Emilie Meyer
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways. One way to cook tofu is by using an air fryer. While cornstarch is often used to make tofu crispy, it is not necessary. Tofu can be cooked in an air fryer without cornstarch by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, cutting it into cubes, and then seasoning and tossing it with oil before placing it in the air fryer. The tofu can be seasoned with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It can also be tossed with sauces such as soy sauce, tamari, or sriracha. The tofu should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked at around 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
How to cook tofu in an air fryer without cornstarch
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tofu type | Extra-firm |
| Tofu texture | Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside |
| Tofu preparation | Press tofu to remove excess moisture, cut into cubes or tear into bite-sized pieces |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, avocado oil, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast |
| Cooking time | 10-20 minutes at 375-400°F |
| Serving suggestions | Romesco sauce, Tzatziki sauce, stir-fries, grain bowls, salads |
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What You'll Learn
Pressing tofu to remove excess moisture
Pressing tofu is a great way to draw out excess water before cooking, which will help it absorb flavours and become crispier. Tofu is made largely of water and it also comes packaged in water to keep it fresh. The process of pressing tofu releases the excess water and allows your tofu to better absorb whatever it is marinated in.
When choosing tofu to press, always use firm varieties, as they can stand up to the added weight. Softer forms of tofu are not well-suited for pressing since they will quite easily fall apart under even moderate pressure. For recipes that call for tofu to hold its shape, always buy firm or extra-firm tofu.
There are two types of tofu presses: a plate press and a box press. Plate presses have two flat surfaces secured by screws or knobs, which you tighten to squeeze the tofu. Box presses consist of a tub to place the tofu in and a tight-fitting lid that applies just enough pressure to push out excess moisture. You can also use a tofu press to squeeze out the moisture. These simple gadgets evenly apply pressure to tofu and won't crack or squish it. Many capture the excess water that the tofu releases, so you don't end up with a wet countertop. They can fit in the fridge, so you can press tofu hours in advance.
If you don't have a tofu press, you can make your own with common kitchen tools. Here's how:
- Drain the excess water from the package.
- Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place it on a flat surface. To capture all of it, place the wrapped tofu on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Place a cast-iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu block. If you don’t have a skillet, you can place a small cutting board on top instead.
- Then, place a different heavy object on the cutting board. A heavy book, canned goods, or a small exercise weight work well.
- Let the tofu sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes. The weight will gradually and effectively squeeze the moisture out of the block of tofu, where it will be absorbed by the paper towels.
- If the paper towels become fully saturated, you may need to replace them with fresh paper towels and continue pressing until the paper towels stop absorbing moisture.
- You can now proceed to cut the tofu block into strips or cubes for use in your recipes.
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Marinating tofu in a seasoning blend
Tofu is a versatile source of protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, grilling, and air frying. Marinating tofu is a great way to add flavour to the dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to marinating tofu in a seasoning blend:
Press the Tofu:
Firstly, it is important to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, which would otherwise result in soggy tofu. Use a tofu press or place a heavy pan on top of the tofu to drain the moisture. For best results, press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to 30 minutes.
Cut the Tofu:
Slice the tofu block into bite-sized cubes or blocks. This step is optional but helps the tofu cook evenly and allows the marinade to penetrate better.
Prepare the Marinade:
There are various seasoning blends that can be used to marinate tofu. A simple marinade can be made by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup or agave, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to enhance the flavour. If you want a more crispy exterior, you can add a small amount of cornstarch to the marinade. However, this step is optional, and cornstarch is not necessary to make flavorful tofu.
Marinate the Tofu:
Place the tofu cubes in a bowl or a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss or gently stir the tofu to ensure it is fully coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator. For optimal flavour, let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight.
Cook the Tofu:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F. Place the marinated tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces are not crowded. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking. For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve:
Remove the tofu from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it as-is or with a dip, sauce, or your choice of sides. Enjoy!
Marinating tofu is a simple and effective way to add flavour to your dish. Experiment with different seasoning blends and find the ones you enjoy the most!
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Air fryer temperature and timing
For a Cosori 4-quart air fryer, the ideal temperature is 400°F, while a Ninja 5-quart air fryer performs best at 390°F. If you notice that your tofu is becoming too dark golden at 400°F, slightly reduce the temperature for the final 5 minutes to achieve your desired shade of golden brown.
It is recommended to shake the air fryer basket at the 5-minute mark and then again after another 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. If you prefer your tofu extra crispy, give it a final shake after an additional 5 minutes. The tofu is ready when it is golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Keep in mind that different air fryer models may require slight adjustments in timing and temperature. It is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your tofu during the initial stages of cooking to prevent overcooking and achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Additionally, the size of the tofu cubes can impact the cooking time. Smaller cubes will cook faster, while larger cubes may require a few extra minutes. It is important to arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer with a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking and browning.
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Freezing tofu before cooking
To freeze tofu, cut it into serving-sized pieces and freeze immediately. You can store it in the freezer for a few days or up to a few months. When you are ready to cook with it, defrost it in the microwave or leave it to thaw overnight in the fridge. As it thaws, it will release a lot of moisture, so it is important to pat it dry before proceeding with your recipe.
After thawing, gently press out any remaining water for 1-2 minutes. You can use a tofu press, or simply place a heavy pan on top of the tofu and let the moisture drain out. This step is important as it prevents your tofu from becoming soggy.
Once pressed, your tofu is ready to be seasoned and cooked in the air fryer.
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Tofu coating alternatives
Cornstarch is a popular ingredient to use when making crispy tofu, but it is not the only option. There are several alternatives that can be used to coat tofu before frying or air frying. Here are some suggestions:
Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch that can be used to coat tofu. It has a similar texture and will result in a crispy tofu dish. However, arrowroot-coated tofu may stick to the pan more easily than cornstarch-coated tofu.
Seasoned flour can also be used to coat tofu. This can be done by patting the tofu dry, placing it in a large bowl or plastic bag, and sprinkling flour over it. You can also add spices to the flour to add extra flavour to your tofu. Suggested spices include kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
Breadcrumbs are another option for coating tofu. This can be done by setting up three shallow bowls or trays: one with seasoned flour, one with a liquid coating, and one with the breadcrumbs. The tofu is then coated in the flour, dipped in the liquid, and finally coated in the breadcrumbs. Suggested liquid coatings include vegan buttermilk (made by mixing vinegar with non-dairy milk), non-dairy milk mixed with flaxseed, or vegan mayo.
Other creative options for breading tofu include using crushed cornflakes, chopped nuts, or ground lentils. These alternatives will give your tofu a unique flavour and texture.
Additionally, you can marinate the tofu before coating and frying it. A simple marinade can be made with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil. Marinating the tofu will add extra flavour and moisture to your dish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make tofu in an air fryer without cornstarch by first pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, which will make it crispier. Then, cut the tofu into cubes and toss it with oil and your desired seasoning. Next, place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
It is recommended to use extra-firm tofu when cooking tofu in an air fryer. Softer types of tofu will fall apart when tossed with seasonings and will not get as crispy.
Tofu takes around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer. It is recommended to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
You can serve tofu cooked in an air fryer with a variety of sauces such as gochujang, peanut sauce, or sesame sauce.
