Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (2024)

Asian Recipes/ Japanese/ Recipes/ Side Dish

04/11/2021

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For a delicious appetiser that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, look no further than Agedashi Tofu! This simple air fryer version of the traditional Japanese deep fried tofu recipe is paired with a tsuyu sauce of dashi, mirin and soy sauce.

Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (1)

Why We Love This

Air fried agedashi tofu is a healthier version of the traditional deep fried tofu dish. Using an air fryer means you only need a fraction of the cooking oil, but the tofu is still just as crispy and delicious, with no mess or splatter of cooking in hot oil!

This is such a light side dish, it’s perfect for serving up as an appetiser before a bigger Japanese dish like okonomiyaki or spicy miso ramen!

Love tofu? See more amazing tofu recipes and marinade ideas here.

Related: Hiyayakko Cold Tofu for Summer / Simple Tofu Hot Pot (Yudofu)

Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (2)

What is Agedashi Tofu?

Agedashi tofu (揚げ出し豆腐 in Japanese) refers to a dish of fried tofu served in a light tsuyu sauce made from dashi stock broth seasoned with soy sauce and mirin. It’s usually enjoyed as an entree or side dish at Japanese restaurants alongside a small portion of rice, Japanese salad, stir fried burdock and/or pickled vegetables (takuan).

Where the traditional agedashi tofu recipe is usually deep fried, today we’ll be using an air fryer so that we can use less cooking oil and avoid waste.

What You’ll Need

  • Tofu – Medium firm tofu is a great choice as it will hold its shape well during frying. You can also use silken tofu.
  • Cornstarch – We use cornstarch as it’s more readily available in our area, but you can also use potato starch.
  • Dashi Make your own dashi stock using kombu and/or bonito flakes, or use powdered dashi stock for convenience.
  • Mirin – A sweet rice wine for cooking. If you can’t find it at your supermarket, you can omit or add in a 1/2 tsp of sugar instead. You can sometimes find this in regular supermarkets, otherwise head to your nearest Asian grocer or online.
  • Soy Sauce – Use regular or light soy sauce – avoid dark soy sauce as this will make the tsuyu sauce too salty.
  • Cooking Oil Spray – This helps to brown the outer coating on the tofu and crisp it up. Use a high quality cooking oil spray such as extra virgin olive oil for the best flavour. If you don’t have a spray, just use regular oil and lightly brush it over the tofu and air fryer cooking basket with a basting brush.
  • Garnish – Traditional options include thinly sliced green onion and dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi). You can also top with a small dab (½ to 1 tsp) of freshly grated ginger, onion or daikon radish to taste.
Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (3)

How to make Agedashi Tofu:

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Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (5)
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  1. To make the agedashi tsuyu, pour the dashi stock into a medium saucepan along with the mirin and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then turn off heat and set aside.
  2. Drain the tofu and wrap in a piece of paper towel to absorb any excess water.
  3. Slice into segments, and gently wipe each piece with paper towel to dry.
Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (7)
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  1. Coat each piece of tofu in cornstarch and tap off any excess. Spray or brush air fryer basket with oil, then preheat for 2 minutes at 200˚C / 390˚F.
  2. Place tofu pieces into the air fryer, making sure there’s plenty of space around each piece for the hot air to circulate, then spray or brush each piece with oil. Air fry for 6 minutes, then spray or brush once again with oil. Air fry for a further 6 minutes then flip over each tofu piece. Cook for a further 2 minutes until lightly browned and crispy!
  3. Transfer tofu onto serving plates. Gently ladle tsuyu into the dish (for the best presentation, don’t pour it straight over the tofu), then top with spring onion, katsuobushi, shichimi, daikon and/or your other chosen garnishes.

Wandercook’s Tips

  • Extra Crispy Coating – Always wipe away any moisture from the surface of the tofu pieces using a piece of paper towel or cloth to avoid it becoming soggy. Don’t forget to lift the lid half way through and reapply more oil if required for an extra crispy finish!

FAQs

Is agedashi tofu vegan?

You can make this recipe vegan as long as you use kombu dashi (made with just kombu, no bonito flakes), or shiitake dashi.

I want to deep fry the tofu instead. Which oil should I use?

Vegetable oils with a high smoke point such as canola or rice bran oil are best, as they will cook the tofu quickly without burning or filling your kitchen with smoke.

What can I do with leftover stock?

Use it to make zosui rice soup! It’s also a great way to use up leftover sushi rice.

Variations

  • Make it Spicy – Add a drop or two of rayu chilli oil or a tiny smear of yuzu kosho.
  • Make Yudofu Instead – Simmer fresh tofu (without the cornstarch coating) in the dashi broth instead. This is known as yudofu – hot simmered tofu.
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Flavourful Japanese appetisers to pair with your tofu:

Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (11)
Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (12)
Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (13)
Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (14)

★ Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and a star rating below!

Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe)

For a delicious appetiser that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, look no further than Agedashi Tofu! This simple air fryer version of the traditional Japanese deep fried tofu recipe is paired with a tsuyu sauce of dashi, mirin and soy sauce.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Servings: 2 serves

Calories: 235kcal

Author: Wandercooks

Cost: $5

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 300 g medium firm tofu drained, moisture wiped off, sliced into 6 cubes
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch / cornflour sub potato starch
  • ¾ cup dashi stock or 3/4 tsp dashi powder in ¾ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup mirin
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • vegetable oil or cooking spray

Optional garnishes:

  • 1 spring onion / green onion finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp bonito flakes / katsuobushi
  • shichimi togarashi to taste
  • 2 cm daikon radish finely grated

Instructions

For the Tsuyu Sauce:

  • To make the agedashi tsuyu, pour the dashi stock into a medium saucepan along with the mirin and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then turn off heat and set aside.

    ¾ cup dashi stock, ¼ cup mirin, ¼ cup soy sauce

For the Agedashi Tofu:

  • Drain the tofu and wrap in a piece of paper towel to absorb any excess water.

    300 g medium firm tofu

  • Slice into 6 even cubes, and gently wipe each piece with paper towel to dry.

  • Coat each piece of tofu in cornstarch and tap off any excess. Spray or brush air fryer basket with oil, then preheat for 2 minutes at 200˚C / 390˚F.

    2 tbsp cornstarch / cornflour

  • Place tofu pieces into the air fryer, making sure there’s plenty of space around each piece for the hot air to circulate, then spray or brush each piece with oil. Air fry for 6 minutes, then spray or brush once again with oil. Air fry for a further 6 minutes then flip over each tofu piece. Cook for a further 2 minutes until lightly browned and crispy!

    vegetable oil

  • Transfer tofu onto serving plates. Gently ladle tsuyu into the dish (for the best presentation, don’t pour it straight over the tofu), then top with spring onion, katsuobushi, shichimi, daikon and/or your other chosen garnishes.

    1 spring onion / green onion, 1 tbsp bonito flakes / katsuobushi, shichimi togarashi, 2 cm daikon radish

Video

Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (16)

Recipe Notes

  • Extra Crispy Coating – Always wipe away any moisture from the surface of the tofu pieces using a piece of paper towel or cloth to avoid it becoming soggy. Don’t forget to lift the lid half way through and reapply more oil if required for an extra crispy finish!
  • Make it Spicy – Add a drop or two of rayu chilli oil or a tiny smear of yuzu kosho.
  • Make Yudofu Instead – Simmer fresh tofu (without the cornstarch coating) in the dashi broth instead. This is known as yudofu – hot simmered tofu.
  • Tofu – You can also use silken tofu.
  • Dashi – Make your own dashi stock using kombu and/or bonito flakes, or use powdered dashi stock for convenience.
  • Mirin – A sweet rice wine for cooking. Sub with 1/2 tsp of sugar.
  • Soy Sauce – Use regular or light soy sauce – avoid dark soy sauce as this will make the tsuyu sauce too salty.
  • Cooking Oil Spray – This helps to brown the outer coating on the tofu and crisp it up. Use a high quality cooking oil spray such as extra virgin olive oil for the best flavour. If you don’t have a spray, just use regular oil and lightly brush it over the tofu and air fryer cooking basket with a basting brush.
  • Garnish – Traditional options include thinly sliced green onion and dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi). You can also top with a small dab (½ to 1 tsp) of freshly grated ginger, onion or daikon radish to taste.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts

    Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe)

    Serving Size

    300 g

    Amount per Serving

    Calories

    235

    % Daily Value*

    Fat

    7

    g

    11

    %

    Saturated Fat

    1

    g

    6

    %

    Polyunsaturated Fat

    4

    g

    Cholesterol

    1

    mg

    %

    Sodium

    2145

    mg

    93

    %

    Potassium

    162

    mg

    5

    %

    Carbohydrates

    25

    g

    8

    %

    Fiber

    2

    g

    8

    %

    Sugar

    8

    g

    9

    %

    Protein

    19

    g

    38

    %

    Vitamin A

    63

    IU

    1

    %

    Vitamin C

    1

    mg

    1

    %

    Calcium

    226

    mg

    23

    %

    Iron

    3

    mg

    17

    %

    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Hey hey – Did you make this recipe?We’d love it if you could give a star rating below ★★★★★ and show us your creations on Instagram! Snap a pic and tag @wandercooks / #Wandercooks

    Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (17)

    04/11/2021 By Wandercooks

    2

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    Wandercooks is an Australian recipe site reaching over 9 million views annually. Our recipes are here to inspire you with fresh and exciting food ideas from a range of Asian, European and Australian cuisines. As seen on Google.com, Today.com, Buzzfeed, Jetstar Asia and Lonely Planet.Read more...

    2 Comments

  • Reply

    dina tate

    06/07/2022 at 10:53 am

    the tofu just doesnt crisp up in the air fryer. i’ve done this numerous times. the dashi is great, but the air fryer doesnt cut it with silken tofu unfortunately. works ok with medium/firm.

    • Reply

      Wandercooks

      06/07/2022 at 11:56 am

      Good to know re: silken tofu. The higher moisture content may affect the crispiness if using silken tofu. In that case, you could try using a little extra cornstarch / potato starch and turn up the air fryer a little higher (maybe 220C / 430F) to try and burn off that moisture. Otherwise, stick with the medium firm. 🙂

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    Easy 20 Minute Agedashi Tofu (Air Fryer Recipe) (2024)

    FAQs

    Why is my tofu not crispy air fryer? ›

    If the cubes are too crowded in the basket, they won't crisp up as they cook. Feel free to work in batches if necessary! Air fry at 400°F for 11-15 minutes, tossing halfway so that the tofu cooks evenly on all sides. The tofu is ready when it's crisp and browned around the edges.

    Why can't I get my tofu crispy? ›

    If your crispy tofu isn't getting crispy, it could be because there is too much moisture in the tofu. Another issue could be the oil isn't hot enough to fry the tofu. Or you forgot to add the corn flour. These three reasons can cause your tofu to be soggy or not crisp up as much as you'd like.

    Is tofu better pan fried or air fried? ›

    Air Fryer Tofu is hands down the best way to get crispy, flavorful tofu that cooks in just 10 minutes! Toss it in a buddha bowl or add to vegetable stir fry or salad. This tofu tastes good nearly anywhere! If you love this tofu, you will love my popular Marinated Tofu recipe!

    Why do people soak tofu in brine before frying? ›

    Why does the brine work? Both the heat and the salinity of the water draw moisture out of the surface of the tofu, helping it crisp and brown. The hot water also gradually tightens the proteins at the surface of the tofu, helping keep any remaining moisture inside.

    Is air-fried tofu unhealthy? ›

    An air fryer is a healthier option than deep frying foods and can be an inventive way to fry not only meats and potatoes but other nutritious foods such as broccoli, yams, tofu, or eggs. Compared with deep-frying, using an air fryer can reduce the amount of fat, calories, and potentially harmful compounds in your food.

    What not to mix with tofu? ›

    What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

    What is a substitute for cornstarch in crispy tofu? ›

    If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can try a substitute such as potato starch or arrowroot starch. Salt and pepper: You can also add additional seasonings like garlic and onion powder, paprika, nutritional yeast, etc.

    Is tofu good for weight loss? ›

    Tofu is a cholesterol-free, low-calorie, high-protein food that's also rich in bone-boosting calcium and manganese. Tofu may help you to lose weight by keeping you fuller for longer on fewer calories than meat. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when swapped for saturated fat-heavy animal proteins.

    Can you put tin foil in an air fryer? ›

    Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

    Can you put parchment paper in an air fryer? ›

    Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer - up to 428°F (220°C). To get the best results, add the parchment paper to the air fryer basket at the same time as you add your ingredients. This prevents the paper from lifting up and coming into contact with the heating element while cooking.

    Can I use normal tofu instead of silken? ›

    Both silken and regular tofu can be found in soft, medium, firm, and extra-firm consistencies. They are made with the same ingredients, but they are processed slightly differently and are not interchangeable in a recipe.

    Why pour boiling water over tofu? ›

    It may seem counterintuitive to add water to something you're trying to dry out, but boiling water will actually cause the tofu to squeeze out more moisture, bringing it to the surface and making it easier to blot off, while the salt gently seasons the slices.

    Do you put cornstarch before or after marinating tofu? ›

    Once the tofu is marinated, I use a cornstarch coating with some cumin powder in it. Not only does it create a super crispy result, but the seasoning further brings out the flavor of the tofu.

    What happens if you don't drain tofu before cooking? ›

    Here's the thing: even though tofu might be labeled firm or extra-firm, it contains a lot of water. This excess water can cause the tofu to crumble when you cook it, and it will also have a hard time crisping up. But when you press tofu, you remove the excess moisture.

    Why are things not getting crispy in air fryer? ›

    Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

    How do I get crispy results in my air fryer? ›

    Use a perforated tray or basket

    To ensure that your food gets proper airflow throughout the cooking process, always use the perforated air fryer basket that came with your appliance. This helps your food get crispy on its entire surface area.

    Why are my air fryer chips not crisp? ›

    Why Are My Air Fryer Potato Chips Not Crispy? If your potato chips aren't crispy, it's likely because your potatoes were not completely dry before you started cooking, or you did not soak and rinse them long enough. Using too much oil could also make your potato chips less crispy.

    Why are my vegetables not crispy from the air fryer? ›

    Overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam, not brown. Only add as many as will fit in a single layer. Then, air fry the vegetables at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and browned. Toss halfway through the cooking time so that they brown evenly.

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