apart when tossed with seasonings and will not get as crispy. Pressing the tofu before cooking can also help to remove excess water, making it firmer and crispier. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels, placing a heavy cast iron skillet on top, and letting it sit for about 30 minutes.
Once you have prepared your tofu, you can cut it into cubes and place them in a medium-sized bowl. The next step is to add your chosen seasonings and toss the tofu to coat it evenly. Here are some seasoning ideas:
- Liquid aminos or light soy sauce (or coconut aminos) for a savoury flavour.
- Avocado oil or sesame oil to add richness and enhance crispiness.
- Cornstarch to create a crispy coating and draw out excess moisture.
- Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano, and basil for a Mediterranean flavour.
- Mexican-inspired spice mix with cumin for a spicy kick.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt for a savoury blend.
- Tamari and sriracha for a spicy, savoury, and gluten-free option (or substitute with soy sauce if gluten is not an issue).
- Nutritional yeast for a salty, nutty, umami flavour and a golden colour.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and spices to find your favourite flavour profile. You can also try adding these seasonings to a batter and tossing the tofu in it before air frying for a more crispy and crunchy texture.
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Arranging tofu in the air fryer
When arranging tofu in the air fryer, it's important to ensure the tofu cubes have enough space around them to cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the tofu from crisping up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in multiple batches.
Before placing the tofu in the air fryer, it's a good idea to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, which will result in a crispier texture. To do this, wrap the tofu block in a kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy cast iron skillet on top for about 30 minutes. You can also marinate the tofu or toss it in a quick batter before placing it in the air fryer to enhance the flavour.
Additionally, coating the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil can help prevent the tofu from sticking and ensure even cooking. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for preheating your air fryer, as this may vary depending on the model.
Once the tofu is arranged in the air fryer, you can proceed with the cooking process, adjusting the temperature and time according to your desired level of crispiness and the specifications of your air fryer.
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Air frying tofu
Air-fried tofu is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook tofu. It's a healthy protein source, especially beneficial for women as it may help balance estrogen. It's also a great way to get crispy tofu without using a lot of oil or deep-frying. Here's a step-by-step guide to air-frying tofu:
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, which will make the tofu crisp up better when cooked. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels, placing a heavy cast iron skillet on top, and letting it sit for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cut and Season the Tofu
Cut the tofu into cubes, about 3/4-inch in size. You can also cut them larger if you want a softer inside with a crunchy exterior. Place the tofu cubes in a medium-sized bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Italian seasoning (dried parsley, oregano, and basil), Mexican-inspired spices like cumin, or a simple salt and pepper mix. For a more complex flavor, you can also marinate the tofu in a mixture of oil, tamari or soy sauce, and sriracha. Don't forget to press out any excess liquid before tossing the tofu with cornstarch or potato starch, which will give it an extra crispy coating.
Step 3: Arrange the Tofu in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure to leave a little space around each piece to allow for even cooking and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.
Step 4: Cook the Tofu
Cook the tofu for about 10-15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. The tofu is ready when it's golden brown and crisp around the edges. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking, as the exact time will depend on your specific air fryer.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the tofu is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Air-fried tofu is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy it as-is, dipped in your favorite sauce, tossed into a stir-fry or curry, added to a rice or Buddha bowl, or even used in salads.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite combinations. Air-fried tofu is a quick, healthy, and delicious addition to any meal!
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Serving tofu
Air Fryer Tofu is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving tofu cooked in an air fryer:
Buddha Bowl
Create a Buddha bowl by adding the tofu to a bowl with cooked rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, avocado, or salad greens. You can also add a tasty sauce or dressing such as peanut sauce, sesame ginger dressing, or gochujang sauce.
Stir Fry
Add the tofu to a vegetable stir-fry with broccoli, cauliflower, or other vegetables of your choice. You can also include a protein source like chicken or beef for a more substantial meal.
Salad
Toss the tofu with a variety of salad ingredients such as greens, vegetables, and a dressing of your choice. You can also add other proteins or grains to make it a more filling option.
Dipping Sauce
Serve the tofu with your favourite dipping sauce, such as peanut sauce, sesame ginger dressing, or a spicy sauce like gochujang or sriracha.
Rice Bowl
Make a rice bowl by combining the tofu with cooked rice, vegetables, and a sauce. You can also add other proteins like chicken or eggs for a heartier meal.
Noodle Dish
Toss the tofu with cooked noodles, vegetables, and a sauce of your choice. You can also add other proteins or toppings like green onions or cilantro to enhance the flavour and texture.
Wrap
Wrap the tofu in a tortilla or flatbread with vegetables, sauce, and other desired toppings. You can also add a source of protein like chicken or fish for a more filling option.
Curry
Add the tofu to a curry dish for a plant-based protein source. This can be served with rice or naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Feel free to experiment with different sauces, spices, and ingredients to create your own unique tofu dishes! The possibilities are endless, and tofu is a great way to add protein and texture to your meals.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cook tofu in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to 400°F.
First, press the tofu to remove excess water. Then, cut the tofu into cubes and toss it in a mixture of your choice—this could be a combination of oil, tamari, and sriracha, or potato/corn starch, salt, and pepper.
