Agedashi Tofu Air Fryer — If you love the taste of Japanese cuisine, you know that some of its signature dishes are made with a light and crispy fried texture. But don’t let their deliciousness fool you – traditional deep-frying techniques require a lot of oil and often result in unhealthier dishes.
If you have been looking for an easy way to make Agedashi Tofu in the air fryer, this is the best recipe. And this is a great alternative to the traditional deep fried tofu version, that is popular throughout Japan.
If you love easy Air Fryer Tofu Recipes, try my recipe for Trader Joe’s Tofu Rice Bowl, Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Sriracha Tofu Bites, Air Fryer Curry Tofu, or Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu.
Why We Love This Recipe!
Air-fried agedashi tofu offers a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried dish. By using an air fryer, you significantly reduce the amount of cooking oil needed while still achieving that perfect crispiness and delicious flavor, all without the mess and splatter of traditional frying!
Serve it along side my miso soup, or serve with some tempura.
What Is Agedashi Tofu?
Agedashi tofu is a popular Japanese dish featuring deep-fried tofu served in a savory dashi-based broth.
Garnished with green onions, bonito flakes, and a drizzle of soy sauce or tsuyu, enhancing its flavor. Agedashi tofu is enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish and is cherished for its delightful contrast in textures and rich umami taste.
While this dish is typically deep fried, today we made the air fryer version.
Ingredients Needed
- Firm Tofu: Use firm tofu, as it will hold it’s shape during air frying.
- Cornstarch or Potato Starch: To coat the tofu cubes for a crispy texture.
- Dashi Stock: Homemade or store-bought.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and savory notes to the dashi-based sauce.
- Mirin: Provides a mild sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Sake (optional): Adds depth and complexity to the sauce, but it’s optional.
- Sugar: Added to the sauce for sweetness.
- Grated Ginger: Enhances the sauce’s aromatic and slightly spicy flavor.
- Grated Daikon Radish (Optional): Used as a garnish to add a refreshing and crunchy element.
- Chopped Green Onions: Adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor to the dish.
- Bonito Flakes or Dried Seaweed (Nori) (Optional): Used as a final garnish to add a subtle fishy flavor and texture (optional).
How To Make Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu
Step One: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any excess water from the blocks. Gently pat the tofu dry with a paper towel or use a tofu press to remove moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size.
Step Two: Lightly coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch. Shake off any excess starch. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step Three: Brush the air fryer with olive oil, or use parchment to prevent sticking. Place the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process.
Step Four: Combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), sugar, and grated ginger in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, mix well to dissolve the sugar.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tofu: Use firm tofu as it holds its shape well during air frying.
- Press the Tofu: Before cutting it into cubes, press it gently between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Use Potato Starch: For an extra crispy exterior, use potato starch instead of cornstarch to coat the tofu cubes.
- Lightly Grease the Basket: To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil before adding the tofu cubes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each cube.
- Shake or Flip: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket or gently flip the tofu cubes to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Use Fresh Dashi: If possible, use fresh Dashi stock for the sauce, as it enhances the authentic Japanese flavors of Agedashi Tofu. However, you can use instant dashi if fresh dashi is not available.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dashi-based sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Add grated daikon radish, chopped green onions, bonito flakes, or dried seaweed, adjust to your liking.
- Serve Immediately: Agedashi Tofu is best enjoyed immediately after air frying while it’s still hot and crispy.
Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu Recipe Faqs
What type of tofu should I use for Agedashi Tofu? Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Silken tofu is too delicate and may not hold up during cooking.
How do I prepare the tofu before air frying? Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean towel or paper towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15-30 minutes. Then, cut it into cubes.
Can I use a different type of flour instead of cornstarch? Yes, you can use potato starch or all-purpose flour as an alternative.
Can I make Agedashi Tofu in advance? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and press the tofu in advance. Just air fry it right before serving.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for the dipping sauce to make it gluten-free.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- AIR FRYER APPLE CRANBERRY BREAD
- AIR FRYER BREAKFAST EGG ROLLS
- EASY AIR FRYER BREAKFAST COOKIES
- AIR FRYER VEGGIE AND EGG BITE CUPS (KETO AND LOW-CARB)
- AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY COBBLER FOR TWO
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu (Extra Crispy 20-Minute Recipe)
Description
Ingredients
Tofu Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, about 14-16 ounces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch , or potato starch
- Cooking spray , optional, for coating
For the Dashi-Based Sauce:
- 1 cup dashi stock, can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce, use tamari for a gluten-free option
- 2 tablespoons mirin, Japanese sweet rice wine
- 1 tablespoon sake, optional, for additional depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
Garnish:
- Grated daikon radish
- Chopped green onions, scallions
- Bonito flakes, katsuobushi or dried seaweed (nori)
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any excess water. Gently pat the tofu dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size.
- If desired, lightly coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch or potato starch. This step will help create a crispy exterior when air frying. Shake off any excess starch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking (optional).
- Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the tofu in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- In a saucepan, combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), sugar, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until it thickens slightly.
- Place the air-fried tofu cubes on a serving plate. Pour the hot dashi-based sauce over the tofu.
- Garnish the dish with grated daikon radish, chopped green onions, and bonito flakes or dried seaweed, if desired.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
