If you love the irresistible crunch of a perfectly fried exterior paired with a silky, delicate tofu center, then the Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe is about to become your new kitchen obsession. This elevated version of the classic Japanese dish uses the air fryer to achieve that iconic crispy coating with minimal oil, making it a lighter, easier, and faster alternative that still packs all the delicious, savory flavors you crave. Whether you’re a longtime tofu fan or curious to try something new, this recipe delivers that comforting balance of textures and umami-rich sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe is how simple yet essential the ingredients are, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. From the basic tofu block to the crispy coating and flavorful sauce, everything comes together effortlessly.
- Firm tofu: Choose firm tofu for the perfect balance of softness and structure that holds up well to air frying without falling apart.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy crust that delivers that signature agedashi texture.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind the coating and adds a nice crisp bite.
- Salt and pepper: Season the coating mix for a subtle savory base.
- Vegetable oil: A light brush helps crisp the tofu in the air fryer without greasy excess.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth to the dipping sauce.
- Mirin: A sweet rice wine that balances the salty soy and adds complexity.
- Rice vinegar: Gives a tangy brightness to cut through richness.
- Sugar: Rounds out the sauce with a gentle touch of sweetness.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh garnish that adds crunch and a pop of color.
- Bonito flakes (optional): Adds a smoky, savory accent for those who love extra umami.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Toasted seeds provide nutty flavor and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Press and Prepare the Tofu
Start by pressing your firm tofu to gently remove excess moisture. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel and place a weight on top—this helps the tofu crisp better in the air fryer without steaming and becoming soggy. After about 15 minutes, slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes around 1 inch each, perfect for easy eating.
Step 2: Coat the Tofu
In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the secret to that crispy, golden crust that makes agedashi tofu so addictive. Dredge each tofu cube thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring every side is coated evenly for maximum crunch.
Step 3: Air Fry the Tofu
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly brush the basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer—avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate and crisp the tofu perfectly. Air fry for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to brown all sides evenly. You’re aiming for a beautiful, golden-brown exterior that promises satisfying texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While your tofu cooks, whip up the dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, and sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens just slightly and becomes glossy, creating a luscious coating to complement the crispy tofu cubes.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the tofu is perfectly crispy, transfer it to a serving dish and pour your warm sauce over the top. Garnish generously with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch, and if you like, add bonito flakes and sesame seeds for an authentic Japanese flair. Serve immediately to enjoy that delightful crispiness before it softens.
How to Serve Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Fresh chopped green onions add crunch and color, while bonito flakes bring an irresistible smoky umami that dances on the palate. Toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle nuttiness and eye-catching texture. These finishing touches elevate the dish and make it truly special.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, steamed rice or soba noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a refreshing counterbalance, throw in some steamed or sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach. Pickled vegetables also add a tangy crunch that perfectly complements the tofu’s savory profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the tofu in small individual bowls for an elegant appetizer style or plate it family-style on a pretty platter to share with friends. You can ring the serving plate with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color, making your presentation as delightful as the flavors. Adding a wedge of lemon for a squeeze on top can bring a bright, zesty twist to each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover air-fried tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crispness, keep the tofu separate from the sauce and add it fresh when ready to eat.
Freezing
While tofu can be frozen, the air-fried coating tends to soften after thawing. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the tofu cubes individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Plan to re-crisp them in the air fryer after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the tofu in your air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible since it softens the crust. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave separately before combining.
FAQs
Can I use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?
Silken tofu is much softer and more delicate, so it won’t hold up well in this recipe—it may fall apart during air frying. Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal for achieving that crispy outside and tender inside.
Do I have to use an air fryer to make this?
No, but the air fryer makes the process quicker and uses less oil than deep frying, while still crisping the tofu nicely. You can also bake the tofu in an oven on a greased sheet at 400°F for around 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before pouring over the tofu.
Is this dish gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free blend.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe to make a full meal?
Serve with steamed rice or noodles and a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe is a true game-changer for tofu lovers and those new to this delightful Japanese dish. With its crispy coating, silky tofu center, and tangy-sweet sauce, it hits every note just right without the fuss of deep frying. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch it become a favorite that’s as quick to make as it is satisfying to eat!
Print
Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Discover a healthier take on traditional Agedashi Tofu with this easy Air Fryer recipe. Crispy, golden tofu cubes are coated in a light flour mixture and air fried to perfection, then topped with a savory soy-based sauce and garnished with green onions, bonito flakes, and sesame seeds. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or light meal, this recipe offers a flavorful Japanese classic with less oil and fuss.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block firm tofu
Coating
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
For Air Frying
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Bonito flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps the tofu crisp better during cooking.
- Cut the tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes approximately 1-inch in size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each tofu cube in this mixture, making sure every side is evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the tofu: Arrange the coated tofu cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
- Make the sauce: While the tofu cooks, combine soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the crispy tofu to a serving plate, pour the warm sauce evenly over the tofu, and garnish with chopped green onions, bonito flakes, and sesame seeds if using.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy this crispy, savory Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu fresh off the air fryer for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is essential to achieve a crispy texture; do not skip this step.
- If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with a mixture of sake and sugar or use a mild sweet cooking wine.
- Bonito flakes add a smoky umami flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian dish.
- For extra crispiness, ensure tofu pieces are spaced apart in the air fryer basket.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast between crispy tofu and the savory sauce.
