Air-Fryer Tofu Puffs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Tofu puffs are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be made in an air fryer. They are made from tofu that has been deep-fried or air-fried until it becomes light and airy, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior. This can be achieved by coating tofu cubes in a variety of seasonings and sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, and then air-frying them. The key to achieving the perfect tofu puffs is to use extra-firm tofu and to press and remove any excess moisture before cooking. This ensures that the tofu puffs will be crispy and able to absorb the flavours of the surrounding ingredients.

Choosing the right tofu

Type of Tofu

It is important to select the right type of tofu for tofu puffs. Fresh tofu that is firm or medium-firm is ideal. Extra-firm tofu can still work, but it is not the best option. Avoid using soft or silken tofu, as these varieties will crumble when fried. Pressed tofu, vacuum-sealed tofu, and regular tofu are also not suitable for making tofu puffs.

Texture and Firmness

The firmness of the tofu plays a significant role in the final outcome. For tofu puffs, it is essential to use tofu with the right texture and firmness. The tofu should be firm enough to hold its shape during the frying process. Super firm or high-protein tofu is recommended for air fryer recipes, as it ensures the tofu cubes remain intact.

Moisture Content

Before cooking tofu in an air fryer, it is crucial to remove excess moisture. This can be done by gently squeezing the tofu block between kitchen paper sheets to eliminate extra moisture. Removing moisture helps to fry the tofu safely and prevents it from having too much water content.

Source of Tofu

When making tofu puffs, it is advisable to use fresh tofu. Fresh tofu can be found in Asian stores and supermarkets. If you cannot find a local source, consider ordering from an Asian online shop that delivers to your location.

Preparation and Cutting

Once you have selected the right tofu, it is essential to prepare and cut it correctly. Remove the tofu from its packaging and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. Then, cut the tofu into cubes or triangles. Cutting the tofu into chunks, approximately 2 x 2 cm or slightly less than 1 inch per side, will result in better puffing.

Pressing the tofu

If you want to skip the pressing step, you can use vacuum-sealed tofu, which is already firm and pressed. However, it is important to note that extra-firm tofu is ideal for tofu puffs, and softer tofu may crumble when it comes into contact with hot oil.

Once the tofu is pressed, you can cut it into cubes or triangles. Cutting the tofu into chunks of about 2x2 cm is recommended, as they puff up more nicely when they are larger.

Seasoning and marinating the tofu

Seasoning and marinating tofu is a crucial step in creating delicious tofu puffs with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to achieve the perfect seasoning and marination for your tofu puffs:

Choosing the Right Tofu:

Start by selecting the right type of tofu. For tofu puffs, it is best to choose fresh tofu that is firm to medium-firm in texture. Extra-firm tofu can also be used, but it is not ideal as it may crumble when it comes into contact with hot oil. Stay away from silken tofu, pressed tofu, and vacuum-sealed tofu as they are not suitable for making puffs.

Pressing and Squeezing:

Before seasoning, it is essential to remove the excess moisture from the tofu. Place the tofu on a plate and gently squeeze it between kitchen paper sheets to absorb the extra moisture. Be careful not to press too hard, as tofu blocks are delicate and can break easily. Alternatively, you can use a tofu press or place the tofu between layers of paper towels and put a heavy weight on top for at least 15 minutes to press out the moisture.

Cutting the Tofu:

Cut the tofu into your desired shape, such as cubes or triangles. For tofu puffs, a chunkier cut is better as it allows the tofu to puff up more during frying. Aim for a size of about 2 x 2 cm or a little less than 1 inch per side.

Seasoning and Marinating:

Now comes the fun part – seasoning and marinating your tofu! You can get creative and experiment with various spices, sauces, and ingredients to infuse your tofu with flavor. Here are some suggestions:

• Salt and pepper: Season your tofu with salt and pepper to taste.
• Spices: You can use a variety of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or ground black pepper. Feel free to add more or less, depending on your preference for heat and flavor.
• Sauces: Try using soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, or barbecue sauce to add a tangy, savory, or spicy kick to your tofu.
• Oils: Vegetable oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, or olive oil can be used to enhance the flavor and crispiness of your tofu.
• Other ingredients: For added depth of flavor, consider adding fresh garlic cloves, grated ginger, or lemon juice to your marinade.

Simply combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl, add the tofu, and toss to coat evenly. You can marinate the tofu for as little as 15 minutes or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor infusion. If using a ziplock bag, place the tofu inside, add the marinade, and ensure it is fully coated before refrigerating.

Once your tofu is seasoned and marinated to perfection, you are ready to move on to the next step of air-frying!

Cooking the tofu

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your tofu puffs! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Press the tofu: Before you start cooking, it's important to remove excess moisture from the tofu. Place the tofu between paper towels or kitchen sheets and gently squeeze to remove the extra water. You can also use a tofu press or place a heavy object on top of the tofu for about 15 minutes to help draw out the moisture.
• Cut the tofu into pieces: Cut the tofu into small cubes or triangles. Cutting the tofu into bite-sized pieces will ensure that they cook evenly and puff up nicely.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). You can also use an air fryer with a steak preset or similar settings. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Season the tofu: Place the tofu pieces in a large mixing bowl and add your desired seasonings. Toss the tofu gently to ensure that the seasonings coat all sides evenly. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or soy sauce. Be creative and experiment with different flavours!
• Arrange the tofu in the air fryer: Place the seasoned tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. This arrangement ensures that hot air circulates evenly around each tofu piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tofu in batches.
• Air fry the tofu: Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the tofu for 10-15 minutes. For extra crispy tofu, aim for a cooking time of around 15 minutes. For fluffier and slightly less crispy tofu, 10-12 minutes should suffice. Halfway through the cooking process, remove the basket and shake it or flip the tofu pieces with tongs to ensure even cooking.
• Serve the tofu puffs: Once the tofu is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve the tofu puffs immediately to enjoy them at their crispiest. They can be paired with a variety of dips or sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations!

Serving the tofu

The tofu puffs are now ready to be served! You can eat them as they are, or add them to a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Serve them as a snack with a creamy mayo or other dipping sauce.
• Toss them into soups, stews, curries, wraps, salads, stir-fries, or noodle dishes.
• Use them as a topping for a protein-rich rice bowl or a salad.
• Add them to sandwiches, bowls, or wraps.
• Use them as a meat substitute in vegan beef stew, vegan Irish stew, or other curries.
• Replace paneer with tofu puffs in recipes like Vegan Palak Paneer, Vegan Paneer Butter Masala, or Vegan Butter Chicken.
• Make a tofu puff rice bowl with warm cooked rice, fresh pineapple chunks, sliced avocado, steamed veggies, and a sprinkle of green onions.
• Create a Buddha bowl or poke bowl with grains (quinoa or brown rice), roasted or steamed vegetables, and a creamy tahini dressing or your favorite sauce.
• Serve them with a selection of dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo for a movie night or casual get-together.
• Add them to mixed greens, kale, or spinach salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and an Asian-inspired dressing.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge storage and reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the tofu puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, use an air fryer at the same temperature and cook for 5 minutes.
• Freezing and reheating: Allow the tofu puffs to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the frozen tofu puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. For an air fryer, use the same temperature and cook for 7 minutes.

Frequently asked questions