Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great way to cook tofu without the need for lots of oil. The process is simple: cut tofu into cubes, add seasoning, and air fry for around 10-15 minutes. The result is crispy tofu that can be added to a variety of dishes. While oil is not necessary, some recipes do include it for added crispiness and flavour. This method of cooking tofu is quick, easy, and versatile, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy alternative to traditional frying methods.
How to cook tofu in an air fryer with no oil
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tofu type | Firm, extra-firm, or super-firm |
| Press tofu | Yes |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, rice vinegar, liquid aminos, sriracha, sesame oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or other cooking oil |
| Cornstarch | Yes |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, or other spices |
| Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
| Air fryer time | 10-20 minutes |
| Air fryer technique | Single layer, shake the basket occasionally |
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What You'll Learn
Pressing tofu before cooking
There are several ways to press tofu, and you can use a tofu press, or common household items. If using a tofu press, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If pressing tofu without a tofu press, you will need a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, a flat surface, and something heavy to act as a weight.
- Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place it on a flat surface.
- Place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu block and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. You can also use a small cutting board and top it with a heavy book or canned goods.
- Alternatively, place the wrapped tofu in a sandwich bag, leave about 2 inches open, and press by hand over the sink, especially if you plan to tear the tofu into small chunks.
- For an even firmer texture, freeze the tofu first, then press the thawed block.
- If you have more time, you can press the tofu for longer than 30 minutes, and the longer you press, the firmer the tofu will become.
After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes or slices and follow your chosen recipe for air-frying. Enjoy your crispy tofu!
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Marinating tofu
Tofu is a tricky ingredient to work with. On its own, it can be tasteless and spongy, but marinating tofu transforms it into something crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Before you start marinating tofu, you need to press it to remove the excess water. Wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels, place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a tofu press, which is easier and gives the tofu a chewier texture.
Once the tofu is pressed, slice it into bite-sized cubes. You can then marinate the tofu in a mixture of your choice. A simple marinade can be made with cornstarch, soy sauce or tamari, and sesame oil. You can also add rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, hot sauce, fresh garlic, dried herbs, or other seasonings. If you want to add a little oil to the mix, avocado oil will add richness and help the tofu crisp up.
Leave the tofu to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you like. You can even leave it overnight. When you're ready to cook the tofu, place the cubes in the air fryer in a single layer, so that the pieces don't touch. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
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Seasoning tofu
Next, cut the tofu into cubes and place them into a bowl. You can then add in liquid seasonings such as light soy sauce, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos, and toss the tofu to coat. You can also add in sesame oil at this stage, which will add richness and help the tofu crisp up.
Now it's time to add in your dry seasonings. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Cornstarch is also a great addition, as it helps to draw out excess liquid and gives the tofu a crispy exterior. You can also add nutritional yeast, which will give a golden, salty, nutty, umami flavour. Toss the tofu to thoroughly combine the seasonings.
Finally, place the tofu into the air fryer, making sure the pieces are not crowded, and cook!
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Air fryer temperature and time
The ideal temperature for cooking tofu in an air fryer is 400°F. This temperature is high enough to achieve a crispy texture without burning the tofu.
Some recipes suggest cooking tofu at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes. Other recipes recommend cooking tofu for 11 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. This longer cooking time may be necessary if you are cooking larger pieces of tofu.
If you are cooking tofu at 400°F for 15 minutes, it is a good idea to flip the tofu halfway through the cooking process. You can also cook tofu for a shorter amount of time at a higher temperature. For example, one recipe recommends cooking tofu at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket, and then cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
The exact cooking time and temperature will depend on your specific air fryer and the size of the tofu pieces. It is important to keep an eye on the tofu to ensure it doesn't burn.
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Air fryer basket preparation
Press and Cut the Tofu:
Before placing the tofu in the air fryer basket, it's essential to press and remove excess moisture. This step enhances the crispiness of the tofu. You can use a tofu press, or wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel and place a heavy object like a skillet on top to press it. Once pressed, cut the tofu into roughly 1-inch cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces.
Seasoning and Marinating:
In a separate bowl, prepare your seasoning or marinade. You can use a variety of ingredients such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, liquid aminos, avocado oil, or your preferred cooking oil. Add spices like onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also include cornstarch or potato/arrowroot starch for an extra crispy texture. Toss the tofu cubes gently in the bowl to coat them evenly with the seasoning or marinade.
Arrange the Tofu in the Air Fryer Basket:
Place the seasoned tofu pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is a little space between each piece. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as proper spacing promotes even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.
Spray the Air Fryer Basket (Optional):
If desired, you can lightly spray or brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. This step is especially helpful if your air fryer basket is not nonstick. However, if you prefer a low-oil option, you can omit this step.
Air Frying Temperature and Time:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but on average, cook the tofu for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket occasionally, especially after the first 5-8 minutes, to ensure even cooking and browning. The tofu is ready when it is golden brown and crispy.
Preparing the air fryer basket for tofu cooking is straightforward and sets the foundation for delicious, crispy tofu. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying tasty and healthy tofu prepared in your air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Tofu can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the size of tofu pieces and the model of the air fryer.
Firm or extra-firm tofu is recommended for air frying. Softer tofu may fall apart when tossed with seasonings and won't get as crispy.
Pressing the tofu before cooking it helps remove excess moisture, resulting in a crispier texture. You can also marinate the tofu in a mixture of cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and oil, or simply spray the tofu with oil before air frying.
Set your air fryer to 400°F when cooking tofu.
Air-fried tofu is versatile and can be paired with various sauces such as gochujang, peanut sauce, barbecue sauce, or bang bang sauce.
