If you're not familiar with cooking tofu, you're in for a treat! This Air Fryer Tofu with an Asian flavor twist is the tastiest and easiest way to make tofu EVER!
Why You'll Never Make Tofu Any Other Way
- Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes without the time it takes to marinate.
- Easy. Marinate your tofu, sprinkle with spices, and cook in the air fryer.
- Low Carb. Under net carbs per serving.
- High Protein. A great option to fill your protein macros without eating meat.
- Vegetarian. A great addition to your main course for Meatless Monday.
Are Air Fryers Good For Vegans?
Yes, air fryers can be a great appliance for vegans. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, and they can be used to prepare a variety of vegan dishes. Here are some reasons why air fryers can be beneficial for vegans:
- Healthier Cooking- Air fryers require less oil compared to traditional frying methods. This can be advantageous for vegans who are conscious of their fat intake and want to enjoy crispy foods without deep-frying them.
- Versatility- Air fryers can cook a wide range of vegan foods, including vegetables, tofu, veggie burgers, spring rolls, and more. They can also be used to reheat leftovers, providing a quick and convenient way to enjoy plant-based meals.
- Crispy Texture- Air fryers are known for producing a crispy texture similar to that achieved through deep frying. This is especially useful for vegans who want to enjoy crispy snacks or recreate the texture of traditionally fried foods.
Ingredients You'll Need To Make Air Fryer Tofu
You can get all of the delicious flavors of your favorite takeout with just a few simple ingredients.
Here's what you'll need to make this Air Fryer Tofu before you get started:
- Super Firm Tofu- It is the base for this dish. It has a dense and robust texture, making it ideal for air frying as it holds its shape well and becomes crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
- Hoisin Sauce- A sweet and savory Chinese condiment that adds depth of flavor and a rich, caramelized sweetness to the tofu. It helps create a flavorful glaze on the tofu during the cooking process.
- Soy Sauce- Adds saltiness and umami to the dish. It contributes to the overall savory flavor profile of the tofu and works in harmony with the sweetness of hoisin sauce.
- Sugar or Sugar Substitute- Sugar or a sugar substitute provides sweetness to balance the savory and salty flavors of the soy and hoisin sauces. It also aids in creating a caramelized coating on the tofu as it cooks.
- Ginger- Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dish. It complements the sweet and savory notes, providing a hint of spiciness and depth to the marinade. Ginger is often used in Asian cuisine to add a fresh and zesty element.
- Garlic- Contributes a pungent and savory flavor to the marinade. It enhances the overall taste of the tofu and complements the other ingredients. The combination of garlic and ginger is a classic pairing in many Asian dishes.
- Red Pepper Flakes- Add heat and a subtle spiciness to the tofu. The level of heat can be adjusted based on personal preference.
When combined, these ingredients create a well-balanced and flavorful marinade for the super firm tofu. The air frying process then cooks the tofu to a crispy exterior while allowing the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the tofu, resulting in a delicious and textured dish.
How Long Do You Cook Tofu In An Air Fryer?
What if I told you that it only took TEN MINUTES to cook tofu in the air fryer?
Well, I'm not kidding. If you have ten minutes to spare, you have time to make this amazing Vegetarian snack or main course.
What Can I Season Tofu With?
The ways you can season tofu are endless. It essentially acts as a sponge, so feel free to season or marinate with whatever sounds like a great flavor combination to you.
For this air fryer tofu recipe, I chose to add a little Asian flair, so follow the ingredient list in the recipe card for a fantastic flavor combo for your tofu.
How To Make Air Fried Tofu
- Marinate your extra firm tofu for up to 30 minutes in the ingredients listed above.
- Add tofu to a well oiled 6" springform pan
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket half way through the cooking time.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
This is such a simple recipe, it's hard to give a ton of tips and tricks. But if you're looking for ways to love this air fryer tofu even more, here are some things that will might make it even more enjoyable:
- Use extra firm tofu. Other varieties can release too much liquid and prevent it from getting crispy edges.
- Mix it up. Don't be afraid to adjust the marinade to your liking. Want it spicy? Add Srirracha. Not a fan of Hoisin sauce? Omit it completely. Want to add it to another dish that has a strong flavor? Skip the marinade and air fryer with salt, pepper, and oil only.
- Prep right before you eat. Even extra firm tofu can release additional moisture as it rests. For an extra crispy result, eat as soon as possible after cooking.
Variations
- BBQ Tofu- Toss tofu cubes in barbecue sauce before air-frying for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving.
- Buffalo Tofu Bites- Coat tofu cubes in a buffalo sauce mixture (hot sauce, melted butter, and a bit of vinegar).
- Air-fry until crispy and serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing.
- Curry-Spiced Tofu- Rub tofu cubes with a mix of curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and a touch of coconut oil. Air-fry for a flavorful and aromatic tofu dish.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Tofu
Air-fried tofu is a versatile and delicious ingredient that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas on what to serve with it:
- Grains- Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a wholesome base.
- Noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, for an Asian-inspired dish.
- Vegetables- Stir-fried or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
- Asian-inspired slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing.
- Greens- Serve air-fried tofu on a bed of fresh greens or spinach for a lighter option. Bok choy or sautéed kale can complement the tofu well.
Can You Freeze Air Fried Tofu?
Yes, you can freeze air-fried tofu. Freezing tofu changes its texture, making it chewier and more porous, which some people find appealing. Here's how:
- Allow Tofu to Cool. Let the air-fried tofu cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.
- Cut into Portions. Cut the tofu into the desired portions or leave it as larger blocks, depending on how you plan to use it later.
- Wrap in Plastic Wrap or Foil. Wrap each piece of air-fried tofu tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure there is minimal exposure to air to prevent freezer burn.
- Place in Freezer Bag. Put the wrapped tofu pieces into a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air from the bag before sealing it.
- Label and Date. Label the bag with the date and any specific seasoning or sauce you added to the tofu before air-frying.
- Freeze. Place the bag in the freezer, and store the tofu for up to 2-3 months.
Keep in mind that the texture of tofu changes after freezing, and it becomes chewier. This altered texture can be desirable in certain dishes. If you enjoy the texture, frozen and thawed tofu can be a great addition to various recipes.
More Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chile Rellenos
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Maple Pecan Bars With Sea Salt
- Air Fryer Grits
- Keto Buffalo Cauliflower
If you love this Air Fryer Tofu recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can try it too!
Ingredients
- 14 oz Extra Firm Tofu
- 3 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Sugar, or sugar substitute
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Marinate your extra firm tofu for up to 30 minutes in the ingredients listed above.
- Add tofu to a well oiled 6" springform pan
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket half way through the cooking time.
- Serve and enjoy!
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
And don't forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer, and Air Fryer Revolution.
Leave a Reply