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Agedashi Tofu Recipe Air Fryer

Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Version)

Agedashi Tofu is a popular Japanese dish known for its crispy exterior and silky interior, traditionally deep-fried and served in a savory dashi-based sauce. This recipe adapts the traditional method for the air fryer, allowing you to achieve the perfect crispy tofu without the excess oil. Quick and healthy, this air-fried version maintains the authentic taste and texture, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Cut the tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes or rectangles (around 1-1.5 inch pieces).
  3. Coat with cornstarch: Place the cornstarch on a shallow plate and coat each tofu piece lightly, shaking off the excess starch.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  • Agedashi Tofu Recipe Air Fryer