Air-Fried Tofu: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Tofu is a healthy source of protein and a great meat alternative. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, but one of the easiest and most delicious methods is to cook it in an air fryer. Air-fried tofu is crispy, flavourful, and versatile. It can be used in stir-fries, rice bowls, salads, and more. The key to achieving the perfect texture and taste is to use extra-firm tofu and to press or soak it beforehand to remove excess moisture. Additionally, a light coating of cornstarch or potato starch can help create an extra crispy exterior. When cooked in an air fryer at around 400°F for about 10-15 minutes, tofu becomes perfectly crunchy without the need for deep-frying or excessive oil.

Choosing the right tofu

Firmness

It is crucial to select the right firmness of tofu for air frying. Extra-firm or super-firm tofu is ideal as it contains less water, enabling it to hold its shape better during cooking and resulting in a crispier texture. Softer types of tofu should be avoided, as they will fall apart when tossed with seasonings and won't become as crispy.

Pressing

Pressing the tofu before cooking can help achieve an even crispier texture. This step involves removing excess water from the tofu by wrapping it in a kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy weight on top for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use a tofu press, which makes the process easier and gives the tofu a chewier texture.

Marinating

Marinating the tofu can infuse it with flavour and make it more interesting. A simple marinade of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce can add a savoury, slightly spicy kick to your tofu. You only need to marinate the tofu for about 15 minutes to infuse it with flavour.

Coating

Coating the tofu in cornstarch or potato starch before air frying is essential for achieving a crispy, golden exterior. These starches create a delicious, crunchy coating that elevates the dish. Make sure to shake off any excess starch before placing the tofu in the air fryer to avoid a dusty exterior.

Type of Tofu

When shopping for tofu, look for vacuum-packed extra-firm tofu, which is ideal as it is drier and firmer than tofu that comes sitting in water. This type of tofu also tends to crumble more easily, so be gentle when tossing it in the batter or marinade.

By following these tips and choosing the right tofu, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy air fryer tofu that will impress even the harshest critics!

Marinating the tofu

Firstly, prepare your tofu by draining and pressing it. This step helps to remove excess liquid, reducing the mushy texture often associated with tofu. You can use a tofu press, or wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy weight on top for 10-30 minutes.

Next, cut the tofu into cubes or tear it into chunks. The size and shape of the tofu pieces will influence the overall texture, with smaller pieces providing more crispy edges. Place the tofu pieces in a shallow dish or bowl.

Now, it's time to make your marinade. In a separate bowl, combine your chosen ingredients such as soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and hot sauce. Whisk or stir the ingredients together until well combined.

After preparing the marinade, pour it over the tofu in the dish or bowl. Gently toss the tofu to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let the tofu sit and marinate for at least 15 minutes, tossing it again halfway through to redistribute the marinade.

Finally, sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss once more to ensure an even coating. The cornstarch will help create an extra crispy exterior when air-fried.

Your tofu is now ready to be placed in the air fryer! Follow the remaining steps in your chosen recipe for air-frying, sauce preparation, and serving suggestions. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried tofu!

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, it is essential to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F, which is the ideal temperature for cooking tofu. Most air fryers will take a few minutes to reach this temperature, so you can use this time to prepare the tofu.

While the air fryer is preheating, drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place the wrapped tofu on a plate and weigh it down with something heavy, such as a bowl, skillet, or can. This process helps to remove excess moisture from the tofu, which is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Let the tofu drain for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have the time.

Once the tofu has drained, it's time to prepare the coating. In a large, wide bowl, combine cornstarch or potato starch with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or ground ginger to enhance the flavour. Unwrap the tofu and pat it dry before cutting it into cubes or tearing it into chunks, depending on your preferred texture.

Now, gently toss the tofu cubes or chunks in the coating mixture until they are evenly coated. Use your fingers to ensure each piece is covered. If you're using an air fryer basket, give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Finally, it's time to arrange the tofu in the air fryer. Place the coated tofu in the air fryer basket, shaking off any excess coating. Make sure to leave some space between each piece to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the tofu in batches to avoid overcrowding. Give the basket a final spray with cooking spray to prevent clumping, and you're ready to start cooking!

Cooking the tofu

Now that you have prepared your tofu, it is time to cook it.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Next, place the tofu in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces are not crowded and have a little space around each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches. Spray the tofu with cooking spray if using a smaller air fryer to prevent the cubes from clumping together.

Air fry the tofu for 10-15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The tofu is ready when it is golden brown and crisp around the edges.

Keep an eye on the tofu during the last few minutes of cooking, as the exact cooking time will depend on your specific air fryer.

Once the tofu is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried tofu!

Sauces to serve with tofu

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of sauces to enhance its flavour. Here are some sauce options to serve with tofu:

Peanut Sauce

A popular choice for tofu, peanut sauce adds a rich and nutty flavour. It is typically made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness, such as honey or brown sugar. For an extra dimension of flavour, you can also add coconut milk, garlic, curry powder, or sriracha.

Yumm Sauce

This creamy and zesty sauce originates from Cafe Yumm in the Pacific Northwest. It has a unique combination of ingredients that make it a versatile accompaniment to tofu, adding a burst of tanginess and creaminess to your dish.

Buffalo Sauce

Add a fiery kick and zesty tang to your tofu with buffalo sauce. It is bright and tangy with a good amount of heat. You can also add butter for a rich finish.

Creamy Harissa Sauce

A naturally dairy-free and gluten-free option, creamy harissa sauce is made by whisking together tahini, harissa paste, lemon, and maple syrup until smooth. It adds a bold and tangy flavour to tofu and can also be used on salads, eggs, or meat.

Coconut Curry Sauce

Indulge in the exotic flavours of a coconut curry sauce with your tofu. Combine coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, garlic, and a dash of lime juice for a creamy and aromatic delight.

Sweet Soy Sauce

Sweet soy sauce, also known as kecap manis, is a thick and syrupy sauce that originates from Indonesian cuisine. It has a unique balance of sweetness and umami flavours, making it an excellent choice for adding depth to your tofu dishes.

Stir-Fry Sauce

A versatile and savoury option, stir-fry sauce can add depth and richness to your tofu. You can find ready-made stir-fry sauces at most grocery stores, or you can make your own by combining ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A classic sweet and sour sauce is a perfect pairing for tofu. Mix pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar for a lip-smacking marinade or dipping sauce.

Cilantro Lime Sauce

Brighten up your tofu with a refreshing cilantro lime sauce. Simply blend fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant and citrusy accompaniment.

Spicy Sriracha Mayo

For those who enjoy a little heat, spicy sriracha mayo is a perfect choice. Blend mayonnaise with sriracha sauce, lime juice, and a dash of garlic powder for a creamy and fiery sauce.

Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce

This simple sauce packs a flavour punch. It is made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and sriracha, with a dash of sugar and Thai chilli for added sweetness and spice.

Mango Chutney

Spicy, tangy, and sweet, mango chutney is a perfect dipping sauce for tofu. It is made with fresh mangoes, apple cider vinegar, and rich spices, coating the tofu with a jam-like texture.

Thai Dipping Sauce (Nam Jim Jaew)

This Thai dipping sauce is a blend of fragrant herbs and spices, offering a sweet and savoury taste with a bit of heat. It is sure to amp up any meal, especially when paired with crispy tofu.

Honey Sriracha Sauce

For those who love the sweet and spicy combination, honey sriracha sauce is a perfect match for tofu. It has the right amount of heat and sweetness to keep your taste buds tingling.

Frequently asked questions