Emilie Meyer
Tokwa, or tofu, is a versatile ingredient that is widely used in Asian cuisine. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying, and is a popular choice for plant-based diets due to its adaptability and high protein content. One method of preparing tokwa is by using an air fryer, which is a small countertop convection oven that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. Air-fried tokwa can be prepared in a variety of ways and is known for its crispy texture and delicious flavour.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tofu
Firmness
It is essential to select the right firmness of tofu for air frying. Extra-firm or firm tofu is ideal for this cooking method. Softer types of tofu may not be suitable, as they can fall apart when tossed with seasonings and may not become crispy during cooking. Extra-firm tofu has the right density to hold its shape in the air fryer without crumbling. If you can't find extra-firm tofu, you can opt for "Super-Firm" or "High-Protein" varieties.
Moisture Content
To achieve the crispiest results, it is advisable to press your tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture. Pressing the tofu helps it develop an extra-firm texture and promotes even crispness during cooking. You can use a tofu press, a cast-iron skillet, or even a stack of heavy books to press the tofu. Wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels, apply pressure, and let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out the moisture.
Type of Tofu
When preparing air-fried tokwa, it is best to avoid silken tofu. Silken tofu has a delicate texture that may break apart when pressed or cooked in the air fryer. It is not suitable for recipes that require firm tofu cubes or slices.
Spacing and Batches
When cooking tofu in an air fryer, it is crucial to give the tofu cubes enough space in the basket. Overcrowding the basket can prevent the tofu from crisping up properly. Work in batches if needed, and leave some room between the tofu pieces to allow hot air to circulate freely and ensure even browning.
Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time and temperature can vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the tofu cubes. Most recipes recommend cooking tofu at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on the tofu during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.
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Pressing and seasoning the tofu
Pressing the tofu is an important step in achieving the right texture. It helps to extract moisture, which can make the tofu soggy and affect its ability to crisp up. To press the tofu, you can use a tofu press, or wrap the tofu in a thick layer of paper towels and place it on a wire rack. Weigh it down with a plate or bowl for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it feels dry to the touch.
Once the tofu is pressed, it's time to season it. Cut the tofu into cubes of uniform size to ensure even cooking. Place the cubes in a medium-sized bowl and add your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings to create different flavors, such as:
- Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano, and basil
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
- Liquid aminos
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Cornstarch for a crispy texture
Toss the tofu cubes gently to coat them evenly with the seasonings. You can also add a small amount of oil to the bowl and toss again to combine, which will help the seasonings stick to the tofu and give it a crispy texture.
After pressing and seasoning, the tofu is ready to be cooked in the air fryer.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for tokwa, or tofu, in an air fryer depend on the texture and consistency you want to achieve. For crispy tofu, it is recommended to cook the tofu at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes. You can also cook tofu at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket a few times to ensure even browning.
It is important to note that the size of your air fryer may impact the cooking time. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in two batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, the type of tofu you use can affect the cooking time and temperature. For air frying, it is recommended to use firm tofu as it has the right density to hold its shape without falling apart. Silken tofu, on the other hand, will yield the wrong texture and will break apart.
Before cooking, it is also suggested to press the tofu to remove excess moisture and create an extra crispy texture. This can be done using a tofu press or by placing the tofu on a wire rack and weighing it down with a plate or bowl for 15 to 20 minutes until dry.
When it comes to reheating tofu, it is best to use an air fryer to retain its crispiness. Reheat the tofu at 375°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. If you are reheating in an oven, arrange the tofu in a single layer and warm for about 2 to 3 minutes until crispy.
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Sauces and toppings
The great thing about air fryer tokwa is its flexibility. You can enjoy it as a side dish, toss it in a buddha bowl, add it to a vegetable stir fry or salad, or even a dessert. For an extra kick, toss the crispy tokwa in a sauce of your choice. Here are some sauce and topping options:
Sauces
- Tangy, spicy vinaigrette: a combination of vinegar and soy sauce, with a few tablespoons of sugar to taste.
- Mayonnaise, chile sauce, garlic, and sriracha.
- Whisk garlic, mayonnaise, chilli sauce, and sriracha; season with salt.
- Peanut sauce, barbecue sauce, orange sauce, or bang bang sauce.
Toppings
- Scallions and sesame seeds.
- Toasted sesame seeds: for a nutty aroma and flavour.
- Fresh, crisp vegetables: for a refreshing start to your day.
- Rice: tokwa is a great addition to a bowl of rice.
- Pork: a classic combination of tender and tasty pork with tokwa.
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Storing and reheating
If you have cooked too much tokwa and can't eat it all, you can freeze it. Wrap the tokwa in paper towels, place it in a resealable container, and store it in the freezer. It is not recommended to freeze uncooked tokwa, but once it's cooked, it's a great way to have some ready for a quick tofu craving.
To reheat from frozen, defrost the tokwa and follow the same instructions as above for reheating from chilled.
Remember, the key to successful reheating is to ensure the tokwa is crispy. So, if you need to, heat for a little longer until you achieve the desired texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Tokwa, also known as tofu, is a plant-based food made from bean curd. It is a staple in Asian cuisine and is known for its adaptability, working well in everything from appetizers to desserts.
First, press the tokwa to remove any excess moisture. Then, cut the tokwa into cubes and season with ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. Place the seasoned tokwa in the air fryer basket in a single layer and set the temperature to 375-400°F. Cook for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the tokwa is golden and crispy.
Cooking tokwa in an air fryer typically takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used.
Air-fried tokwa can be served in a variety of ways. It can be added to stir-fries, salads, or Buddha bowls, or simply enjoyed on its own as a crispy snack. For a more substantial meal, try serving it with rice or teriyaki noodles.
