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
Scale
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.
