Tofu lovers, this one’s for you! Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu brings the perfect crispy exterior with a soft, silky center—without the hassle of deep frying. It’s like a crispy, golden nugget of heaven, drizzled in a rich, savory soy-based sauce. Trust me, if you’ve been on the hunt for a lighter, healthier take on this Japanese classic, this recipe is your new go-to.
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The air fryer makes it so easy to achieve that perfect crunch without all the oil, and the sauce adds that umami goodness we all crave. Plus, it’s super quick, which means you can enjoy restaurant-quality Agedashi Tofu right at home. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or enjoying it as a snack, it’s guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
Quick & Easy: The air fryer does all the hard work for you. No deep frying mess—just crispy tofu in minutes!
Healthier: Say goodbye to excess oil. The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch with minimal oil, so you get all the flavor without the extra calories.
Perfectly Crispy: This method locks in that crispiness without compromising on the soft and silky texture of the tofu. The balance is perfection!
Flavor Packed: The sauce is simple but rich, with savory soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sweetness—just the right combo to elevate the tofu.
Customizable: Make it your own! Add extra chili flakes for heat, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for some crunch.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
This recipe is all about simplicity, and the magic happens when you combine these ingredients:
Firm Tofu: The star of the dish. Choose extra firm tofu to get that perfect crisp.
Cornstarch: For the perfect coating to get that crispy exterior.
Vegetable Oil: A light spray of oil ensures the tofu gets that golden crunch without the mess of deep frying.
Soy Sauce: The savory base of the sauce.
Mirin: Adds a sweet depth to the sauce.
Dashi Powder or Broth: If you can find it, this brings that classic umami flavor. If not, don’t worry, soy sauce and mirin work wonders too.
Ginger (optional): Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick to the sauce.
Green Onions (optional): For garnish, they add a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Bonito Flakes (optional): These can add a touch of traditional Japanese flavor to the sauce.
Instructions
Let’s get crispy! Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish:
Press the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 10 minutes.
Cube the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Be gentle, tofu can be delicate.
Coat with Cornstarch: Lightly toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This is the secret to that perfect crispy exterior!
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). A quick preheat ensures that the tofu gets crispy right from the start.
Air Fry the Tofu: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, and arrange the tofu in a single layer. Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy.
Make the Sauce: While the tofu cooks, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and dashi powder in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add a pinch of freshly grated ginger if you like a little zing.
Assemble the Dish: Once the tofu is crispy, carefully transfer it to a serving dish. Pour the warm sauce over the tofu, and garnish with green onions and bonito flakes if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy, saucy tofu hot, and enjoy every bite of this umami-packed dish!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
With Rice: Serve over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.
As an Appetizer: These crispy cubes make for an amazing starter at any Japanese-inspired meal.
With Vegetables: Pair with sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy to balance out the flavors.
As a Snack: Perfect as a quick snack or light lunch—just drizzle with the sauce and enjoy!
Additional Tips
Press Your Tofu Well: The drier the tofu, the better the crispy texture. Don’t rush this step!
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest tofu, make sure the cubes aren’t crowded in the basket. You may need to cook them in batches.
Soy Sauce Substitution: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu won’t stay as crispy, but it will still taste delicious when reheated.
Reheating: To crisp up leftovers, air fry again for 5 minutes at 375°F.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use soft tofu for this recipe?
A1: Soft tofu won’t give you the same crispy texture as firm tofu, but you can still use it. Just be extra gentle when handling.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the tofu and sauce ahead of time. Reheat the tofu in the air fryer to crisp it back up.
Q3: Can I add more heat to the sauce?
A3: Absolutely! Add some chili flakes or a small splash of sriracha for an extra kick.
Q4: Is there a vegan option for the sauce?
A4: Yes! Just swap the dashi for a vegan-friendly broth and the bonito flakes for a little extra seaweed or miso.
Q5: Can I air fry tofu without cornstarch?
A5: Cornstarch helps to crisp up the tofu, but you can skip it for a slightly softer texture. Just note that the tofu won’t get as crispy.
Q6: Can I freeze this tofu?
A6: Freezing tofu can change its texture, but if you don’t mind a slightly chewier tofu, you can freeze it before air frying.
Q7: What can I use as a substitute for mirin?
A7: If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with a mixture of white wine vinegar and sugar.
Q8: Can I make the sauce spicier?
A8: Yes! Just add more chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Q9: How do I prevent the tofu from sticking to the air fryer?
A9: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding the tofu. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even crisping.
Q10: Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
A10: Yes! Air fryer agedashi tofu makes for a great meal prep dish. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to keep it crispy.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu is an absolute game-changer. It’s crispy, savory, and packed with all the umami you crave, but with a lighter touch thanks to the air fryer. Whether you’re a tofu newbie or a seasoned pro, this dish is bound to become one of your favorites. Ready to try it out? Your crispy, golden tofu is just a few minutes away from being devoured!
Print
Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the crispy and savory goodness of Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu! This healthier version of the classic Japanese dish features golden, crispy tofu cubes served in a flavorful tsuyu broth, topped with green onions, bonito flakes, and more. A simple yet delicious appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- For the Tofu:
- 1 block soft tofu or firm tofu (approx. 14 oz / 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons potato starch / potato flour, or enough to lightly coat
- For the Tsuyu Broth:
- 1 cup dashi stock
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Toppings:
- 2–3 spring onions, finely chopped
- Bonito flakes
- Optional: Shredded nori, grated daikon radish, grated ginger
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for efficiency.
- Prepare the Tofu: Drain tofu and gently press it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes.
- Coat the Tofu: Lightly coat the tofu cubes with potato starch, shaking off any excess flour.
- Air Fry the Tofu: Spray or brush the air fryer rack with oil. Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer and spray or brush them with oil on all sides. Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying more oil if needed. Continue air frying until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Broth: While the tofu is cooking, prepare the broth by combining dashi stock, soy sauce, sugar, and rice or apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves, then set aside. Alternatively, combine ingredients in a saucepan, place over low heat, and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat once ready.
- Serve: Pour the hot tsuyu broth around the crispy tofu and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as green onions and bonito flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a less salty broth, adjust the soy sauce according to your taste.
- For extra crispy tofu, spray with more oil halfway through air frying.
- Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like shredded nori or grated daikon for more flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg