Air-Fryer Tofu: Achieving The Perfect Crunch

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to salads. While it can be prepared in different ways, air frying is a popular method that delivers a crunchy texture without the need for deep-frying or excessive oil. The key to achieving that coveted crispiness lies in a few simple techniques and a handful of easily accessible ingredients.

Pressing tofu before cooking

Pressing tofu is a technique used to remove moisture and make it easier to cook with. This is especially important when you want your tofu to hold its shape, such as when it is being pan-fried, baked, or air-fried. By removing the excess liquid, you prevent the tofu from becoming too delicate and breaking up during cooking, resulting in a lumpy and soggy mess. Pressing also improves the texture of the tofu, making it firmer, more robust, and better able to absorb flavours.

How to press tofu:

• Place the tofu on a layer of paper towels or a clean dishcloth/kitchen linen on a cutting board or plate.
• Cover the tofu with another layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
• Place a heavy, flat object, such as a cutting board, plate, or bowl, on top of the tofu. You can also use a commercial tofu press.
• Put weights on top of the board/plate/bowl, such as cans of food, a heavy book, or a small dumbbell. Be careful not to use too much weight, as it may crush the tofu.
• Let the tofu sit for at least 30 minutes to remove the moisture. You may need to replace the paper towels if they become saturated.
• After pressing, the tofu will be thinner and ready for slicing or cubing.

Tips:

• Pressing is not necessary for softer tofu varieties like silken tofu, as they will easily fall apart. It is best to use firm or extra-firm tofu for pressing.
• Pressed tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing pressed tofu can also improve its texture, making it firmer and more absorbent.

Marinating tofu

Pressing the Tofu:

Before marinating, it is essential to remove excess moisture from the tofu to ensure a crispy texture. You can use a tofu press, which is highly recommended if you regularly cook tofu. Alternatively, wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy pan, such as a cast-iron skillet, on top to press out the moisture. This step should take at least 10 minutes, but for optimal results, consider pressing for 30 minutes.

Cutting or Tearing the Tofu:

Once pressed, cut the tofu into roughly 1-inch cubes, or you can tear it into bite-sized pieces. Tearing creates irregular pieces with a higher surface area, resulting in more crispy edges that hold sauces better.

Marinade Options:

Now, let's talk about the marinade, which is where all the flavour comes from! You can go in several directions with your marinade, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some options:

• A simple marinade of liquid aminos or light soy sauce, sesame oil or avocado oil, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt.
• A combination of soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free), avocado oil or olive oil, and cornstarch for crunch. You can also add sriracha for a spicy kick.
• A more complex marinade with light or dark brown sugar, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, sambal oelek or sriracha, and garlic. This marinade also includes a coating of potato starch and salt before air frying.
• A unique blend of cornstarch, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, avocado oil or olive oil, and an all-purpose spice blend. This option creates an incredibly golden and savoury result.

Marinating Process:

Place the cut or torn tofu pieces in a mixing bowl. Add your chosen marinade ingredients and gently toss or stir until the tofu is entirely coated. You can use a flexible rubber spatula to avoid crumbling the tofu. For more intense flavour, you can marinate the tofu for up to 24 hours. However, if you're short on time, 15 minutes of marination will still impart flavour to your tofu.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, the key to successful tofu marination is pressing out the excess moisture first. This step ensures that your tofu achieves the desired crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer. Feel free to experiment with different marinade combinations to find your favourite flavour profile. Enjoy the process of creating crunchy tofu delights!

Using the right type of tofu

The type of tofu you use will determine how crispy your tofu will be. It is important to use the right type of tofu to achieve the perfect texture and taste.

Extra-Firm Tofu

Extra-firm tofu is the best option for making crunchy tofu in an air fryer. It has less water content compared to softer varieties, which means it will crisp up nicely. Softer types of tofu will fall apart when tossed with seasonings and won't get as crispy.

Pressing the Tofu

To get the best results, it is recommended to press your tofu before cooking. This step removes excess moisture, resulting in a firmer texture that is crucial for achieving that desired crunch. You can use a tofu press or simply wrap your tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top to drain the moisture out.

Vacuum-Packed Tofu

If you want to skip the pressing step, look for vacuum-packed tofu. This type of tofu is the firmest variety, and the pressing has already been done for you. Just cut it into cubes, add your seasonings, and air fry!

Freezing the Tofu

Freezing and then thawing your tofu before cooking can improve its texture and ability to absorb flavours. This step is optional but recommended for an even better crunchy tofu experience.

Silken Tofu

One type of tofu you should avoid for this recipe is silken tofu. It will yield the wrong texture and will break apart if you try to press it.

Super-Firm Tofu

If you can't find extra-firm tofu, you can also use super-firm or high-protein tofu. This type of tofu is denser than extra-firm tofu and will crisp up nicely without the need for pressing.

By choosing the right type of tofu and following the pressing, freezing, or vacuum-packing steps, you'll be well on your way to making perfectly crunchy tofu in your air fryer!

The importance of oil

Oil is a crucial ingredient when making crunchy tofu in an air fryer, and its inclusion or exclusion can significantly impact the taste, texture, and overall outcome of the dish. Here are some key reasons why oil plays an essential role in achieving that perfect crunchy tofu:

Enhances Crispiness and Texture

A small amount of oil goes a long way in the air fryer. Adding a little oil to the tofu before placing it in the air fryer aids in achieving the desired crispiness and texture. It helps create a crispy exterior while retaining a soft and pillowy interior. The oil essentially contributes to that satisfying crunch that defines perfectly cooked tofu.

Enriches Flavor

Oil not only enhances the texture but also amplifies the flavor of the tofu. A drizzle of oil, such as sesame oil, olive oil, or avocado oil, adds richness and depth of flavor to the tofu. It helps the seasonings and spices adhere better to the tofu, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. The oil acts as a carrier for the seasonings, allowing them to distribute evenly and penetrate the tofu for a more intense taste experience.

Facilitates Even Cooking

Oil plays a vital role in ensuring even cooking of the tofu in the air fryer. When the tofu pieces are coated with a thin layer of oil, they are less likely to stick to the air fryer basket, allowing for better air circulation during the cooking process. This even distribution of heat prevents the tofu from drying out or burning in certain spots, resulting in a more consistent and desirable outcome.

Provides Versatility

The type of oil used in the air fryer tofu recipe can be customized based on personal preference or dietary requirements. While sesame oil and olive oil are popular choices for their distinct flavors, other options such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even sprayable oil can be used to suit different tastes and dietary needs. This versatility in oil selection allows for experimentation with different flavors and textures, making the dish accessible to a wider range of people.

Simplifies the Cooking Process

Oil also simplifies the cooking process by acting as a natural lubricant, preventing the tofu from sticking to the air fryer basket or other cooking surfaces. This not only makes cleanup easier but also ensures that the tofu retains its shape and doesn't break apart during the cooking process. A light coating of oil creates a barrier that helps the tofu release more easily from the cooking surface, resulting in beautifully intact tofu cubes.

Seasoning and spices

A simple yet effective seasoning mix includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt. These basic seasonings give your tofu a wonderful flavour.

You can also experiment with different spice blends to create a variety of flavours. For example, Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano, and basil adds a Mediterranean touch. If you're feeling adventurous, try taco spice, jerk seasoning, curry powder, or mala spice for a kick of heat and flavour.

Additionally, you can marinate your tofu in a sauce before air frying. A simple marinade can be made by combining soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, and garlic. This adds a savoury, salty flavour to the tofu and enhances its crispiness.

For an extra crispy coating, toss the tofu in cornstarch, potato starch, or arrowroot starch before air frying. This creates a delicious, golden exterior that's perfect for dipping or tossing in your favourite sauce.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different spices and sauces to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions