Air Fryer Recipe
Air-Fried Tofu Katsu
Tofu Katsu is a vegan-friendly twist on the traditional Japanese dish, offering a crispy and succulent bite when air-fried.
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Press the tofu by draining it and wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel, placing a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch thick slices and marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, plant-based milk, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with plant-based milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
- Coat each tofu slice in flour, dip in milk, and press into panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray or brush the tofu with vegetable oil and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Why this works in an air fryer
The air fryer uses convection to circulate hot air, ensuring even browning and a crispy panko coating without excessive oil, while the marinated tofu retains moisture and flavour.
Equipment notes
This recipe assumes a standard 3.5L basket. In a dual-zone fryer, ensure even spacing; adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes if using both zones.
Common pitfalls
- Tofu not crispy by minute 10? Increase temperature by 10°C for the last 2 minutes; moisture retention may be too high.
- Uneven browning? Ensure tofu slices are not touching; overcrowding prevents air circulation.
- Breadcrumbs falling off? Ensure tofu is well-pressed and dry before coating to improve adhesion.
- Tofu too dry? Reduce cooking time by 2 minutes; thinner slices require less time.
Variations & substitutions
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a coeliac-friendly version; expect slightly less browning.
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free marinade, maintaining the same flavour profile.
- Try smoked tofu for a deeper flavour; reduce marinating time to 10 minutes as it absorbs quickly.
- Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the panko for a spiced variation, enhancing the aroma.
Storage & reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 4-5 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
