Are you a tofu lover who is also an air fryer enthusiast? If so, you might be wondering if your favorite kitchen gadget can be used to prepare your go-to protein source. After all, who wants to fire up a stove or oven in the middle of summer?
Good news: You absolutely can cook tofu in an air fryer. Air-frying tofu is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior without adding oil.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of air-frying tofu, including the best types and some delicious recipes to get you started. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or a newbie, you’ll come away with the knowledge you need to whip up some mouthwatering tofu dishes.
Do I Need A Tofu Press?
Tofu is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be enjoyed in many dishes. But to enjoy the best-textured tofu, it’s important to press it before cooking.
This helps remove excess water from the tofu so that it gets extra firm and crispy when cooked. It can be done with a simple stack of books or a cast iron skillet, but I recommend investing in a tofu press if you cook tofu regularly.
The Tofuture Tofu Press does this perfectly with its adjustable arms that fit different sizes of blocks perfectly. Its ” hydraulic lock” lets you adjust the pressure to push out excess water effectively while not overdoing it too much and drying up the tofu.
The removable silicone lining makes cleaning after pressing quick and easy, and the compact size makes storage convenient.
The Perfect Way to Make Tofu in Air Fryer
| Ingredient | Dietary Note | Substitution Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-Firm Tofu | ||
| Soy Sauce | Gluten-free option | Swap tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos |
| Rice Wine Vinegar | ||
| Olive Oil | Avocado oil or sesame oil | |
| Pure Maple Syrup | ||
| Spices (Garlic Powder, Ground Ginger) | ||
| Sriracha | ||
| Cornstarch |
Please note that the dietary note and substitution tip provided in the original text are included in the table.
Instructions
Step-1: Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. You can use a tofu press or place a heavy pan on top of the tofu to help drain the moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized blocks and transfer them to a bowl.
Step-2: In a small bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients, such as soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, pure maple syrup, spices (garlic powder and ground ginger), and sriracha. Mix well to make the marinade.
Step-3: Drizzle the marinade over the tofu blocks and toss gently to coat them evenly. Allow the tofu to marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step-4: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 C).
Step-5: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the marinated tofu blocks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, you can cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step-6: Cook the tofu in the air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to promote even cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the tofu and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Step-7: Once the tofu is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious air fryer tofu as a meat alternative in your favorite dishes or as a tasty snack.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 96 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Potassium | 177mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 1 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 35 mg |
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and brands.
What’s To Serve With Air Fryer Tofu?
Tofu cooked in an air fryer is delicious but can be served as a larger meal. Some popular side dishes to serve alongside air fryer tofu include steamed or roasted vegetables, quinoa, wild rice, or a salad.
Add some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add more flavor and color to the dish. For a heartier meal, serve the air fryer tofu with a sauce like a teriyaki, sweet and sour, or your favorite vegan-friendly sauce.
Make a delicious sauce or marinade to add a flavor kick to your air fryer tofu. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and chili flakes.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together until everything is blended. Once the marinade is ready, coat the air fryer tofu in the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking.
Is It Better to Bake or Fry Tofu?
Deciding whether to bake or fry can be difficult when cooking tofu. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so the best method will ultimately depend on your preferences.
Baking tofu is a healthy option as it requires very little oil and is lower in fat than frying. Additionally, the baking process yields a chewy texture, allowing greater versatility when adding flavors.
However, baking can take longer and may require pre-pressing the tofu to ensure that it absorbs the flavors.
Frying tofu in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy texture without using much oil. It also allows for greater control over the level of crispiness as you can adjust the cooking time depending on the desired results. The downside is that it can produce a greasy texture if not done carefully.
Overall, both baking and frying are great methods for cooking tofu. Deciding which one to use ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1: What Is Air Fryer Tofu?
A: Air fryer tofu is a popular vegan dish that utilizes an air fryer to cook firm or extra firm tofu. The tofu is tossed in oil and spices before being placed in the air fryer, which uses hot air circulated at high speeds to cook the tofu rapidly. The result is a flavorful and crispy vegan dish that can be served as a snack or as a larger meal.
2: How Long Should I Cook Air Fryer Tofu?
A: The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the type of tofu you’re using, but typically it takes 10-15 minutes for the tofu to reach a crispy texture. If you want the tofu to be extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
3: Do You Have To Press The Tofu Before Air Frying?
Should I Invest in a Tofu Press? Before cooking, I highly recommend pressing your tofu for the ultimate crispy and crunchy air fryer tofu. Although it may add some extra time to the recipe, the result is worth it. Removing excess water from the tofu makes it extra firm and crisp when cooked.
4: Are Air Fryers Healthy?
Utilizing an air fryer could benefit you if you frequently consume deep-fried foods. However, an air fryer may not necessarily enhance its nutritional value if you prepare a dish that typically doesn’t require added fats, such as pre-packaged oven chips, bacon, sausages, or breaded chicken.
5: Can You Put Foil In An Air Fryer?
The answer to this question is yes, you can put foil in an air fryer. Foil can help keep food from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer basket. It can also cook multiple items at once, allowing you to cook various foods in one go efficiently. However, it is important to ensure that the foil does not touch any heating elements or block the airflow.
Conclusion
Sir fryer tofu is a delicious and healthy vegan dish that utilizes an air fryer to cook firm or extra-firm tofu rapidly. When cooking, pressing the tofu beforehand ensures a crispier texture.
Marinating or adding spices to the tofu before cooking will help enhance the dish’s flavors. Finally, it’s important to remember safety when using an air fryer, such as using foil correctly and ensuring the air fryer is not blocking any airflow.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
