Air Fryer Tofu: Crispy, Golden, Delicious

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. However, achieving the perfect crispy texture can be challenging. Here's a guide on how to make tofu crispy in an air fryer, ensuring a delicious and crunchy outcome every time.

The importance of pressing tofu

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. However, when it comes to preparing tofu for air frying, one important step is pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. While it may seem like an unnecessary step, pressing tofu has several benefits and can greatly improve the final texture and taste of your dish.

Firstly, pressing tofu helps to remove moisture, which in turn improves its texture. By squeezing out the water, the tofu becomes firmer and chewier, making it ideal for recipes where the tofu needs to hold its shape, such as stir-fries or grilling. This is especially important for tofu that will be fried, as the excess liquid can cause it to break apart during cooking, resulting in a soggy mess.

Secondly, pressing tofu can enhance the flavour of your dish. By removing some of the moisture, the tofu becomes more absorbent and can better take on the flavours of seasonings, marinades, or sauces used in your recipe. This is particularly beneficial if you want your tofu to have a strong, savoury flavour.

Additionally, pressing tofu can be a simple and inexpensive process. While commercial tofu presses are available, you can also use household items such as paper towels, a clean dishcloth, a bowl, and a heavy object like a can of food to weigh down the tofu. This method is just as effective and can save you time and money.

However, it is important to note that not all tofu needs to be pressed. Softer varieties, such as silken tofu, are not suitable for pressing as they will easily fall apart under pressure. These types of tofu are typically used in recipes where they are blended or lightly cooked. For best results, always check your recipe and tofu variety before deciding whether to press your tofu.

In conclusion, pressing tofu is an important step when preparing tofu for air frying. It improves the texture, enhances flavour absorption, and can be achieved with simple household items. However, be mindful of the type of tofu you are using, as softer varieties may not withstand the pressing process. By understanding the benefits of pressing tofu, you can elevate your tofu dishes and create delicious, crispy tofu every time.

The role of cornstarch

Cornstarch is an essential ingredient when making crispy tofu in an air fryer. It is the secret weapon to achieving the desired crispiness and is used as an alternative to arrowroot or potato starch.

Cornstarch helps to draw out any excess liquid from the tofu, which is key to creating a crispy exterior. It forms a delicious, crispy coating around the tofu, giving it a crunchy texture. This is especially important as tofu is naturally soft and moist, and cornstarch helps to absorb this moisture, creating a golden, crispy exterior.

Cornstarch is usually added after the tofu has been tossed in oil and seasonings. It is then tossed again to ensure the tofu is evenly coated. The tofu is then placed in the air fryer, and cooked until golden brown and crispy.

Cornstarch is a simple yet effective way to transform tofu into a delicious, crispy treat.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking tofu in an air fryer is between 375 °F and 400 °F. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the level of crispiness you desire. On average, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to cook tofu in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Before cooking, it is recommended to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier texture. You can use a tofu press or simply wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and gently weigh it down with a flat object, such as a cutting board or a heavy skillet, for at least 10 minutes.

Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces or cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. You can also tear the tofu into irregular pieces, which can create a craggy texture that holds sauces well.

Step 2: Season the Tofu

Place the tofu pieces in a mixing bowl and drizzle with your choice of oil, such as avocado oil, sesame oil, or olive oil. Then, add your desired seasonings and spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and sea salt. You can also add cornstarch to the tofu at this step, as it helps absorb moisture and creates a crispy coating. Toss the tofu gently to ensure an even coating, being careful not to crumble the tofu.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Transfer the seasoned tofu pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each piece. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as proper airflow is crucial for even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.

Step 4: Air Fry

Set the temperature of your air fryer between 375 °F and 400 °F. The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. For most air fryers, cooking tofu at 400 °F for 10 to 15 minutes should be sufficient. However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the tofu during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

It is recommended to shake or toss the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides of the tofu. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

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. You can enjoy air fryer tofu as a snack or incorporate it into various dishes, such as stir-fries, rice bowls, salads, or sandwiches. It pairs well with a variety of sauces, including sweet chili sauce, barbecue sauce, and buffalo sauce.

Tofu alternatives to frying

While frying tofu is a great way to get a crispy texture, there are other methods to achieve a similar result. Here are some alternatives to frying tofu:

Baking

Baking tofu in the oven is a fantastic way to get crispy tofu without the hassle of frying. Here's what you need to do:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Drain the tofu and gently squeeze out some water.
• Cut the tofu into cubes or slabs, increasing the surface area to remove more moisture.
• Press the tofu by placing it on a tea towel or paper towel, folding it over, and putting something heavy on top to help drain the excess water.
• Transfer the pressed tofu to a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tamari, or soy sauce. Toss to combine.
• Sprinkle cornstarch, arrowroot starch, or cornstarch mixed with salt over the tofu and toss until evenly coated.
• Arrange the tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Broiling

Broiling tofu is a healthy and low-maintenance alternative to frying. Here's a simple method:

• Preheat your oven's broiler or grill (top heat).
• Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them on a baking tray. Pressing the tofu is optional.
• Toss the tofu cubes in soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and avocado oil to coat them evenly.
• Broil in the oven for 10 minutes, then flip the tofu cubes.
• Broil for another 10 minutes or until the tofu is golden and crispy.

Air Frying

Air frying tofu is a quick and easy way to get crispy tofu without using much oil. Here's a simple guide:

• Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, which can make the tofu soggy. You can use a tofu press or place the tofu under a heavy pan to drain the water.
• Cut the tofu into cubes and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, and your choice of spices and herbs.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space around each piece.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.

Pan-Frying

If you prefer to use a stovetop method, pan-frying tofu is an option, but it may require more oil and can be messier. Here's how to do it:

• Slice the tofu into rectangles or cubes.
• Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
• Quickly coat the tofu slices with a mixture of cornstarch and a little salt.
• Add the tofu to the pan as you dredge it and pan-fry until crisp and golden on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Tofu seasoning ideas

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a very mild taste, making it excellent for absorbing flavours. Here are some ideas for seasoning tofu to be cooked in an air fryer:

Marinades

A great way to add flavour to tofu is to marinate it before cooking. This can be done for as little as 30 minutes, but the longer it sits, the more flavourful it will be. Here are some marinade ideas:

• Soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
• Olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup, cilantro, garlic, and salt.
• Olive oil, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and liquid smoke.
• Olive oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, maple syrup, and rice vinegar.
• Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, water, maple syrup, garlic, and salt.
• Olive oil, lime juice, water, maple syrup, cumin, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, chilli powder, and liquid smoke.
• Peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger.

Dry Spices

If you prefer to use dry spices, here are some ideas for seasoning blends to use on tofu:

• Za'atar, sumac, and garlic powder.
• Chipotle chilli powder, cumin, and onion powder.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and paprika.
• Chinese five spice, white pepper, chilli, garlic, ginger, scallions, and rice wine vinegar.
• Cumin, thyme, and turmeric.
• Greek seasoning.
• Cayenne pepper.
• Nutritional yeast, paprika, Italian herbs.
• Sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt.
• Italian seasoning with dried parsley, oregano, and dried basil.

Frequently asked questions