Agedashi Tofu Recipe Air Fryer is a traditional Japanese dish famous for its crispy exterior and soft, silky interior. Traditionally, tofu is deep-fried and served with a savory dashi sauce. However, with the growing popularity of air fryers, the recipe has been adapted for a healthier and more convenient cooking method. You can get the same crispy texture with an air fryer without using a lot of oil. This makes it a lighter and faster alternative to deep frying while keeping the original flavor.
First, the tofu is pressed to get rid of extra moisture, and then it is cut into cubes or rectangles for the air fryer. A light dusting of cornstarch on these tofu pieces helps make the perfect crispy shell when they are cooked. The air fryer works by moving hot air around the tofu, which makes it crispy on all sides without the greasy finish that comes with frying. The tofu is golden brown and ready to eat after a short cooking time. Serve it with a rich, umami-filled sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.
Not only does the air fryer make cooking easier, it also cuts down on the mess and cleanup that comes with deep frying. This Agedashi Tofu recipe in the air fryer is a healthier, faster, and just as tasty way to make tofu, whether you like Japanese food or want to try something new. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s an easy way to enjoy this Japanese favorite in the comfort of your home.
Preparing the Tofu for the Air Fryer
The most important thing to achieve the best texture for Agedashi Tofu in the air fryer is to choose the right tofu and prepare it correctly. This recipe calls for firm or extra-firm tofu because it holds its shape better during cooking and has a better texture. Press the tofu to remove any excess moisture before you start. This step is crucial because if the tofu has too much water, it won’t get crispy when you air fry it. You can press the tofu for 15 to 20 minutes with a tofu press, or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top.
After pressing the tofu, cut it into cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. After that, dust each piece with cornstarch. This makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside soft and smooth. You only want a thin layer of cornstarch, so shake off any extra. Set your air fryer to about 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes. Then, put the tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to make sure they all get crispy.
Making the Dashi Sauce and Serving the Agedashi Tofu
You can make the dashi sauce while the tofu is cooking. It will add a rich, umami flavor to the dish. Dashi is a traditional Japanese soup base made with kombu (seaweed) and bonito flakes (dried fish). There are also instant dashi powders that are easy to use. Put the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and a little sugar in a pot. Stir the mixture every so often while it heats over medium heat until it starts to simmer gently. This sauce should taste savory, a little sweet, and full of umami. It goes great with crispy tofu.
It’s time to put the dish together once the tofu is golden brown and crisp from the air fryer. Carefully transfer the tofu pieces to a serving plate and pour the hot dashi sauce over them. For more flavor and texture, top with finely chopped green onions, grated daikon, or bonito flakes. Serve right away and enjoy the tofu, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, soaked in a tasty, fragrant sauce. Agedashi Tofu is a very popular dish in Japan because the crispy tofu and savory dashi sauce pair so well.
Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Version)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Tofu press (optional, for pressing tofu)
- Sharp knife (for cutting tofu)
- Shallow bowl or plate (for coating tofu)
- Small saucepan (for the dashi sauce)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm or extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin Japanese rice wine
- 1/2 cup dashi you can use instant dashi powder or make your own
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 green onion finely chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Grated daikon bonito flakes, or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean towel, placing a heavy object on top. Press for 15-20 minutes.
- Cut the tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes or rectangles (around 1-1.5 inch pieces).
- Coat with cornstarch: Place the cornstarch on a shallow plate and coat each tofu piece lightly, shaking off the excess starch.
- Air fry the tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the dashi sauce: While the tofu is cooking, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat and stir occasionally until it simmers gently.
- Assemble: Once the tofu is crispy, transfer it to a serving plate. Pour the hot dashi sauce over the tofu and garnish with chopped green onions, grated daikon, bonito flakes, or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your delicious, crispy Agedashi Tofu!
Notes
- Make sure to press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess water. This is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
- If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of white wine and a little sugar.
- You can experiment with garnishes such as grated ginger, pickled ginger, or fried garlic for extra flavor.
- The air fryer may vary in cooking time depending on the model, so check for crispiness and adjust as needed.
- For a more intense dashi flavor, consider making homemade dashi with kombu (seaweed) and bonito flakes instead of using instant powder
Conclusion
The air fryer gives the classic Agedashi Tofu recipe a modern twist, making it healthier without losing any flavor or texture. Air frying the tofu gives it a crunchy outside while keeping its soft, creamy inside. The rich dashi sauce enhances the flavors, making this a dish that is both filling and tasty. This air-fried version of Agedashi Tofu is an excellent addition to your cooking repertoire, whether you love tofu or are just starting to explore Japanese food. It’s quick and easy, and it’s fantastic as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a light main course.