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Agedashi Tofu Air Fryer

Name: Agedashi Tofu Air Fryer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu (about 14-16 ounces); 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch); Cooking spray (optional, for coating); 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; Grated daikon radish; Chopped green onions (scallions); Bonito flakes (katsuobushi or dried seaweed (nori))

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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.

That’s why we want to introduce an equally tasty but healthier alternative – making agedashi tofu air fryer style! This method is incredibly simple; all it takes is four ingredients, about fifteen minutes from start to finish, plus your trusty air fryer! We’ll tell you exactly how your next homemade Japanese meal can be insanely delicious for your health.

What Is Agedashi Tofu?

Agedashi Tofu is a traditional Japanese dish that features lightly battered and deep-fried cubes of tofu served in a savory dashi-based sauce. The name “Agedashi” translates to “fried” (age) “and” (da) “served” (shi), referring to the cooking method and presentation of the dish.

This is a very popular recipe at most Japanese restaurants in the United States, making for a delicious appetizer! So, put away your deep fryer; you will get the same delicious taste, as deep-fried tofu, without using a lot of oil.

The Best Agedashi Tofu Recipe

This recipe for Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu provides a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-frying, making it a favorite among tofu enthusiasts and Japanese cuisine lovers. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors, and savor the authentic taste of this classic Japanese dish!

Why Cook Agedashi Tofu In Air Fryer?

Cooking Agedashi Tofu in an air fryer offers several benefits, making it an appealing alternative to traditional deep-frying. Here are some reasons why you might consider using an air fryer to prepare Agedashi Tofu:

Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil compared to deep-frying. Using an air fryer, you can achieve crispy and delicious tofu with just a fraction of the oil, making it a healthier choice for those watching their fat intake.
Less Mess: Air frying eliminates the need for large quantities of hot oil, reducing the mess and cleanup associated with deep-frying. It also minimizes splattering and oil odors in the kitchen.
Consistent Results: Air fryers provide even and consistent cooking, ensuring that the tofu cubes cook uniformly and develop a crispy texture.
Energy Efficiency: Air fryers generally use less energy than traditional ovens or stovetops, making them a more environmentally friendly option for cooking.
Quick Cooking: Air fryers typically cook faster than ovens, with hot air, allowing you to enjoy your Agedashi Tofu in less time.
Retains Tofu’s Texture: Air frying helps retain the tofu’s natural texture, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and silky.
Versatility: Air fryers can cook various dishes, so you can use them for other recipes, making it a multi-functional kitchen appliance.

While air frying may not replicate the exact taste and texture of deep-frying, it offers a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy Agedashi Tofu with less fuss and mess. If you prefer a lighter version of this traditional Japanese dish, using an air fryer is an excellent option to consider.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Agedashi Tofu

An air fryer is the perfect kitchen gadget if you want to make a delicious, healthier version of agedashi tofu. It’s hard to get that crisp exterior when pan-frying and baking often leaves it dry – but air frying gives the outside of your agedashi tofu a beautiful crunch while keeping it soft and moist. This Japanese favorite can be ready in minutes with just a few simple ingredients!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Firm Tofu: A block of firm tofu, about 14-16 ounces, provides the base for this dish.
Cornstarch or Potato Starch: Either cornstarch or potato starch is used to lightly coat the tofu cubes for a crispy texture when air fried.
Cooking Spray or Oil (optional): A small amount of cooking spray or oil can be used to prevent sticking in the air fryer, but it’s optional.
Dashi Stock: Dashi stock, a traditional Japanese soup stock made from kombu seaweed and bonito flakes, forms the base of the flavorful sauce.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and savory notes to the dashi-based sauce.
Mirin: A sweet rice wine, mirin, provides a mild sweetness to balance the flavors.
Sake (optional): Sake, if used, adds depth and complexity to the sauce, but it’s optional.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to the sauce for sweetness.
Grated Ginger: Grated ginger enhances the sauce’s aromatic and slightly spicy flavor.
Grated Daikon Radish (Optional): Grated daikon radish can be used as a garnish to add a refreshing and crunchy element.
Chopped Green Onions: A chopped green onion add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor to the dish.
Bonito Flakes or Dried Seaweed (Nori) (Optional): Bonito flakes or dried seaweed can be used as a final garnish to add a subtle fishy flavor and texture (optional).

How To Make Agedashi Tofu In Air Fryer

Agedashi Tofu is a traditional Japanese dish that combines the timeless flavor of deep-fried tofu with a savory and creamy dashi broth. It’s unbelievably easy to make, takes only about 15 minutes to prepare, and even healthier when you use an air fryer instead of deep-frying the tofu. In this blog post, we’ll share our favorite recipe for Agedashi Tofu in Air Fryer so you can enjoy this classic dish without all the oil!

Agedashi Tofu is a traditional Japanese dish that brings together the timeless flavor of deep-fried tofu with a savory and creamy dashi broth. It's unbelievably easy to make, takes only about 15 minutes to prepare, and it's even healthier when you use an air fryer instead of deep-frying the tofu. In this blog post, we'll share our favorite recipe for Agedashi Tofu in Air Fryer so you can enjoy this classic dish without all of the oil!

Prepare the Tofu:

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.

Coat the Tofu (Optional):

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. Perfect for crispy tofu!

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

Air Fry the Tofu:

Brush the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking (optional). Place tofu pieces 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. For crispy air fryer tofu, brush the top of the tofu with cooking oil, and spray with cooking spray or sesame sauce.

Prepare the Dashi-Based Sauce:

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, 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.

Serve the Agedashi Tofu:

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, bonito flakes, or dried seaweed, if desired. Serve with peanut sauce or a cup of dashi stock.

Pro Tips For The Best Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu

Choose the Right Tofu: Opt for firm tofu as it holds its shape well during air frying and provides a better texture for Agedashi Tofu.
Press the Tofu: Before cutting it into cubes, press it gently between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures a firmer texture and better browning during air frying.
Use Potato Starch: For an extra crispy exterior, use potato starch instead of cornstarch to coat the tofu cubes. Potato starch creates a lighter and crunchier coating.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve even cooking and better results. It ensures that the tofu cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
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. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
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.
Opt for 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. Add more soy sauce, mirin, or sugar to suit your preferred taste profile.
Garnish Thoughtfully: The garnishes add flavor and visual appeal to the dish. Add grated daikon radish, chopped green onions, bonito flakes, or dried seaweed for an authentic touch.
Serve Immediately: Agedashi Tofu is best enjoyed immediately after air frying while it’s still hot and crispy. Serve it alongside the dashi-based sauce and garnishes for a delightful dining experience.

By following these pro tips, you’ll achieve the best results for your Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu, making it a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Enjoy the crispy tofu cubes bathed in a flavorful dashi-based sauce, creating a satisfying Japanese-inspired dish that’s sure to impress!

Can I use soft or silken tofu for Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu?

While firm tofu is recommended for the best results, you can use soft or silken tofu if that’s what you have. Be gentle when handling the softer tofu to avoid breaking it during the coating and air-frying process.

Can I make the dashi-based sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dashi-based sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop until it’s warm and ready to pour over the air-fried tofu.

Is Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, you can make Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce in the dashi-based sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that provides a similar flavor without gluten.

Can I freeze the Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu?

While enjoying the tofu fresh for optimal texture and flavor is best, you can freeze any leftover tofu cubes. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag; they should stay good for up to a month. To reheat, bake them in the oven or air fryer until heated.

Can I make Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu spicy?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a spicy kick, add a dash of chili sauce, chili flakes, or sriracha to the dashi-based sauce for a spicy twist.

What can I serve with Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu?

Agedashi Tofu is commonly served as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine. It pairs well with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a simple side salad for a well-balanced meal.

Can I make this recipe without the dashi-based sauce?

If you prefer a simpler version, you can enjoy the air-fried tofu cubes with a sprinkle of salt or your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or ponzu sauce.

How do I reheat leftover Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu?

To reheat leftover Agedashi Tofu, place the cubes in the air fryer and cook for a few minutes until they become crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the tofu cubes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they turn crispy and golden brown.

Can I make a vegan version of Air-Fried Agedashi Tofu?

You can make a vegan version of this dish by using vegetable broth or vegan dashi stock and skipping the optional sake. Ensure you use vegan-friendly soy sauce and choose plant-based garnishes for a completely vegan Agedashi Tofu experience.

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