Introduction
Agedashi tofu is a popular Japanese dish that features deep-fried tofu served in a flavorful sauce. Traditionally, the tofu is deep-fried in oil, but with the advancement of kitchen appliances, you can now achieve the same crispy texture using an air fryer. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and delicious agedashi tofu recipe using an air fryer.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup dashi broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- Grated daikon radish (optional)
- Shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice) for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Tofu
1. Start by draining the tofu. Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels and place a heavy object, such as a plate or a cutting board, on top to press out the excess moisture. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Once the tofu is well-drained, cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Coating the Tofu
1. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge each tofu cube in the flour mixture, making sure all sides are coated evenly.
Air Frying the Tofu
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Place the coated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other.
3. Air fry the tofu for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Preparing the Sauce
1. While the tofu is air frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Serving the Agedashi Tofu
1. Once the tofu is done, transfer it to a serving plate.
2. Pour the warm sauce over the tofu cubes, garnish with chopped green onions, grated daikon radish, and shichimi togarashi.
3. Serve immediately while it’s still hot and crispy.
Conclusion
Agedashi tofu made in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. With this recipe, you can enjoy the same crispy texture and delicious flavors without the excessive use of oil. Serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish with steamed rice and miso soup. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade agedashi tofu!