Agedashi Tofu is a Japanese favorite and one of the most popular tofu appetizers. It is made by coating cubes of silky smooth tofu in a light batter and then deep-frying it until it’s golden brown and crispy. The result is a flavorful and crunchy delicious dish that is both vegan-friendly and super easy to make.
What is Agedashi Tofu?
Agedashi Tofu is a popular traditional Japanese appetizer in which soft tofu is lightly-battered and deep-fried until crisp. It is typically seasoned and served in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, mirin and dashi soup stock. The result is a dish with an irresistible crunch that also has a subtle sweet, tangy and savory flavor. While the challenge for making good Agedashi Tofu may seem daunting, the end result is well worth the effort.
Agedashi Tofu is a great dish to serve as an appetizer or side dish. It is also a great way to add a unique flavor to any meal. The tofu can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. Additionally, the broth can be adjusted to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Benefits of Making Agedashi Tofu in an Air Fryer
Making Agedashi Tofu in an air fryer is much easier and quicker than deep-frying. It requires no heating of oil, which can be both off-putting and hazardous. The air fryer also produces much less grease, making for a healthier and cleaner dish. And since the air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, it creates a crunchy coating without all the oil necessary for deep-frying.
In addition, the air fryer is much more energy-efficient than deep-frying. It uses significantly less electricity, which can help reduce your energy bills. Plus, the air fryer is much easier to clean than a deep-fryer, as it requires no oil to be drained or disposed of. This makes it a great choice for those who want to make delicious Agedashi Tofu without the hassle of deep-frying.
Ingredients Needed for Agedashi Tofu
The ingredients needed to make Agedashi Tofu are fairly straightforward. You will need soft tofu, a light batter made of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and water, cornstarch or potato starch for dusting, and your favorite dipping sauce or broth to serve with it. You will also need a deep-fryer, an oil thermometer, a slotted spoon, and an air fryer.
When preparing the batter for the Agedashi Tofu, it is important to ensure that the batter is not too thick or too thin. The ideal consistency should be similar to that of pancake batter. Additionally, it is important to use a thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature before adding the tofu. This will help to ensure that the tofu is cooked evenly and does not become too greasy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Agedashi Tofu in an Air Fryer
Making Agedashi Tofu in your air fryer involves several steps:
- Gently press any excess water out of the tofu.
- Make the light batter by mixing the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and water together in a bowl.
- Cut the tofu into 1 ½ inch cubes and carefully dip them into the batter to coat evenly on all sides.
- Dredge the tofu cubes in cornstarch or potato starch to help create a crispy outer coating.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 7 minutes at 400°F, then increase the temperature to 425°F and air fry for another 3 minutes.
- Carefully remove the basket from the fryer. Let the tofu cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations on Agedashi Tofu
Agedashi Tofu can be enjoyed in many different ways. For example, you can add some diced vegetables to the batter for added texture or color. You can also top the tofu with grated daikon radish, green onion, ginger, or bonito flakes before or after serving. Additionally, you can substitute vegetable broth or miso soup for the traditional dashi stock used for the broth.
Tips for Making the Best Agedashi Tofu in an Air Fryer
- Be sure to use soft or silken tofu for your Agedashi Tofu. Firm or extra firm tofu will not work as well.
- Be sure to use high quality deep frying oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil.
- Be sure to monitor the temperature of the oil throughout the frying process to ensure even cooking and crispy results each time.
- You can use the fryer’s timer to set alerts so you know when the tofu is done cooking.
Serving Suggestions for Agedashi Tofu
Agedashi Tofu is typically served with a flavorful dipping sauce made of soy sauce, mirin, and/or dashi soup stock. Alternatively, it can be served with other accompaniments, such as grated daikon radish, green onion, shiso leaves, seaweed flakes, bonito flakes, or grated ginger. It pairs well with steamed white rice for a delicious meal. It can also be eaten as an appetizer or side dish.
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