Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
Crispy, golden tofu cradled in a savory, umami-rich broth—this is Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu at its finest! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can recreate this beloved Japanese classic at home, but this time with the magic of your air fryer for a lighter, crunchier twist. Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu offers all the comfort of silky tofu enveloped in a crisp shell, ready to soak up a fragrant, flavorful dashi or veggie broth. Whether you’re serving it up as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful side, each bite is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu is just how simple but thoughtful the ingredients are. Every element either brings crunch, adds a pop of color, or packs that punchy Japanese umami flavor you crave. Here’s what you’ll need for an authentic-tasting experience:
- Firm tofu: This variety holds its shape and gets perfectly crispy, making it the best choice for this dish.
- Cornstarch: Coating the tofu cubes in cornstarch creates that irresistibly light, crackly exterior.
- Vegetable oil: Just a touch helps the tofu become golden and crunchy in the air fryer—no deep frying needed!
- Dashi broth (or vegetable broth): This beautiful, savory base infuses the entire dish with comforting, traditional flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep, salty umami notes and enhances the broth’s color and taste.
- Mirin: A splash of this slightly sweet Japanese rice wine rounds out the savoriness beautifully.
- Sugar: Just a hint to balance the saltiness and give the broth its signature delicacy.
- Green onions: These add peppery freshness and a gorgeous pop of green for garnish.
- Grated daikon radish (optional): For a cooling, zingy bite with every spoonful—totally worth it if you have it!
- Grated fresh ginger: Brings gentle warmth and aroma, making each bite come alive.
- Bonito flakes or nori strips (optional): A classic final touch for umami lovers; nori makes a wonderful vegan-friendly option.
How to Make Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
Step 1: Prepare and Press the Tofu
Start by draining your tofu and pressing it for at least 15 minutes. Pressing removes excess moisture, so when you air fry those cubes, you’ll get maximum crispness. If you’re planning ahead, you can actually press your tofu the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready.
Step 2: Cut and Coat
Once the tofu is pressed, slice it into tidy 1-inch cubes and pat each one dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to getting that irresistible crust. Toss the cubes in cornstarch, making sure to coat every side evenly. Shake off any excess cornstarch so nothing gets gummy.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, which helps the tofu start crisping up the second it goes in. Give each cube a light brush or spray of vegetable oil for a ridiculously golden finish. Lay them in a single layer in the basket—if they’re too crowded, they won’t crisp up properly. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake at the halfway mark. When they emerge crunchy and golden, they’re ready!
Step 4: Make the Broth
While the tofu cooks, it’s time for flavor central. In a small saucepan, combine your dashi or vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Warm gently over medium heat and bring it to a soft simmer—don’t let it boil! Once the sugar dissolves and the aroma fills your kitchen, remove it from the heat.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
For the grand finale, arrange the hot, crispy tofu cubes in small serving bowls. Ladle over the steaming broth so it starts to soak in just a little (but leave the tops crisp!). Finish with those beautiful garnishes: sliced green onions, a dab of grated daikon and ginger, and a flourish of bonito flakes or nori strips. Serve immediately for peak crunch and flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
Garnishes
Garnishing your Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu is half the fun—add as much or as little as you like! Classic toppings include a confetti of green onions, a little mound of grated daikon radish for coolness, and bright shards of fresh ginger. If you want a more dramatic touch, sprinkle on bonito flakes or nori strips; they add both color and an extra umami kick. Each garnish brings something special, both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu pairs incredibly well with a simple bowl of steamed rice and a quick cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Miso soup or sautéed greens are lovely options too, rounding out the meal with warmth and extra nutrients. If you’re entertaining, serve your tofu alongside other Japanese favorites like edamame or pickled veggies for a full izakaya-style spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, try serving your Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu family style on a big platter, letting everyone add their own garnishes. Or present it tapas-style as bite-sized appetizers in tiny bowls—perfect for parties! For a vegan dinner, pair with colorful stir-fried veggies and drizzle extra broth at the table. However you serve it, this dish brings a touch of restaurant flair right to your home kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu, simply remove the tofu from any remaining broth and store both separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the tofu from turning soggy and lets you revive that delightful crunch when you’re ready for round two!
Freezing
While it’s best fresh, those crispy tofu cubes can be frozen if you have leftovers. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. The broth, however, is best made fresh—so just freeze the tofu itself for the best results.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-cooked magic, pop your tofu cubes back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until hot and crispy. Warm the broth gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then reassemble and garnish just before serving. You’ll be amazed how close the leftovers are to the original!
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of dashi and garnish with nori strips rather than bonito flakes. The depth of flavor stays wonderful, and it’s completely plant-based.
Can I use soft or silken tofu instead of firm?
For Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu, stick to firm tofu. Soft or silken tofu tends to crumble or fall apart in the air fryer, making it tricky to achieve that signature crispness.
What can I substitute for mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, you can use a mix of a little white wine or rice vinegar with a touch of sugar. It mimics the sweet-sour notes mirin brings to the broth.
How do I make the tofu extra crispy?
Be thorough when drying and pressing your tofu, and make sure each cube is completely coated in cornstarch. Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket so the air can circulate around every piece.
Is Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari, and your Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu will be entirely gluten-free—perfect for sharing with friends and family who have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comforting, restaurant-style Japanese fare without fuss, you absolutely have to try Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. With the air fryer doing most of the heavy lifting, you’ll find yourself revisiting this recipe anytime you need something special—simple enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests. Enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!
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Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Japanese delicacy with this easy-to-follow Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish!
Ingredients
Tofu:
14 ounces firm tofu drained and pressed,
Cornstarch Coating:
3 tablespoons cornstarch,
Vegetable Oil:
1 tablespoon,
Dashi Broth:
1 cup (or substitute vegetable broth),
Sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 teaspoon sugar,
Garnish:
2 green onions thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons grated daikon radish (optional), 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, bonito flakes or nori strips for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut and Coat Tofu: Cut tofu into cubes, coat with cornstarch.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer, cook tofu until golden and crispy.
- Prepare Sauce: Simmer broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
- Serve: Place tofu in bowls, pour sauce, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit bonito flakes.
- The tofu can be pressed ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Adjust soy sauce for saltiness as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 5 tofu cubes with broth
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
