Agedashi tofu is a popular Japanese dish that features crispy tofu served in a savory broth. Traditionally, this dish is deep-fried, but with the rise in popularity of air fryers, many people are wondering if it is possible to make agedashi tofu in an air fryer. Luckily, the answer is yes! In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy recipe for making agedashi tofu in an air fryer.
What is Agedashi Tofu?
Agedashi tofu, also known as tofu steak, is a classic Japanese dish that consists of deep-fried tofu cubes served in a flavorful broth. The tofu itself is usually coated in a thin layer of cornstarch or potato starch, which gives it a light and crispy texture when cooked. The dish is typically garnished with grated daikon radish, green onions, and bonito flakes.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their ability to cook food with minimal oil. Unlike deep-frying, which requires submerging food in hot oil, air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food. This results in a crispy texture similar to deep-fried food, but with significantly less oil and fewer calories.
Ingredients for Agedashi Tofu in an Air Fryer
To make agedashi tofu in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 block of tofu (firm or extra firm)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Grated daikon radish (for garnish)
– Chopped green onions (for garnish)
– Bonito flakes (for garnish)
Steps to Make Agedashi Tofu in an Air Fryer
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making agedashi tofu in an air fryer:
1. First, drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
3. In a shallow bowl, sprinkle the cornstarch or potato starch. Roll each tofu cube in the starch until it is evenly coated.
4. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket as this may prevent proper crisping.
5. Cook the tofu in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches a golden brown color. Remember to flip the tofu halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
6. While the tofu is cooking, prepare the broth. In a small saucepan, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Once the tofu is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
8. Serve the tofu in individual bowls and pour the hot broth over it. Garnish with grated daikon radish, chopped green onions, and bonito flakes.
Tips and Variations
– For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the tofu cubes by dipping them in beaten egg before rolling them in the starch.
– If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a few drops of chili oil or sprinkle some shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) over the tofu before serving.
– Agedashi tofu is traditionally served hot, but you can also enjoy it at room temperature or chilled during hot summer months.
– If you are following a gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish suitable for your dietary needs.
– Feel free to experiment with the garnishes and try different combinations to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Making agedashi tofu in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious Japanese dish without the guilt of deep-frying. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the tofu moist and tender on the inside. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can recreate the flavors of a traditional agedashi tofu in the comfort of your own home. So, grab your air fryer and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!