Air Fryer Tofu: Crispy, Quick, And Easy

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but air frying is one of the best methods to achieve a crispy exterior and soft middle. This guide will teach you how to make delicious air fryer tofu with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

Pressing tofu

Firstly, gather the necessary equipment: paper towels or clean dishcloths, a large bowl or second cutting board, and a heavy object to use as a weight, such as a large can of food or a skillet.

Now, follow these steps:

• Place the tofu on a layer of paper towels: Fold the paper towels or dishcloth to increase absorbency, and place the tofu on top. If the paper towels become too wet, replace them with a fresh set.
• Apply weight to the tofu: Place another layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth on top of the tofu. Then, place the bowl or cutting board on top and add the weight. Ensure the weight is heavy enough to press down evenly but not so heavy that it crushes the tofu.
• Let the tofu press: Allow the tofu to sit for at least 30 minutes. The weight will gradually squeeze out the moisture, which will be absorbed by the paper towels. If the paper towels become fully saturated, replace them and continue pressing until they stop absorbing moisture.
• Slice and freeze (optional): After pressing, you can slice the tofu into strips or cubes and freeze it. Freezing tofu changes its texture, making it firmer, chewier, and more absorbent, which is beneficial for grilling, baking, or stir-frying.

By following these steps, you can effectively press tofu and achieve the desired crispiness and texture when cooking with an air fryer.

Marinading tofu

There are many different marinade options to try, but a simple one includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. You can also add maple syrup, sriracha, or your favourite hot sauce, fresh garlic, dried herbs, and any other condiments or seasonings you like.

Once you have gathered your ingredients, mix them together in a small bowl. Then, cut your tofu into bite-sized blocks and transfer them to a bowl. Drizzle the marinade over the tofu and toss to coat. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes, but you can leave it for up to 24 hours for more intense flavour.

When you are ready to cook your tofu, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the tofu blocks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to promote even cooking.

You can serve the tofu as-is, or toss it in a sauce like bang bang sauce, orange sauce, peanut sauce, or barbecue sauce.

Air fryer temperature

The best temperature to cook tofu in an air fryer is 400°F (around 200°C). This high temperature will crisp the outside of the tofu while allowing the inside to become pleasantly firm.

If your air fryer only goes up in increments of 10 degrees, cook your tofu at 380°F.

If your air fryer requires preheating, heat it to 375°F before adding the tofu.

Cooking tofu in an air fryer at this temperature will take 9-15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your tofu. Shake the air fryer basket at the 5-minute mark to move the tofu around and ensure even cooking. For extra crispy tofu, cook for a few minutes longer.

If you are cooking a large batch of tofu, you may need to cook it in two or three batches to ensure the tofu cooks evenly.

Tofu texture

Tofu is an excellent source of protein and a great alternative to meat. It can be used in a variety of dishes, but the key to achieving the perfect texture and consistency is to press the tofu before cooking. This step removes excess water and ensures the tofu doesn't become soggy.

For the best results, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Softer varieties, such as silken tofu, are much too soft and will either fall apart when pressed or won't crisp up during cooking.

There are several ways to press tofu. One method involves wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing it on a plate. Then, weigh it down with something heavy like a skillet or a can, and let it drain for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes. Another method is to cut the tofu into cubes and arrange them in a single layer on a towel, then place a cutting board on top with a heavy object to gently press out the moisture.

Once the tofu has been pressed, it can be cooked in the air fryer. The air fryer is a small countertop convection oven that cooks food as if it were being fried, but with air, resulting in a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying or excessive oil.

To cook tofu in an air fryer, first cut the pressed tofu into cubes. Then, toss the tofu with a coating, such as cornstarch, potato starch, or arrowroot starch, which will help to create a crispy exterior. You can also marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, and spices to add flavour.

Place the coated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Set the air fryer to a temperature between 375-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The tofu is ready when it is slightly puffed, lightly browned, and crisped all around.

Tofu alternatives

Tofu is a versatile ingredient, but if you're looking for alternatives, there are several options to choose from. Here are some tofu substitutes that you can use in various recipes:

Tempeh

Tempeh is a perfect alternative to tofu as it is made through a very similar process, using similar ingredients. Both are derived from soybeans, but tempeh often includes other grains like lentils, millet, or quinoa, making it even higher in protein and fiber. The key difference is that tempeh goes through a fermentation process, resulting in a deeper, nuttier flavor. It is denser and more flavorful than tofu and can be used in similar ways, such as baking, marinating, grilling, or adding to soups and sandwiches.

Seitan

Seitan is another popular plant-based alternative to tofu, but it differs significantly in its composition. It is made from wheat gluten kneaded with water, spices, and sometimes soy sauce. This "wheat meat" replicates the protein structure of actual meat, offering a chewy texture. It is usually flavored with soy sauce and can be sliced, sautéed, stir-fried, or used in tacos. Seitan is higher in protein than tofu but is not gluten-free and tends to be high in sodium.

Beans

Beans are an excellent tofu substitute, especially if you're looking for something with similar health benefits. Beans, such as pinto beans, chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans, are full of fiber, low in fat, and can be mashed into a paste similar to medium tofu. They work well in soups, salads, or main dishes and can also be used as a binding agent for patties or fritters.

Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP)

TVP is a favorite among plant-based diets as it is shelf-stable, cheap, and versatile. It is a dried, high-protein option that can be hydrated and cooked, functioning similarly to shredded meat. TVP has a neutral flavor, so it can be flavored with various ingredients, and it is also nutritious and low in fat.

Cheese (Vegan or Non-Vegan)

Cheese can be a suitable alternative to tofu, depending on the recipe. For soft tofu, consider using cheeses like fromage blanc, while for non-melting varieties, halloumi or paneer can work well. There are also vegan cheese options made with soy milk, providing a similar consistency and taste to tofu.

Meat (especially Chicken)

Meat, specifically chicken, can be a good replacement for tofu in certain dishes. If a recipe calls for firm tofu, such as in a stir-fry, pasta, soup, or curry, diced chicken can be a healthy and versatile alternative. However, keep in mind that chicken must be thoroughly cooked, whereas tofu can be consumed raw.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms share a similar texture and water content to tofu and are known for their ability to absorb flavors. They can be used raw or cooked in various ways, making them versatile like tofu. However, mushrooms are not as high in calcium or protein, so you may want to supplement with other ingredients if using them as a replacement.

Frequently asked questions