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a side angle shot of a white plate piled high with cubes of crispy tofu, tossed on a soy glaze, and garnished with scallions on a white marble table

Soy Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Healthy
Servings 2

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients
 

  • 10-14 oz medium firm, or extra firm tofu
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • Spray oil
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp cold water
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp mirin or sake
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic grated
  • 1/4 cup scallions julienned

Instructions
 

  • Tofu | Remove the plastic film from the carton of tofu and carefully drain out the liquid. Next, place a few layers of paper towel on a cutting board and gently invert the container of tofu over them. Discard the container leaving the tofu on the cutting board. Cover with another thick layer of towels and stack with a flat, weighted object. Rest for 10 mins.
  • Sauce | While the tofu is draining, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the corn starch and water until they are combined. In a pan set over medium heat, add the soy sauce, corn starch slurry, vinegar, mirin, sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Mix well and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a roiling boil, 3-5 mins then remove from heat.
  • Shape | With the long side of the tofu facing you, divide it into 6 even columns. Turn the tofu so that the short end is facing you and divide into 5 rows. Finally, cut the tofu crosswise into 3/4 inch cubes. Add the tofu cubes to a large bowl along with starch and salt. Toss the tofu gently with your fingers until it is evenly coated.
  • Cook | Line the wire rack of the air fryer with the coated tofu cubes. Spray the tofu cubes generously with oil to activate the corn starch. Preheat the air fryer to 380 ºF / 193 ºC and cook the tofu for 5 minutes. Shake the basket and cook the tofu for an additional 5 minutes at 400 ºF / 204 ºC. The tofu should be lightly browned and have a bubbly surface.
  • Assemble | Toss the fried tofu with the sauce until it is evenly coated. Garnish the dish with scallions before serving.
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